Phillip Collingsworth , Jr . ( Production Manager ):
I am the Production Manager ( PM ) on our tour . As part of my role , I ’ m thinking in several different ways in order for the concerts to go off without a hitch . A PM of any tour can wear many hats that involve knowledge of all areas of the production ( audio , video , and lighting ).
Included with this role is the responsibility to advance each concert . This involves contacting each venue on the tour schedule and gaining insight from each of them that will help us adapt for that day ’ s setup . We always discuss specific elements such as the availability of power , the size , and other details that impact the quality of the concert .
A typical load-in day begins in the morning around 9-9:30 am . Each venue is advanced ahead of time , so there are minimal surprises once the buses have arrived . The off-loading of the gear trailers commences after a walk-through , and the gear is then placed in its proper position for the performance . Once each concert has finished , this is done in reverse , with the breakdown beginning immediately .
I particularly enjoy the new challenges a tour can bring daily . When various venues and venue types are on the schedule for a tour , this can make adaptation your best friend . I ’ m an audio engineer by trade in the production field , so I have an obvious love for the work and the gear .
From left to right : Phil , Courtney , Brooklyn , Olivia
COUSINS BACKSTAGE IN PENNSYLVANIA
Sharlenae Collingsworth ( Merchandise Table Lead ):
I started handling merchandise sales for our tour about a year ago . My job consists of making sure the table is ready to go before the doors open , charging credit card machines , and bagging up product specials for the night . I train any volunteers I have for the night and open up the table an hour before the concert . Once the concert begins , I close the table until intermission and head back to my primary job : being a mom .
The most challenging part of my role is juggling a nursing baby and a toddler and usually wearing my baby while working . However , since becoming a mom of two kids under two , multitasking has become my middle name ! After feeding the baby and making sure both kids are presentable , I normally go side stage and wait for introductions , where we go out and wave to the crowd . Then I head back to the table to be ready for intermission . I restock CDs , DVDs , and books if needed before and after intermission . Once the concert concludes for the evening , I open up the table again and finish sales for the night . I then start the teardown process and input data on how many units were sold , and I restock for the next day .
Without a doubt , the thing I enjoy most about my role is meeting and talking to all the concertgoers . I love hearing all the stories about how a particular song ministered to someone , the favorite songs , the number of concerts that someone has been to , and more . Being a part of something that proclaims and spreads the good news of Jesus and hearing how it has touched someone ’ s life is incredible , and I ’ m thankful to be a small part of that . ■
From left to right : Winston , Theo , Noah
DAD WITH HIS GIRLS BACKSTAGE IN FLORIDA
“ We get the awesome responsibility of encouraging and telling others what Jesus can do for them through songs and the different aspects of our ministry .”
Michael Metz
RENEWANATION . ORG 29