The world of Eurovision is as much about spectacle as it is about song, and behind every performance lies a tightly coordinated web of activity that must unfurl in mere seconds. As contestants take their places on stage, an unseen team—the “invisible crew”—steps into action, armed with a meticulous choreography that resembles an intricate ballet, and only 35 seconds to execute a flawless set change.

Richard van Rouwendaal, the stage manager, describes this frenetic moment likening it to a Formula 1 pit stop. “Each person in the crew can only do one thing,” he explains. “You run on stage with one light bulb or prop, and if you go off course, you will hit somebody.” This precision is crucial; every detail is accounted for, from microphone placement to the secure positioning of props, which in recent years have included everything from giant hamster wheels to the lovable failed chandelier from this year’s UK entry.

Preparation for these transitions begins long before the live event. The team rehearses for weeks, working with stand-ins to simulate performances and shave seconds off each changeover. The meticulous planning ensures that each act can take the stage without a hitch. This year, preparations were further enhanced by the introduction of Disguise’s digital spikemark feature, which illuminated precise markings on the LED stage floor. This innovative technology allowed the crew to adjust props and set changes on the fly with remarkable efficiency, reducing reliance on traditional tape marks and streamlining the process significantly.

The creative demands of Eurovision have grown increasingly elaborate over the years. Richard recalls the challenges faced in past contests, notably in 2022, where the stage’s height posed additional logistical difficulties. “We were pushing heavy stage props up a steep ramp between every act,” he reminisced. But this year’s show in Liverpool allowed for greater ease with the addition of a dedicated backstage tent for prop preparation.

The need for cleanliness and consideration for the ever-critical camera angles is equally paramount. The backstage team includes cleaners responsible for ensuring that the stage is spotless after each act, as any sign of disarray can mar the visual feast that the audience watches. “You need a clean stage for the dancers,” Van Rouwendaal notes, underscoring the importance of every role within the team, which also includes specialists for lighting and pyrotechnics.

The backstage environment operates under a set of “smuggling routes” allowing for discreet transitions of props and performers. This orchestrated chaos hinges on the crew’s ability to remain unseen while executing tasks that must appear magically seamless on screen. Van Rouwendaal recounts his own role in manipulating certain effects during live performances, a logistical trick often unnoticed by viewers at home.

While the stakes are undeniably high, should something go awry—be it a prop malfunction or a technical glitch—there are built-in contingencies to ensure the show goes on. A pre-recorded feed of the dress rehearsal can be deployed in the event of disruptions, providing a safety net for the seamless experience Eurovision is known for.

Damaris Reist, deputy head of production, emphasizes the depth of preparation that goes into each performance. “There are people who know the regulations by heart, and they have been playing through what could happen and how we would respond,” she states, showcasing the intricate planning that underpins every performance.

This exceptional coordination signifies the heart of Eurovision, where the stakes are high, and the pressure is unrelenting. Behind the flash and glamour lies a story of teamwork and technical expertise, ensuring that, despite the rapid-fire set changes and high expectations, every act gets the chance to shine.

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Source: Noah Wire Services