Chelsea Hartley, who just finished the recent South American leg of Bad Bunny’s World’s Hottest Tour, took some time to speak with PLSN about her current work as a Production Coordinator. Born into the live event industry, Hartley is the daughter of Production and Lighting Designer Bryan Hartley and has been making a name for herself as she builds her own career path embracing the many logistics of keeping a tour running smoothly. Besides Bad Bunny, she has also worked on Gwen Stefani’s Just a Girl concert residency at the Zappos Theater in Las Vegas as well as toured with Karol G in 2021 and the New Kids on the Block for their Mixtape tour in 2022.
How did you get started in concert touring?
I got started in concert touring because of my dad [Designer Bryan Hartley]. That’s how I was exposed to it. It’s not like a job to me. I grew up seeing my dad do what he does and my mom actually, she was in touring as well before she had me. That’s how my parents met. So, I come from both of my parents being in the touring industry, and my dad is still obviously out there doing it. After I got old enough, I started to do it; my first tour was in 2018 for a theater group.
Who have been some of your mentors or role models?
There’s definitely been a lot. Maggie Seidel Laws was the first person to help me out with a job on the road and has always been a great role model to me. Another person would definitely have been Ernesto Corti. I met him through my dad, and he took a chance on me. He gave me the production coordinator spot working with him on Gwen Stefani during her residency in Las Vegas. That was a really amazing experience working with him on that. He also then took me on a 2021 tour with Karol G.
Because of Ernesto and along with Ronny Garcia, someone in that production camp already, I got recommended to do the Bad Bunny tour. Roly Garbalosa and Lisette Almonte brought me on, and I’m so grateful for them and the opportunity that came from Bad Bunny’s El Ultimo Tour Del Mundo arena tour in spring 2022. That then brought me to the World’s Hottest Tour of Bad Bunny in the stadiums this year.
How would you describe your job to someone?
I would describe my job as taking care of logistics. Making sure travel arrangements are set, hotels are set, that we have food on the table with catering being set, seeing that everyone is always fed and the crews are taken care of, advancing for certain parts with upcoming venues, making sure the dressing rooms are set, coordinating with the runners for daily needs. I mostly report directly to the Production Manager to any of the needs that come up throughout the day.
What is an important skill or trait you feel you need to do your job as production coordinator?
Patience, focus, and just loving it, because if you don’t love what you’re doing, it’s not going to work out. It is long hours and lots of different details that require attention all the time. You always have to be alert and able to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
What do you like most about your job?
I would say the best thing I like is always the people that I get to work with, the crews. They’re the ones that make all those long days worth it. You just always have someone there to laugh with, and that just makes it so much easier. They are your friends; the crew really do become family. I like being part of that, being part of that touring family.
What don’t you like about the job?
I wouldn’t say there’s anything I don’t like because I really genuinely do love my job. Of course, there are times where you’re tired and you’ve been there for 24 hours straight at the venue, and you just want to go back to the hotel for a quick shower, and even then, you have to come right back; at those times it can be hard. But I just remember how badly I wanted my career to be where it is now. Like I said, I really do love it, there’s nothing that I don’t like except, maybe those moments of weakness where you’re just so tired and you don’t want to take another shower in the venue.
What has surprised you about your career path?
Nothing has really surprised me, honestly. Not that I can think of. Probably because I knew what to expect from being around it all my life with my parents.
Is there a piece of advice you got at the start of your career you still find applicable today?
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. To just always try; and to ask for the job. I know I wouldn’t be where I am at today if I didn’t, ask and say, ‘Hey, do you need anyone?’ I am always putting myself out there.
Your father is very well known and successful, has that helped or been at times a hindrance?
I think it has helped, though a lot of times people don’t put it together right away, sometimes not until they see a daysheet or something with my last name. Then it clicks in their minds, and they will ask. So overall, yeah, a lot of people do know who my dad is, and it definitely hasn’t been a hindrance, especially because he is well liked. He has been a great support to me.
Where would you like to see your career go in the industry?
My goal in this industry is to work my way to being a tour manager. I’m definitely all about dealing with logistics and see that role as something I would fit right into.
