Editor’s Note

What is one of the most important aspects of touring, and also one of the things we’re most likely to take for granted? It is something that every single one of us requires, at a minimum, two times a day. Did the title give it away? That’s right, food!

For Justin Lang’s video introduction to PLSN’s Sept. 2013 issue, go to www.plsn.me/201309ednote.

Last month, I mentioned how I visit a number of production coming through the Washington DC area. This summer, I went on a working vacation and visited even more tours and productions around the country.  When I visit these various tours, I am primarily there to cover the tour and provide you, our readers with interviews and photos. A bonus for me is that I get to talk to all the stage hands, crew and locals about what is really happening out there on the road.  I live and work in a bubble back at the office. You can only learn so much about what is truly happening by reading countless web pages, Facebook and Twitter.

During the course of the month, I talk with a wide range of folks from the industry. From leaders, manufacturers reps and the guys out there on the front lines — those who make the magic happen on stage night after night. Over the course of just this past month, I have talked with a number of people about what’s going on throughout the industry and their views in general. There were a few comments, questions, and ideas brought up that struck a chord with me, and I want to share them with you to get your opinions as well.

Safety concerns have been a hot topic in the industry lately.  Accidents happen. You can never be prepared for them, but you can help protect yourself. There are a number of safety guidelines and practices available, but one that is not really talked about is insurance.

One of the difficulties of life as a freelancer is figuring out how much to charge for your services. They say time is money, but they don’t tell you how much money it’s worth.

Are you tired of hearing about safety yet? I hope not. It has always been important, but it lurched front and center for our industry during the stormy 2011 summer touring season, and it won’t go away any time soon. Being safe ensures that you’ll make it to the next gig. Sure, you may overlook some minimal safety concern and still be fine. Honestly, who hasn’t forgotten a safety cable now and then? It’s a slight oversight, and may not be the end of the world. That is, until something else fails, and there is a 20-plus-pound dead weight traveling 120 mph towards the deck. Are you wearing a hard hat?

In late January, I attended Super Saturday in New York. It is an all day event put on by Sonny Sonnenfeld and Scott Parker from StageSeminars.com. The aim of the event is to educate and introduce students to lighting design, new technologies and products available in the market.

For the video, go to www.plsn.me/201302ednote

The holiday season is over and it is time to look ahead to the New Year. I trust that everyone had a wonderful holiday catching up with friends and family and spreading merriment and good cheer. As we reflect on the memories of 2012, both good and bad, it is also time to start with a clean slate and begin to make the most of 2013.

For the video, go to www.plsn.me/201301ednote.

I’ve always believed that just passing by is not acceptable, and that going above and beyond will not only lead to success, but instills a sense of completion and satisfaction in doing your best. That’s the philosophy that we’ve decided to follow as we take a look at the results from this year’s PLSN reader’s survey.