Once a Techie...Always a Techie

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Once a Techie…always a Techie

by Dave Lawson

I was recently asked how my work on a high school Sound and Lighting Crew has helped me through the years. My response to that question spawns another question - “How has working on the Sound and Light Crew NOT helped me throughout my life?”

For me, it all started in Grade 6. When my friends were joining sports teams and clubs, I wanted to be a stagehand. I applied to help on the various assemblies and shows put on in my school. I really wanted the “black shirt” with “STAGE HAND” in capital letters printed on the back. Unfortunately, in those days, stage hands were decided by size…and I was small for my age, so I needed to wait… ☹

Throughout Grades 7, 8 & 9, I dabbled in photography, electronics and woodworking. They were all fun and enjoyable, but very independent activities requiring minimal interaction with others.

It was Grade 10 when I got my chance…

The Albert Campbell Sound and Light Crew asked for volunteers to come out to help with one of the school dances…and although I was quite shy at the time, I submitted my name to assist.

I clearly remember that first dance. It was a baptism by fire.

I was introduced to a handful of students from all different grades; they would all be my bosses for the night.

I was also introduced to all these new terms and phrases: strip light, c-clamps, twist-lock, 6-pack, gel, c-wrench, Leco’s, Fresnel’s, gaff tape, safety chains, mirror ball, the show must go on, cable coiling, proper bulb handling, etc.

It was a crazy first night, but arguably MY MOST IMPORTANT DAY OR NIGHT in all of high school.

What did I learn that night and in the following months/years?

Friendship: Working with students with similar interests helped me to find my place in high school. The friendships that grew from those first few months stayed with me for many years, and some still remain today, almost 40 years later!

Responsibility: Although there was staff oversight, the Sound and Light Crew spent many hours working on their own preparing for and striking shows. Everyone on the crew knew this independence came with a great deal of responsibility for the safety of the Crew, the students and the staff. Cables were taped down, all lights had safety chains, barricades were put up around hazards, etc. These skills have stayed with me for life anytime I plan a show.

Accountability: The Sound and Light crew was accountable for the technical needs at school events. Teachers relied on the Crew to ensure shows were properly organized, professionally run, and cleaned up in a timely manner. The show must go on (words to live by)!

Teamwork: The Crew worked as a team. Everyone had a job, and if someone needed help, the others would instantly step in to assist. The focus was on the performance (not the individual), and everyone worked their best to make it incredible. New people were brought in and cross-trained to ensure there was always coverage for all tasks. I often look back at this as an example of natural teamwork…it was not forced…it just worked.

Confidence: Most teachers treated members of the Sound and Light Crew as helpful, young adults. This, in turn, helped to build confidence with Crew members as they felt more like staff members than students. The confidence I gained in those days helps me to interact with CEOs, VPs and Directors in the workplace today.

Conflict Resolution: Never an easy topic, but this is where teacher oversight was extremely helpful. Issues that would arise on Crew would occasionally require teacher intervention. However, the “arms length” perspective provided by these teachers are life lessons which have stayed with me throughout my career. Always put yourself in someone else’s shoes.

Although I work in Engineering (not the train driver type), many of the little things I do every day and week started from that first dance at Albert Campbell.

I love hosting live events (in the background, not the forefront), I love technical challenges to fix, and I have great respect for the support workers in our facility who keep it running (just like in high school where Crew taught us who really ran the school).

For me, large Zoom calls are productions…the show must go on no matter what technical hurdle.

The Sound and Light Crew also opened me up to Drama…I took 3 years of Drama class in high school to force me to get out of my comfort zone and be able to speak in front of others. This helps me with the multiple presentations and workshops that I need to hold in my current job.

I would not be the person I am today without this experience.

Dave joined the Albert Campbell CI Sound and Light Crew (Scarborough) in 1985 and became Crew Head in 1988. He worked in Technical Services at Canada’s Wonderland, supporting all theatres, special events and other park related sound, light and video needs.

Dave graduated Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) with a B. Eng in Electrical Engineering. He moved onto Teklogix Inc (Mobile Computer and Barcode Scanning Industry). He the obtained his Professional Engineer designation with PEO and subsequently held various design, management and special project positions at Teklogix which became Psion, Motorola Solutions and most recently, Zebra Technologies.