Load-In

Load-in is the process of unloading equipment from trucks or vehicles, moving it into the venue, and setting up the stage, sound, lighting, and production elements for a show. The term also refers to the time when the tour first enters the venue. It's the first physical event of a show day and sets the tone for everything that follows.

What happens during load-in

The production truck backs up to the loading dock (or as close as the venue allows), and local crew — hired by the venue or promoter — work alongside the touring crew to unload cases and get gear to the stage. Setup happens in a specific order: stage and risers first, then backline, lighting, and sound. The production manager or stage manager runs the process based on the stage plot and production plan.

Load-in logistics

Load-in details are confirmed during the advance: loading dock location and dimensions, truck parking, forklift availability, elevator access (for multi-floor venues), local crew count and call time, and power hookup locations. Venues that are easy to load into — ground-level dock, wide corridors, close to stage — make a touring crew's day. Venues with freight elevators, narrow hallways, or three flights of stairs to the stage do not.

Local crew

Most venues provide local stagehands for load-in and load-out. The number of hands depends on the production size and is specified in the rider. These are usually IATSE union crew in larger venues, or house staff and freelance hands in clubs and theaters. The touring production manager directs them through the setup.

Stagehands and stage management

Stagehands provided by the venue are crucial to load-in — they provide the extra hands needed to move gear efficiently. The stage manager often plays a key role in coordinating the process, directing both local and touring crew.

Load-in timing

Load-in time is one of the first things confirmed in the advance and one of the first things on the day sheet. It determines the entire show-day schedule: if load-in starts late, everything downstream — soundcheck, doors, set times — gets compressed.