**Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Heroes of Eurovision's Flawless Show**

Fri Jul 18 2025 12:14:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
**Behind the Scenes: The Unseen Heroes of Eurovision's Flawless Show**

A glimpse into the meticulous world of Eurovision's stage crew during the high-pressure competition.


The article takes readers behind the curtain to reveal how an intricate team ensures seamless transitions between performances at Eurovision, highlighting the dedication and precision required in a high-stakes environment.


Thirty-five seconds. That’s the tight window Eurovision’s backstage crew has to execute flawless set changes during the high-profile music contest. In the midst of captivating performances and colorful visuals, a diligent team scurries behind the scenes, orchestrating a swift and silent transformation from one act to the next, ensuring everything is set perfectly.

Richard van Rouwendaal, the Dutch stage manager, likens their coordination to a "Formula 1 tire change," emphasizing efficiency. Each crew member is assigned a singular task, making their movements almost choreographed. “You always walk on the same line,” he says. “If you go off course, you will hit somebody,” likening the process to ice skating, a delicate dance in a confined space.

The groundwork for these rapid transitions begins weeks in advance, with meticulous rehearsals by stagehands who are often joined by stand-ins from local performing arts schools. They shave precious seconds off the transitions, practicing tirelessly to ensure precision. Van Rouwendaal oversees a mix of Dutch team members and local talent in Basel for this year’s event, selecting the best individuals for distinct roles.

The behind-the-scenes operation involves not just stagehands but also technicians managing lights and pyrotechnics, alongside a dedicated cleaning crew. Van Rouwendaal stresses the importance of a spotless stage for performers, especially when high-definition cameras are capturing every moment.

Staging gone wrong is a constant worry. A sudden change—like an artist deciding to switch shoes—could affect the microphone height set for them. Van Rouwendaal recalls challenges from previous contests, such as dealing with steep ramps for weighty set pieces. However, this year's setup has made significant improvements with extra storage space and efficient organization.

Props play a vital role in Eurovision performances, from disco balls to spectacular set pieces like Spain's giant staircase. Damaris Reist, deputy head of production, describes the approach to managing props as a circular system, where every gage is meticulously accounted for, ensuring that everything aligns perfectly as it moves on and off the stage.

During the live show, various tricks are executed to maintain a seamless flow. Van Rouwendaal recounts the moment during a past performance when he discreetly slipped an electric guitar onto the stage, making it emerge as if by magic, highlighting the precision timing shared between on-stage performers and the crew.

Containment of faults during a live broadcast is essential; quick thinking by the crew can prevent the audience from noticing mishaps. Strategies include showing extended shots of the audience when things don’t go as planned or switching to pre-recorded footage if a larger issue arises.

As the team works long hours leading up to the show, organisers have initiated measures to protect their wellbeing, like extended breaks and a designated “disconnected zone” free from cameras. Van Rouwendaal recalls days turning into 20-hour shifts, joking about a past bunker equipped with comforts to help the crew manage stress. Though he may lack such luxuries, camaraderie remains key, with moments of shared laughter and celebrations punctuating rigorous schedules.

Ultimately, if everything goes well during Eurovision’s live event, the audience won’t even realize that this invisible crew exists, highlighting both their crucial role and expert execution during the famed event.

MORE ON THEME

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:40:50 GMT

**New Harry Potter TV Adaptation Begins Production with First Image Released**

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 16:40:50 GMT
Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:51:53 GMT

**Unsung Hero: The Indian Businessman Who Rescued Jews from the Nazis**

Sun, 13 Jul 2025 02:51:53 GMT
Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:40:27 GMT

Europe's Push for Rare Earth Independence: A New Facility in France

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 09:40:27 GMT
Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:40:18 GMT

**Cocaine Epidemic: A Global Crisis Intensifies Amidst Rising Demand**

Fri, 27 Jun 2025 21:40:18 GMT
Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:34:24 GMT

**Primavera Sound 2023: A Celebration of Pop, Dance, and Surprises in Barcelona**

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 16:34:24 GMT
Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:10:47 GMT

Primavera Sound 2023: Music, Dance, and Unforgettable Moments Under the Sun**

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 11:10:47 GMT
Sat, 31 May 2025 01:15:47 GMT

### Chaos Erupts in Controversial US-Israel Gaza Aid Initiative

Sat, 31 May 2025 01:15:47 GMT
Sun, 25 May 2025 09:53:37 GMT

**Israel's Eurovision Campaign: A Fight for Recognition Amidst Turmoil**

Sun, 25 May 2025 09:53:37 GMT
Tue, 20 May 2025 06:26:09 GMT

Spanish PM Demands Israel's Exclusion from Eurovision Amid Gaza Conflict

Tue, 20 May 2025 06:26:09 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 14:05:22 GMT

**Eurovision 2025: Austria Claims Victory in a Dramatic Finale**

Sun, 18 May 2025 14:05:22 GMT
Sun, 18 May 2025 00:50:06 GMT

**Austria Claims Eurovision 2025 Victory as UK Faces Another Disappointing Finish**

Sun, 18 May 2025 00:50:06 GMT
Fri, 16 May 2025 23:13:43 GMT

Eurovision 2025: Favorites to Win in Basel

Fri, 16 May 2025 23:13:43 GMT
Fri, 16 May 2025 05:11:10 GMT

**Israel Advances to Eurovision Finals Amidst Protests**

Fri, 16 May 2025 05:11:10 GMT
Thu, 15 May 2025 22:47:34 GMT

Israel Advances to Eurovision Final Amid Protests and Controversy

Thu, 15 May 2025 22:47:34 GMT
Thu, 15 May 2025 10:57:16 GMT

**Eurovision's Balancing Act: Politics vs. Entertainment in Basel**

Thu, 15 May 2025 10:57:16 GMT
Thu, 15 May 2025 08:02:20 GMT

India Proposes Zero Tariffs on US Imports Amid Trade Talks

Thu, 15 May 2025 08:02:20 GMT
Sun, 11 May 2025 01:51:42 GMT

Winning Elements of Eurovision: Expert Insights and Strategies

Sun, 11 May 2025 01:51:42 GMT
Sat, 10 May 2025 03:53:32 GMT

**Eurovision 2025: Spells, anthems, and surprises abound in Switzerland**

Sat, 10 May 2025 03:53:32 GMT
Sun, 27 Apr 2025 04:17:28 GMT

EU Pharmaceutical Sector Faces Turmoil as Tariff Threats Loom

Sun, 27 Apr 2025 04:17:28 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:46:26 GMT

US May Abandon Ukraine Talks Without Accord from Russia

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:46:26 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.