Roadie
Roadies set up and dismantle stage, instruments, sound and lighting equipment before and after live shows, festivals and events.
Also known as: Event technician, production technician, technical support crew, road crew
- Starter salary£24,000 a year
- Experienced£37,000 a year
What you'll do
As a roadie, you could:
- drive, load and unload vans, trailers and tour buses
- set up rigging, stage sets and equipment
- install and operate sound and video equipment
- rig up wiring and lighting and do safety checks
- organise firework and laser displays
- do equipment checks and fix faults
- tune instruments before and during shows
- act as security for equipment, band members and performers
- pack away sets after events ready for transport to the next location
Working environment
You could work at a music venue or at a sports arena.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, noisy, at height and you'll travel often.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- to be flexible and open to change
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- physical skills like strength, balance and co-ordination
- concentration skills
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of media production and communication
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a roadie
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training providers
College
There is no set entry route to become a roadie but you can get some useful skills by doing a college course, such as:
- sound engineering
- music technology
- digital media
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
After completing a course, you could look for a trainee job with an events or equipment hire company.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or an Audio Visual Technician Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
These can take 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Volunteering
People often start by working for free for local bands. This can help you to make contacts that may eventually lead to paid jobs. To get relevant experience you could also:
- work backstage in college or amateur theatre productions
- do casual work at local concert venues, gigs or festivals
- work for equipment hire and supply companies
Direct application
You may be able to apply directly if you have experience in:
- electrical installation or electronics
- stagehand work
- theatre lighting
- sound production
- music technology
Other routes
You may be able to do short courses with private training providers that cover:
- rigging
- health and safety
- lighting installation
- working at heights
- operating lifting equipment
- pyrotechnics
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need to:
- be over 18 years of age
- be able to cope with working at height
It would be helpful to have a driving licence. You may have an advantage if you have a Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) licence or Passenger Carrying Vehicle (PCV) licence, which would allow you to drive tour buses and lorries. Fork lift truck training and experience could also be useful.
Career path and progression
Most roadies work freelance. You may be able to move from working with smaller bands and venues in the UK to high profile, large scale, multi national tours.
With experience, you could become a road or tour manager, or move into band and events management or music promotion.
You could also transfer your technical skills to work behind the scenes in theatre, film or television, or venue health and safety.
Career tips
Persistence, determination and a love of live music and events is really important. Go to lots of gigs and get to know bands. You'll need to show them that you have great teamwork skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.
Registration
- you'll need to register for the National Rigging Certificate , which is a requirement for anyone working in rigging at height in the events industry
Guides for this industry
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