What is a Load-In and Load-Out Crew?

A load-in and load-out crew (often called the local crew) is the team of stagehands, loaders and riggers hired to unload, build, take down and reload a show's equipment at each venue. They work alongside the touring crew, who travel with the show.

How a load-in and load-out crew works

Local crew are booked and managed for each show:

  1. Request: the production manager sends the venue or crew company a crew request, with numbers and times for each call.
  2. Booking: the crew company or venue books the right people, such as stagehands, riggers and forklift drivers.
  3. Load in: crew arrive at the crew call, unload the trucks and help each department build.
  4. Load out: a crew returns after the show to take everything down and reload the trucks.
  5. Sign-off: the crew chief records hours, which are invoiced to the promoter or production.

Matching crew numbers to every call across many shows is easier with shared schedules, which is why venues often plan crew shifts in Crescat.

Local crew vs touring crew

Touring crew travel with the show and know its equipment, so they lead each department. Local crew are hired at each venue to provide the extra hands needed to load in and out quickly, following the touring crew's directions.

Example crew request for an arena show

  • 08:00 Load in: 4 riggers, 16 stagehands, 4 truck loaders, 1 forklift driver
  • 18:00 Show call: 4 stagehands, 4 followspot operators
  • 22:30 Load out: 4 riggers, 16 stagehands, 4 truck loaders, 1 forklift driver
  • Crew chief on every call

Frequently asked questions

How many crew does a load-in need?

A club show may need two to four local crew. An arena tour often needs 20 to 40 people per call, depending on the number of trucks and the size of the rig.

What does a crew chief do?

A crew chief leads the local crew, signs them in, assigns them to departments and keeps track of breaks and hours. They are the touring production manager's main contact for the local team.

What should load-in crew wear?

Safety boots, gloves and dark clothing are standard, with hard hats and high-visibility vests where the venue requires them. Riggers also need harnesses and their own fall protection.

Related terms