Gaetke was given the opportunity to become a production assistant in June, “but only after working a couple weeks as a runner for the tour rehearsals in Los Angeles,” he said. Now Gaetke finds himself organizing the day-to-day operations and coordinating the details of the show, while still managing to have some good ol’ fashion fun.
“[Weeks ago it was] Halloween and most of the crew dressed up. One of the crew members climbs around on top of the scaffolding during the show, so he dressed as Batman. Naturally, I had to be Robin, and we got some other [staff members] to be Catwoman and the Joker,” said Gaetke. “When the show started they played the Batman theme song and put our faces on the big screen while Batman climbed to the top.”
Katy’s humor is OBVIOUSLY rubbing off on the the whole crew. The other day I was reading an article about the tour in Lighting & Sound, and Show Director Baz Halpin said the production is, “full of candy clouds, gumdrop staircases, giant lollipops, candy swirls, and all things sweet.” How does Katy’s personality make your job interesting?
Katy is a really great person to work with. She definitely has a vision and an idea of what she wants, and will do whatever it takes to make it happen. She also has a great sense of humor and loves to joke around with the cast and crew and make the whole experience fun for everybody. The funny thing is she actually doesn’t like candy. A flaming hot Cheetos themed tour, though? Look out!
On a typical tour day what do you do?
I work with the venues for setting up dressing rooms and offices, keep the production office organized and running, manage the local runners helping with show purchases, and make sure that the cast and crew tour busses are stocked and supplied with food after the show. But of course, we have a lot of fun on tour as well.
Fess up. How did you get the opportunity to become a Production Assistant on Katy Perry’s California Dreams Tour?
I actually came to get the job through CYT friends! Someone I had met in the CYT family was working in the TV/film industry for a while and offered the runner job (basically being a local shopper) to my roommate (also a CYTer). When he couldn’t take the runner job, he referred me. After the two weeks as a runner I kept in touch with the people on the tour and when they ended up needing someone else to help out, they asked if I would join.
[Finding a job is] completely [about] who you know, and the amazingly talented people of CYT are great people to know. It’s also up to you to follow through when you do get an opportunity, not only to keep your own reputation, but also the reputation of the people who referred you.
How did CYT prepare you mentally/spiritually for going on a tour with a singer apart of the secular music industry?
CYT was an amazing place to venture into the music/theater industry. Not only do you get great training, but you learn how to work with and relate to others, all with a solid moral foundation. It definitely takes work to stay on the narrow path, but having already been a part of something like CYT, I know that “being in the world and not of the world” is a definite possibility.
Any tips for CYT students who want to enter into the music world?
To current CYTers, I would advise that you use this time in your life to solidify who you are and what you stand for, that way when you come across things later in life that would compromise that, you know exactly where to say no.
Will you continue to work as a Production Assistant for the music industry? What does your future look like?
I’m not completely sure what I’ll be doing in the future. I would love to continue working in the industry, but I know the most important thing is that I follow God’s will for my life, because to me that is more important than cool careers or success, it’s the most important thing.
Katy Perry, California Dreams (North America) Remaining Tour Dates:
November 15, 2011: Hartford
November 16, 2011: New York City
November 19, 2011: Las Vegas
November 21, 2011: Oakland
November 22, 2011: Los Angeles
December 1, 2011: Grand Rapids
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