Recorded live from Rock Lititz, Nikki Sanz sits down with Butch Allen, VP of Global Business Development at TAIT, and a touring veteran who’s done nearly every job on the road (“everything but audio”). Butch breaks down what actually moves your career forward in live events: learning fast, contributing solutions, and being someone people want in the “fishbowl” when the pressure is high and the clock is ticking. If you’re trying to level up—whether you’re a stagehand, tech, designer, or production leader—this one is a blueprint. What you’ll learn: Why “make the effort” is the real unlock for growth on tourHow being a “good hang” can matter as much as raw technical skillWhat changed between early touring days and today’s professionalized crewsThe moment Butch knew he was done with the grind—and what he did nextHow show design really works: from blank page to build to realityWhy live events are “purely human” in an AI-heavy worldWhat it takes to thrive in touring’s “fishbowl” environmentButch Allen Bio: Ladies and gentlemen, technicians, professionals, and artists of questionable sleep schedules—this is fully Giggs’ fault with the full knowledge of TAIT, who bravely agreed to let Butch speak into a microphone unsupervised. Prepare for insights, unseeables, and the unfiltered thoughts of a man who once said, “Um, sure. Let’s do that,” before knowing what “that” was. Let the chaos begin. 🙃 Butch Allen has spent years working in live entertainment, helping build shows, solve problems, and keep things moving—sometimes literally. He’s known for a practical approach, a dry sense of humor, and the ability to stay surprisingly awake when everyone else is out of coffee. His path through the industry has been shaped by collaboration, curiosity, and saying “yes” maybe one or two times too many. Now, he’s here to talk about the work, the people, and the oddities that come with it. Butch is the VP of Global Business Development at TAIT and a lifelong touring and live events professional who began in technical theater before falling in love with concert lighting. Over his career, he’s worn nearly every hat on the road—lighting director, production manager, stage manager, designer, backline, and even stepping in to drive a bus or truck when needed (everything but audio). He’s worked with major artists including Eric Church, The Eagles, Metallica, Melanie Martinez, and Paramore, and he’s passionate about building great teams, solving hard problems, and helping projects find their way from big idea to real-world execution. Find your next Gigg: https://www.giggs.live/ Stay up to date: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggs.live Youtube: https://youtube.com/@giggs-live TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giggs.live Host: Nikki Sanz
