seniorspectrumnewspaper – At Eurovision, the audience sees seamless performances—but behind the scenes, it’s a race against the clock. Each act has just 35 seconds between the end of one performance and the start of the next. In that time, the crew must remove one set of performers, place the next ones on stage, and ensure every microphone and earpiece is correctly set.
While viewers watch short videos called “postcards,” dozens of technicians and stagehands swarm the stage. Richard van Rouwendaal, the Dutch stage manager, calls it the “Formula 1 tyre change.” Every crew member has a single job and a specific path. Straying even slightly could result in a collision. The choreography is practiced for weeks, long before the artists arrive.
Each country submits detailed staging plans. Eurovision hires stand-ins—often local performing arts students—to rehearse while crew members optimize their movements. Over two weeks, Van Rouwendaal’s team trains to operate with military precision. The work is divided among 13 core team members and 30 local crew in Basel this year. Each person is assigned based on skill—some are runners, others lift props, some organize backstage.
Clean Stages and Custom Setups: The Details That Matter
Beyond the set transitions, many other small but crucial jobs support each performance. There’s a dedicated team for lighting, pyrotechnics, and even a group of ten cleaners. These cleaners mop and vacuum the stage between every act. This may seem excessive, but even footprints can ruin a carefully composed camera shot—especially during overhead views.
Each artist’s microphone stand is adjusted to their height and angle. Even a last-minute shoe change can disrupt this setup. During the 2022 contest in Turin, the crew faced an extreme challenge—pushing props up a 10-meter ramp to the stage level. Among them was a heavy mechanical bull. Van Rouwendaal admits the crew was exhausted every night.
This year, the logistics are better. A new backstage tent helps with prop preparation. Elaborate staging isn’t new to Eurovision. Since a telephone was used as a prop in 1957, acts have only grown more theatrical. There have been hamster wheels, cannons, and now even space hoppers and chandeliers.
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Secret Passages and Hidden Magic Behind the Curtain
Backstage at Eurovision, a network of hidden paths and “smuggling routes” keeps the illusion alive. These allow props and crew to move in and out of sight without disrupting the live broadcast. For example, in 2022, UK artist Sam Ryder suddenly received a guitar mid-performance. Viewers didn’t see it appear, but Van Rouwendaal had handed it to him during a camera cut.
It’s all down to detailed coordination with camera directors. Every movement is planned to the millimeter. While the crew is not truly invisible, they must appear that way. If anything goes wrong, a range of backup options come into play.
Van Rouwendaal can signal the director with a phrase like “stage not clear.” In response, the director may switch to a wide audience shot or cut to the green room. In extreme situations, producers can switch to rehearsal footage synced to the live broadcast. This ensures the show continues without noticeable interruption.
Planning for Chaos: What Happens When Things Go Wrong
Live TV always carries risks. Cameras can fail, props can fall, or equipment might malfunction. The production team is trained for each possible scenario. The Eurovision team prepares detailed contingency plans, including who runs where and when. Every crew member knows their backup role if something fails.
Recently, Switzerland’s Zoë Më experienced a frozen camera feed during her semi-final. The producers quickly cut to a wide shot until the issue resolved. If this had happened during the final, she would have been allowed to perform again. It’s just one example of the quick thinking needed backstage.
Eurovision also has a backup system of synchronized dress rehearsal recordings. In emergencies like stage invasions or major failures, producers can cut to these without disrupting the show. The aim is always to protect the integrity of the performance.
Burnout and Brotherhood: Life Behind the Scenes
Running a live three-hour show with constant movement takes a toll. Many crew members work 20-hour days. Damaris Reist, deputy head of production, says she hasn’t had a weekend off in two months. To support both crew and contestants, Eurovision has added wellness measures this year. These include closed-door rehearsals, longer breaks, and “disconnected zones” free from cameras.
Despite the pressure, the team finds joy. In 2008, producer Ola Melzig famously built a bunker under the stage with espresso machines and a gaming console. Van Rouwendaal doesn’t have that luxury, but he does keep morale high with treats like pancakes and Dutch stroopwafels. Celebrations follow smooth days, with drinks and laughter.
He emphasizes that precision is essential, but so is enjoying the process. If everything goes as planned, the audience never notices their effort. The crew stays invisible—and that’s exactly the point.
