TIPS FOR GETTING A TOURING JOB
One of the questions people often ask me is how to get a job in touring. I love helping others, especially those who aspire to tour, but this is challenging to answer. Every person in this industry has a unique story. And there is no right or wrong, best or worst way to get started. Something that works for one person might be a dead end for another.
Formal training is not for everyone, but many have successfully used it as a first step. Full Sail in Orlando offers degrees in live show production. Belmont University in Nashville, TN, is one of many universities that include live production fundamentals courses in their music colleges. Community colleges, such as Austin Community College in Austin, TX, also offer training in these fields.
That said, even collegiate-level training doesn't guarantee a career in live production.
Everyone has an opinion on the best first steps, but I want to offer my opinion on some essential considerations as you look to begin your career in live production and touring.
NETWORK
As my friend Kenny Barnwell says, it’s not who you know; it's who knows you. The more people you meet and stay in touch with, the more likely you will be called upon when there is a position to fill. The best way to meet touring personnel is to work with them, so take any chance you get to work at a venue that hosts touring acts.
Networking takes finesse, and working alongside someone for a few hours during load-in doesn't suddenly make you colleagues on a first-name basis. You must first prove that you're eager to learn, willing to work hard and gain their trust. Which leads to my next point:
BE EAGER TO HELP
You'll cross paths with plenty of industry professionals on any given gig. If you're part of the local crew, you'll be assigned to help a specific department or technician. It’s during this time that you can prove yourself. Don't wait to be called upon; look for things that need attention and ask if they'd like you to do it. You don't need to be an expert to find things to do. It can be as simple as straightening up empty cases.
While touring with various opening acts early in my career, I’d fulfill my duties with the artist who had hired me, then help the headlining crew load out each night. At first, I was essentially a stagehand working for free. But before long, I had proven myself and gained their trust, and they would put me in charge of specific tasks each night. I never got paid for this work, but the opportunity to learn and prove myself to these professionals was invaluable and led to paid gigs later.
TAKE JOBS EVEN IF THEY DON’T DIRECTLY ALIGN WITH YOUR DESIRED POSITION
Even if you know for sure what position you want on tour, it’s in your best interest to remain open-minded and be willing to do some things that are different from your first choice. For example, many people begin their touring career as a merch manager. Selling merch is the only way many bands stay cash-positive on tour, which makes the merch position essential. So, you may offer to manage the merch if you can also set up the drum kit. Selling T-shirts might not be your idea of fun, but getting experience as a drum tech can be invaluable if that’s your desired position. And once you're on tour, you'll get paid to do the all-important networking mentioned above.
BE EAGER TO LEARN
Most people are on tour because they excel at what they do. Any time you can work around these people is an opportunity to learn from them. There is a time and place to ask questions, but most people love to talk about themselves and share their expertise. So, when you find a slow moment in the day, see if the person you’re reporting to is willing to answer a few questions. Admitting what you don't know and asking questions shows them you want to learn, and more often than not, they'll answer your questions and more.
BE WILLING TO WORK FOR VERY LITTLE
Similar to many other industries, those new to touring are often treated with a "you're lucky to be here" attitude. Everyone has something to offer, and I don't necessarily agree with that approach. Still, you do have lots to learn and must prove yourself before demanding top dollar. You will only get paid a little to start, but the knowledge and experience you’ll gain is invaluable. And as with any job in any industry, if you’re doing it for the money, you're doing it for the wrong reason.
STAY OUT OF TROUBLE
This suggestion may seem odd, but one crucial requirement for every tour that leaves the country is a “clean passport.” Immigration agents will scrutinize your background when touring internationally and deny your entry into the country if they see something they don't like. The chance of being turned away varies from country to country, but rest assured, a criminal record will come back to haunt you.
For example, a DUI is grounds for denied entry when crossing from the United States into Canada. As a production manager, I've endured late load-ins when agents held up someone on the touring crew for further questioning. I’ve even had to find emergency fill-in technicians when agents denied access to someone on the tour crew. I could go on, but you get the point. If you want to go on tour, keep your nose clean to be employable.
BE PLEASANT TO BE AROUND
Touring goes well beyond the standard 9-5 job, and you’re essentially living with the people you tour with. You sit at the same table for every meal, spend non-show days together, and sleep just a few feet apart in a tour bus or van bench seat. Everyone has tough days, and you can’t always be a ray of sunshine. But a good attitude goes a long way. It’s possible to be great at your craft but get stuck sitting at home if you have a reputation for being unpleasant.
USE ALL THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE
Regardless of your desired position, there are several resources to help you prepare for a career on the road. The Production Academy offers online courses in audio and tour management. Tour Management Made Easy is a great online option for those looking to become a TM. I am biased, but the book The Efficient Hustle is a must-read if you want to be a successful tour or production manager.
There are also several free resources for those with little cash to spare. Billy Reed has an excellent website that offers valuable information at no cost. And you've already found The Efficient Hustle blog, which has several articles you'll find helpful. YouTube channels TM 101 and Tank the Tech offer valuable information as well.
There are plenty more, and a quick online search will net you plenty of results. Use these resources to your advantage. Nothing beats real-world, on-the-job training, but the more research and effort you put into learning, the more confident you'll be when the opportunity to go on the road presents itself.
I'll leave you with that for now. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to enter the industry. If you work hard and stick with it, eventually, you'll get on tour.