Must-Have Requests For Your Stage Supplier Before Your Tour Starts
Heading out on tour as a set carpenter means being prepared for anything. Whether it’s adjusting drapes, fixing joints, or dealing with unexpected issues, having the right tools and materials can make all the difference.
In this blog, we’ll cover seven essential items you should never leave behind. From Velcro to spare parts, G clamps, and even black fabric, each piece has its unique role in ensuring your stage setup is flawless and adaptable.
Read on to discover why these items are indispensable and how they can save your setup in a pinch. Don’t start your next tour without them!
1. Velcro (Specifically the spiky side)
If you're heading out on tour and drapes are part of your stage design, make sure to bring a few rolls of Velcro—especially the spiky kind. Having a few meters of the soft Velcro is also handy.
During rehearsals, ensure all your Velcro is in place on your decks before building shows at venues or festivals, but always keep some extra. Velcro can wear and tear, and sometimes venues might require you to change the stage design. When this happens, you’ll need to add Velcro where it wasn't originally planned. Always keep a few rolls on hand to stay prepared for any adjustments.
2. G Clamps
If you're not already using them in your stage design and setup, you probably will be by the end. These are great for quick fixes when coffin locks fail at the last minute or joints start to loosen. Make sure you have a handful of latch clamps on hand to solve any unexpected problems.
3. Spare parts
When I say spare parts, I mean having a few extra legs, wheels, and other small essentials. If you can imagine it being left behind or someone else mistakenly picking it up at a festival, it’s smart to have spares. It’s also handy to have some extra wood on the back of your truck. While you can often find a few pieces at various venues or festivals, it's best to have your own supply. So, stock up on these little extras to give yourself some wiggle room and peace of mind.
4. (Depending) Marly role and Glue
Of course, this is only relevant if your stage setup uses Marley flooring. If it does, definitely get yourself a spare roll and some glue—possibly spray glue—for adjustments and repairs in case of damage or extreme wear and tear.
Any self-respecting set carpenter will do everything possible to avoid replacing Marley due to the effort and time it requires. However, having a spare roll on hand is always good to keep your stage looking pristine and new.
5. Matt black paint & Spray paint
Black decks get reused long after they should be retired. It's always great to give them a quick coat of paint when needed. After rehearsals, you're often limited because of the markings placed on them to speed up load-ins.
However, you will usually have a chance to spruce them up a bit without damaging those markings. Even if you can't paint the whole deck, spray paint is perfect for quick touch-ups, especially on the small pieces you've made yourself. I recommend getting a pot of paint from your stage supplier and bringing along spray paint as a precaution.
6. Stapels
If your stage design uses a lot of drapes, staples are essential for keeping your Velcro securely attached to the deck. When you're in a rush to pull off the drapes, you often do it at a wide angle, which can easily and quickly rip off unsecured Velcro. Glue alone won’t hold it.
Always staple your Velcro as if it’s going to stay there forever, even though stage design changes might require you to remove it after a couple of shows. A few staples can make a big difference, preventing the Velcro from falling off during a quick loadout. Make sure you always have some staples on hand. If you don’t, you can request them from your stage supplier.
7. Black material
Having a bit of black material, a few meters by a few meters, is great to have on hand. When your drape isn't as long as it needs to be or new items appear on stage that need to be hidden, this fabric is perfect for quickly solving those problems. It’s a simple and effective solution to keep everything looking professional and tidy.
There you go, you're now ready for any eventuality!
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