After graduating from SCAD, I first began a gig-by-gig part-time job with Shadowbox Design Management. Based on Long Island in New York, the firm provides start-to-finish services for events, including lighting, sound, video, and staging.
So far, I've had two gigs, both half-days of load-outs for events in New York City. Despite being more of a manual labor job as a newbie, I was shocked at the amount of knowledge I was gaining by participating.
First, I aided in the breakdown of a pickleball and badminton pop-up court setup at the Metrotech Commons (Brooklyn). While it may sound small, the several courts were netted on all sides with trussing to support it. I learned how to use a block-and-roll, operate a box truck's packing tools, and break down truss.
Next, I helped with a late-night load-out at Pier 76 in Manhattan for a Pride Garden Party event. With several tents surrounding the main stage, it seemed like a much more ambitious task for the time we were given, but with a crew of about twelve of us, we were out early once again. I did a lot of the truss breakdown as well as breaking down the stage platforms. I also got my hands on a few moving lights for the first time.
A manual labor gig-based job is not something I hope to do for the long run, but I am so glad to have this experience to learn what technicians and stagehands go through (as some may call 'grunt work'). And, while I've only done two shifts, I have to say that I enjoyed it!
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