Surviving Tech Week
Tech week (or production week) is when everything comes together. It's intense, exhausting, exhilarating, and essential. Here's how to survive it—and maybe even enjoy it.
What Happens in Tech Week
Get-In / Load-In
The set goes into the venue:
- Set pieces arrive
- Construction happens
- Rigging and flying
- Everything assembled
Fit-Up
Technical elements are installed:
- Lighting rigged and focused
- Sound system set up
- Set dressed
- Everything connected and tested
Technical Rehearsal
Working through the show:
- Scene by scene, cue by cue
- Stopping and starting
- Programming lights and sound
- Getting everything right
Dress Rehearsals
Running the show:
- Full costumes and makeup
- Full technical operation
- Building towards performance standard
- Notes and refinements
The Reality
Long days: Often 10-12 hours Cumulative tiredness: Each day harder than the last Problem-solving: Things go wrong; you fix them Intensity: Everything matters; pressure is high Camaraderie: Shared challenge builds teams
Practical Survival Tips
Physical Needs
Eat properly: Bring food. Real food. Don't survive on caffeine and sugar.
Stay hydrated: Water, water, water.
Dress appropriately: Layers (venues change temperature). Comfortable shoes. Dark clothes for backstage.
Rest when possible: Sit when you can. Breaks matter.
Mental Approach
Pace yourself: It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Stay focused: Attention prevents accidents and mistakes.
Keep perspective: It will end. Opening night is coming.
Find small joys: Celebrate problems solved. Enjoy the moments.
Interpersonal Skills
Be patient: Everyone is tired and stressed.
Communicate clearly: Misunderstandings multiply when tired.
Support colleagues: We're all in this together.
Leave drama for the stage: Personal conflicts make everything worse.
Common Tech Week Challenges
Things Going Wrong
They will. Equipment fails. Cues are missed. Items break.
Response: Stay calm. Solve the problem. Move on. Debrief later.
Tired People Making Mistakes
Expect it. Fatigue affects judgment and concentration.
Response: Double-check important things. Speak up if something seems off. Be kind when errors happen.
Time Pressure
There's never enough time. Something won't be quite ready.
Response: Prioritise. Focus on what matters most. Accept imperfection.
Tension and Conflict
Stress shows. People may snap or argue.
Response: Don't take it personally. Give people space. Address serious issues calmly.
Department-Specific Tips
Stage Management
- Your book must be ready
- Stay calm—everyone looks to you
- Communicate, communicate, communicate
- Take breaks when you can
Lighting/Sound
- Label everything clearly
- Save/backup constantly
- Document what you program
- Check equipment every day
Crew/Backstage
- Know your cues cold
- Stay alert during downtime
- Look after each other
- Dark clothing, quiet shoes
Wardrobe
- Quick changes must be practised
- Repair kit always handy
- Pre-set meticulously
- Check everything before every show
The Turning Point
Usually around the first dress rehearsal, something shifts. What was chaos becomes a show. The team becomes a unit. What seemed impossible becomes possible.
This is the reward for all the hard work.
Looking After Yourself
Recognise warning signs:
- Excessive tiredness
- Inability to think clearly
- Emotional volatility
- Physical symptoms (headaches, illness)
Take action:
- Step away briefly when possible
- Ask for help
- Know your limits
- It's not worth making yourself ill
After Tech Week
Opening night arrives. The show begins properly.
Then:
- Adrenaline carries you through
- Show routines establish
- The worst is behind you
- Celebration comes
The Pride
Tech week is demanding, but there's real satisfaction in:
- Creating something from nothing
- Solving impossible problems
- Working as a true team
- Seeing the show come together
- Knowing you made it happen
That feeling makes it worthwhile.