A Roadie, sometimes called a Stagehand, is the person responsible for helping with the load-in and load-out of equipment for a live sound production. Some more specific titles for load-in/load-out crew members include:
- Loader/Unloader: Focuses specifically on loading and unloading trucks, cases, and moving gear into and out of the venue.
- Rigger: Specialises in rigging and overhead lifts, like assembling trusses and motors to hang speaker arrays and lights.
- Stage Tech: Does general stage work including building risers, rolling cases, cable wrangling, stage layout, and more.
- Carpenter: Assembles custom stage elements like sliding platforms or scenic pieces for a specific production design.
- Ground Rigger: Works under the main rigger to connect truss pieces and assist with safe overhead rigging.
- Deck Tech: Specifically works on the front-of-house mix position, setting up racks, cabling, and console infrastructure.
The whole load-in and load-out crew work closely with the production manager and audio crew chief to get everything in and out of the venue safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Their labour and expertise make the magic of a big live show possible.