Q & A WITH IAN HASLAUER
Photo: Olivia Bastone
Lighting programmer, designer, and director, Ian Haslauer has been in the production industry for 18 years now. Although Denver, Colorado has been his home base since 2021, his post COVID schedule with The Lumineers has been very busy. So, he eventually decided to give up his apartment and now lives out of a suit case full time.
Favorite concert or live show you’ve attended as a fan (not for work)?
Recently went to see Taylor Swift and I think I may have to admit I am a Swifty now :)
Is there anything you try to do every off day?
I try to get out and do a group exercise class on most off days. I find it’s a good way to temporarily remove myself from the tour and think about something completely different for 45 minutes.
One to three must have work-related tool(s)? (Computer, gear, tool, phone app, etc.)?
Light Meter. I would think a majority of the audience is there to see and hear their favourite artist. As such, I always prioritize the key light and make sure the artist is adequately lit and at the right colour temperature. I have a Sekonic C-700 Spectrometer
Com Adapter and Foot pedal. Having to only wear in-ears and being able to hear Clear-Com, Radios, Talkbacks, and a L/R from the PA is a game changer. With the added foot-pedal this makes communicating on com completely hands free.
Duet Air. File prep in Grand MA2 on a computer when you only have one screen can get rather annoying and involves a lot of clicking. Duet Air is inexpensive and allows you to use another computer, tablet, or phone as a 2nd screen and saves having to carry around a portable external monitor.
Since you began working in this industry are there any concepts or practices you’ve implemented that have positively impacted your work (reduced stress, saved time, etc.)?
At the beginning of every week I make a to do list with everything I want (and need) to accomplish that week. I find this is the simplest, yet most important way for me to properly manage my time in order to be successful.
Where do you see the industry going in the next 5-8 years?
While I went to a University theatre program and got a BFA in Technical Theatre, it was more geared towards the theatrical world and most of the day to day skills I use in the touring world were learned on the job. I would love to see more programs developed like the new Academy of Live Technology at Rock Lititz to make it easier to transition from student to a professional in the touring scene.
How much sleep do you actually get? And how do you manage sleep deprivation?
Six to eight hours is a good night sleep for me, but in this industry of course that is not always possible. Sleep deprivation is even more amplified at rehearsals when spending all day in a dark room. I find that getting some fresh air and sunlight goes a long way.
What improves your day at a show?
Seeing smiles in the audience. Being at FOH, it is easy to look around and see and experience the joy around you. If your role involves being mostly backstage and time allows, I think it is important to get out front to help remind yourself the reason you’re here.
Our industry isn’t as glamorous as often perceived. What motivates you to work such long hours and be away from home for extended periods?
Having spent the majority of each year on the road since 2011 (except for 2020 of course!), I am always motivated to return to tour, as it has become my normal. Lighting Programming during rehearsals often happens overnight, which can lead to extra-long days. But I find that making the show look better is by far my favourite part of the job. This often makes it difficult to know when to call it a night. Fortunately, when loading in overnight at festivals, the sunrise makes this decision for us.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in the live production industry (perhaps something you wish someone would have told you when you were getting started)?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. I was often too worried about what other people would think of me if I didn’t know how to do something. There are a lot of things that I don’t know and am always excited to learn from my peers.
What's the most essential thing in your suitcase?
My Packing Cubes! The thought of an unorganized suitcase would keep me up at night.