The Magic Behind Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest is a highly anticipated event that brings together talented artists from across the globe. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to make this spectacular show happen? From the stage crew to the performers, it’s a massive production that requires precision, dedication, and a lot of hard work.
The 35-Second Challenge
The stage crew has just 35 seconds to change the set between each performance. This includes getting the previous act off the stage, bringing in the next act, and ensuring that everyone has the right microphones and earpieces. It’s a challenging task, but the crew is well-rehearsed and works like a well-oiled machine. As Richard van Rouwendaal, the Dutch stage manager, puts it, "We call it the Formula 1 tire change. Every person in the crew can only do one thing. They run on stage with a light bulb or a prop. They always go on the same line. If they give the course, they will beat someone."
Rehearsals and Preparation
The stage crew begins rehearsing their "F1 tire change" weeks before the participants arrive to rehearse their performances. Each country sends detailed plans for its staging, and Eurovision hires stand-ins to play the acts while the stage workers shave precious seconds from the interludes. Van Rouwendaal explains, "We have about two weeks. My company is around 13 Dutch and 30 locals and girls who rock it in Switzerland. In these two weeks, I have to find out who is right for every job. Someone is going well, someone is good in lifting, someone is good at organizing the backstage area."
The Logistics of Props
Props are a big part of the Eurovision show. From disco balls to space shuttles, magical food mixers, and fallen chandeliers, each performance requires a unique set of props. The crew has to ensure that every prop is in the right place at the right time. As Damaris, deputy production manager, explains, "Everything is organized in a kind of circle. The [props] come on stage from left and then removed to the right. Backstage, the props used are pressed back into the back of the queue, and so on. It’s all in planning."
Secret Passages and "Smuggling Routes"
During the show, there are several secret passages and "smuggling routes" to get props in and out of view, especially if a performance requires new elements halfway through. For example, in the 2022 competition, Sam Ryder’s performance included a stylized space rocket and a magically appearing guitar. Van Rouwendaal reveals, "I’m a magician. No, no, no… that was a collaboration between the camera director, the British delegation, and the stage crew."
What If Everything Goes Wrong?
Despite the best planning, things can still go wrong. If a camera breaks or a prop fails, the director can buy time by showing an extended recording of the audience. In the event of a larger incident, the show can cut to a moderator in the green room who can fill for a few minutes. There’s even a backup band that plays synchronously with the live show, which the directors can switch to in case of an emergency.
The Human Side
Staging a three-hour live broadcast with thousands of moving parts is incredibly stressful. The organizers have introduced measures to protect the well-being of participants and crews, including closed-door rehearsals, longer breaks between shows, and a "separate zone" where cameras are prohibited. Despite this, the crew works long hours, with Van Rouwendaal and his team regularly drawing 20-hour days.
The Rewards of Hard Work
Despite the challenges, the crew is dedicated to making the show a success. Van Rouwendaal explains, "I try to be fun. Sometimes we go out and drink something and cheer because we had a great day. Yes, we have to be at the top, and we have to be sharp as a knife, but also having fun is also very important." And if everything goes to plan, you won’t even notice the crew’s hard work – they’ll be invisible, working behind the scenes to bring you an unforgettable show.
