Fresh out of college, on the first job, and the director tells us in his flat Texas accent, “If you’re not growin’ you’re dyin’.” and it didn’t make sense to my 21-year-old brain but with some time I see how that phrase has shaped both my personal and professional life.
I started in live production in the late 90’s, and a lot has changed in how we approach the work. Technology continues to evolve. People do too. To truly excel in this dynamic industry, you have to embrace the essence of teamwork and commit to continuous growth.

Collaboration
Every show is the product of a collective effort. As an only child and member of Gen X, I want to believe that I can do it all. But no one can do it all (even the President has a cabinet). Collaboration is key to efficiently and effectively produce a show.
Communicate Effectively: Clear, respectful communication ensures that everyone is aligned. Tell ‘em. Tell ‘em again. Tell ‘em a third time.
Foster Trust: Assume that everyone on the team is there because they know what they’re doing and are good at their jobs. Remember there are no bad guys in production. No enemies. We are all here for the same thing - a fantastic show.
Value Every Contribution: Every crew member plays a part in the bigger picture. Not just the people wearing black backstage but the catering staff, the housemen, the housekeepers that clean the restroom. Treat everyone with the same dignity and respect you show your client, and you’ll have a committed team willing to work hard and go the extra mile.
Growth
I’m not gonna lie. Growth is hard. And sometimes painful. (Resisting it can lead to even more discomfort, but that’s a topic for another post…)
Adopt a beginners mindset: As technology evolves, so do your client and audience expectations. Be willing to try something new. I used to resist the whole google drive, sheets, etc. and now I collaborate over this technology all. Of. the. time.
Learn from Every Experience: Successes teach you what works, and failures… well they show you what doesn’t work. Pro Tip: Keep a running tab of what’s working and not working while on show site. At the end, write up your notes and stick them in the file for next year’s show.
Ask Questions: Be curious. There is no formal training for what we do, we learn from each other so talk to each other. Ask for feedback, others’ experience. Just because you’ve always done it “this way” doesn’t mean that it’ the “best way”.
Collaboration and growth aren’t just buzzwords—they’re key to thriving in live production. By building strong connections and staying committed to learning, you’ll not only deliver exceptional work but also forge a career that’s as rewarding as it is impactful. Have a great show.
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