Based in Nashville, TN, Donnie Floyd has been the stage manager for some of the biggest bands touring the world, as well as a drum tech and set carpenter. Over the past 20 years, these bands include Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Fallout Boys/Paramore, Jennifer Nettles ( Sugarland), Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback, Josh Groban, Nickelback, Bob Seger, Nickelback, Prince, Matchbox Twenty, Nickelback, and Kid Rock. Live Design touches base with Floyd at the Denver stop for Morgan Wallen's One Night At A Time tour.
Floyd shared some insights with Live Design as part of our Morgan Wallen Project In Focus.
Live Design: Tell us about your role and scope of work.
Donnie Floyd: My responsibilities include handling the load-in and load-out of all gear, coordinating with the local crew and cuts for labor bills, and acting as the liaison between our Technical Director and Production Manager with the crew.
LD: What were some challenges or changes during rehearsals or the show?
DF: There weren’t many changes during rehearsals, just making sure the show is road-ready and efficient. Since we have a top-notch crew, the only challenge during the show is ensuring safety, especially during pyro effects or the movement of lighting trusses.
The biggest challenge overall was ensuring the efficient movement of the show from city to city in a timely manner.
LD: For the next generation of stage managers, what do you recommend for learning skills, hands-on software programs, training?
DF: For the next generation, it’s essential to have an awareness of every department, understand everyone’s daily needs, and stay true to the needs of the tour as a whole and the big picture. To be a successful stage manager, remember that the touring industry has changed a lot in recent years. Be patient, lead by example, be firm in your decisions, and be willing to work with, and mentor, the younger generation coming up today.