Travel can be unpredictable, and you should be prepared for delays and cancellations. Many productions don't want extra hotel and travel expenses, so they are bringing crews together at the last minute, which can be risky. If you are delayed, contact the production manager or lighting designer immediately and alert them. This way, the production can make plans to continue without you. Furthermore, you can often prepare show files at the airport or on a plane. Then they can be sent ahead via email so that lighting technicians can load your show and prepare the rig. Always remember, "The show must go on," and in most cases, they cannot wait for your arrival. Technology is wonderful, and most automated lighting programmers are tech savvy. When you're traveling, you should have a laptop, cell phone and power cables for each. If suddenly you find yourself sitting in an airport for six hours, you should plug in and recharge your batteries. Furthermore, a good power adapter or airplane kit will allow you to keep the power going on your flight. Most laptops provide only a few hours of battery operation, which is often not enough. For instance, my flight today is ten and a half hours. My laptop is plugged into the seat power and my phone is plugged in the laptop. I plan to write, prep my next show and watch a movie or two. All this is possible because I planned ahead and brought the tools I need. I also have a good pair of headphones that not only sound great, but block out the airplane noise.
From "Feeding the Machines" by Brad Schiller, PLSN, April 2010
