Royal Jaarbeurs: the inspired, sustainable and constantly renewing host for the whole of the Netherlands. A place where people have met and inspired each other for more than 105 years; where they learn from each other and are allowed to grow. We would like to tell you what is and has been going on at Royal Jaarbeurs. How? By introducing you to our most valuable asset: our people. This time, stage manager Gert Kroon takes us through his work in the Beatrix Theatre.
The Beatrix Theatre
Who doesn't know it: the Beatrix Theatre? Our very own theatre, named after Princess Beatrix. Known for musicals such as MAMMA MIA!, Dirty Dancing, The Bodyguard, TINA - The Tina Turner Musical and now Moulin Rouge! The Musical; productions by Stage Entertainment. Besides performances, the theatre is a unique and ideal location for organising (international) congresses and events. Very regularly, a congress or other event takes place during the day and musical stars take the stage in the evening. After more than 24 years, the Beatrix Theatre still holds no secrets for Gert. During and in the run-up to events, he keeps everything on track. Laying ballet floors, installing technology, reassuring organisations and making coffee, Gert does it all. His years of experience make him the perfect consultant for clients when it comes to the technical and practical set-up of events in the theatre.
From confetti to catwalk
Together with Gert, we walk through the theatre where at that moment the props from last night's show are being taken down. "This theatre is, I think, one of the most frequently occupied theatres in the Netherlands. Besides the musical and conferences during the day, other performances take place regularly. Because of this busy schedule, it can happen that at 5.30pm another confetti cannon goes off at the end of a congress and at 7.30pm everything has to be ready again for the musical."
During every musical, the theatre transforms completely. In every conceivable way. However, this is not always without challenges. For instance, a musical sometimes requires an emphatic and striking appearance, while a more subdued and businesslike atmosphere is desired for conferences. Thanks to the excellent cooperation with Stage Entertainment, a suitable solution is always found.
For the current musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, even involved moving the entire orchestra pit. "The musical uses a special stage where a kind of catwalk - a passerelle - is placed in the extension of the stage. Because that's where the orchestra pit normally sits, a whole new orchestra space was built behind the wings."
The bigger the theatre makeover, the tighter the schedule becomes to rebuild the musical after a conference. "With 15 people, all technology and décor is removed from the venue within half an hour. If external technology is used, this number can go up to 40 people. Sometimes they are then still packing up outside when the musical is already starting. To make sure everything is in the right place, I carefully check everything during set-up and take-down. If I still forget something, there is always someone there during the reconstruction to take a critical look."
Always a solution
In the run-up to an event, Gert works closely with the organiser. "Together with the account manager, I advise on what is a good host or a nice show block. Because for each event the technology is set up in a unique way, I also advise in that area. Because of this contact, the organiser already knows me and they see a familiar face on the day of the event. Conversely, for me, I also have a real feel for the event."
Despite all the preparations and secure planning, unforeseen things can happen on the day of the event. "A while ago, an event with many models took place. One of them was in a wheelchair. She could not easily reach the conference stage which is 20 centimetres higher. In the workshop, I made a platform that allowed her to enter the stage with her wheelchair in no time.
Similar creativity was needed for a performance by an illusionist. "The illusion fitted exactly through the passage to the stage. However, just before his show, a damaged wall was repaired so the illusion no longer fitted. In situations like this, I look for a solution, and that solution always comes. Because it will not be a mediocre show, not a good show but a fantastic show."
Gert's golden crown
In December 2024, Gert, along with four other colleagues, won a Golden Crown; an award presented annually during the Jaarbeurs year-end party to employees for their unbridled effort, commitment and special achievements. Keeping his award secret posed an extra challenge because the party, like every year, took place in the theatre. And whatever happens in the theatre, Gert is involved. "It's nice to get appreciation this way for the versatile work I do. Indeed, ever since I started working at Jaarbeurs, I regularly have to explain exactly what I do because it is so different. I don't have a standard 9-to-5 job. After the musical ends in the evening, a small team often starts building up that day's event as early as four o'clock in the morning. We have to make the most of that build-up time and we really need it. If something breaks down at that time, I have to find a solution myself. For that reason, I master all the disciplines I need."
Gert's years of experience and his amazing ability to react quickly to unexpected situations make him a crucial force within Jaarbeurs. His creativity and technical knowledge ensure that every event, regardless of the challenges, runs smoothly.
