The excitement surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest is palpable, but behind the vibrant performances and flashy presentations lies a highly coordinated effort known as the “invisible crew.” These dedicated individuals have an extraordinary task at hand: they are granted only thirty-five seconds to execute a seamless transition between musical acts during the live show. The stakes are high, as any blunder during this fleeting window can lead to disastrous results.
As the viewer is entertained by the introductory videos or postcards broadcasted between acts, a flurry of activity unfolds behind the scenes. Multiple crew members swarm the stage, strategically arranging lights, props, and equipment while ensuring that performers are correctly positioned with their respective microphones and earpieces. Richard van Rouwendaal, a Dutch stage manager, aptly refers to this frenetic pace as a “Formula 1 tyre change.” Each crew member has a specific role; they sprint onto the stage with a defined task, such as carrying a light bulb or adjusting a prop. Any deviation from their designated path could lead to chaos and collisions among the bustling crew.
Preparation for this elaborate dance begins weeks in advance. As soon as the location is set—in Basel, Switzerland for the 2023 edition—crew members start rehearsing their rapid stage transitions, referred to as the “F1 tyre change.” Each participating country submits detailed plans for their respective performances, so stand-ins—local performing arts students, in this case—are utilized during rehearsals to practice the intricate logistics required. Van Rouwendaal oversees a crew of about 30 local workers along with his Dutch team, carefully assigning roles based on each person’s strengths and skill sets.
The team operates with precision once the show commences. Not only do stagehands handle the props, lights, and pyrotechnics, but a dedicated squad of ten cleaners sweeps the stage meticulously between performances to maintain a polished appearance for the viewing audience. These cleaners are just as essential as the crew managing the machinery, as a clean stage ensures that every performance appears flawless, even from overhead camera angles.
Attention to detail is of utmost priority. Each performer’s microphone stand is customized, typically set to their height specifications, to accommodate changes in performers’ footwear or clothing. Van Rouwendaal recalls instances where sudden adjustments—like a performer wearing different shoes for the grand final—have caused headaches when mic heights no longer matched the singers.
While the preparations may seem exhaustive, they are far from the most challenging aspect faced by the crew. In previous contests, logistical difficulties—such as the elevated stages—have made simple stage transitions complicated, demanding physical endurance to move heavy props. Yet, this year has an advantage. Thanks to additional backstage facilities for prop preparations, the crew can manage stage changes more efficiently.
Props have always been an essential part of Eurovision’s theatrical legacy, dating back to when performers like Germany’s Margot Hielscher used actual telephones in their acts during the inaugural contests. Today’s performances often include extravagant pieces, such as giant hamster wheels or elaborate staircases, which Richard and his team must ingeniously integrate into live acts, sometimes under time constraints that require deft teamwork.
This year, stage managers face the added complexities of integrating new elements into performances unexpectedly midway, making use of secret passageways to transport props without revealing their presence to the audience. Van Rouwendaal famously recalls a moment from 2022, when Sam Ryder performed an impressive guitar solo involving a magically appearing instrument—a feat achieved through careful rehearsals and well-timed camera cuts.
In the event of unforeseen mishaps, such as equipment malfunctions or performance interruptions, the crew has strategies in place. If the stage is not cleared in time, team members can communicate with directors to buy time by switching to crowd shots or pre-taped segments. This level of preparedness allows for graceful recovery from potential mishaps.
Despite the high-pressure environment—marked by long shifts and relentless timelines—the crew emphasizes camaraderie and morale. Richard van Rouwendaal shares how they connect over fun moments, be it sharing treats like stroopwafels or celebrating the completion of another successful rehearsal day. This balance of diligence and joy characterizes the spirit of Eurovision’s backstage crew, who play an essential role that, if performed flawlessly, remains invisible to the tens of millions watching worldwide. While the crew’s hard work may go unnoticed, the impact of their meticulous preparations ensures that the captivating performances take center stage.