Let's Get To Know Roos Aerts
We are introduced to Roos Aerts
Roos Aerts is the stage manager and responsible for the erection of the podium. Safety is of utmost importance.Imperturbable and with a loud voice she will call the musicians when it is time to start. Let the party begin.
“WE ARE A SMALL TOWN WITH 120 INHABITANTS, WITH ANDRÉ AS THE MAYOR”
“ I am the spindle and most important link between the different technical crews. It is my duty to make sure that everything runs as smoothly as possible. Communication has to be optimal. I normally work with eight departments: production, décor, sound, lights, video, security, catering and costumes. But in the greater arena the total actually doubles in number. Then I easily work with 350 people. Each country is unique and has its own culture and special requirements. You need to collect a lot of information from these countries. Luckily for me I am well versed in English, German and French, which is a requirement in my line of work. It is also advisable to work with the local teams in each country because they know the area and location best.
We work on a very tight schedule. During a tour the whole crew will travel in a night liner; a very special type of bus, also known as ‘an entertainer’ in the USA, which is used in the transportation of bands and technicians. These vehicles were developed for only eight to eighteen passengers. They are equipped with comfortable lounges, bunk beds, black-framed mirrors, DVD-players and a plasma TV. We make use of three night liners to transport the crew. We travel by night or early morning to our next destination or country. On arrival we have lunch and immediately start erecting the podium. The podium has to be completed by noon in order for André and the orchestra to start with repetition.
During the show the crew will sleep in the night liner. As soon as the show ends, normally around midnight, the crew will immediately dissemble the stage. This normally takes up to three hours. Thereafter we will once again get into the night liner and travel to the next city. This can be hard. Luckily for me I have a good relationship with the members of the orchestra. When I am tired I will sleep in the night liner and the orchestra sleeps in a hotel. Doing things differently is logistically impossible. I spend more time with the crew than with my partner. During the day we will perhaps have 15 minutes of privacy. We all use this time for our own leisure or creativity. As stage manager the final responsibility rests on me, but it is important that everybody feels inspired and stimulated. We always learn from one another. Every hall is also different; with flexibility, a strong focus and team spirit everything works out fine.
Each show is brilliant. Even if you do not like it, everyone sees and experiences the professionalism and dedication that was put into the show. We are actually a small town of 120 inhabitants, travelling the world over. And with André being the mayor; the intimacy is magic.”
Roos Aerts was born in 1972 in Venlo. She used to work at Opera Zuid as stage manager, but sees the world with Rieu. Roos and Tanja Derwahl has a two year old son, Louis Sydney. Louis is named after the city Sydney,because that is where Roos was at the time of his birth.
Thanks to Deirdre for the translation
Thanks to Deirdre for the translation
Posted by Moderator Jeanine Ann at February 10, 2012 
Categories: Special Entry, JSO Choir - Orchestra
Categories: Special Entry, JSO Choir - Orchestra
Thanks for this information. Very interesting. How wonderful to see all these crew members and orchestra members and their Mayor, Andre working so well together. It is awesome to read these bits of info. LOVE
It is greatly appreciated.
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Thank you Deirdré for the translation.
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Thank you for this article, without these people there would be no concerts . Hugs and Luv Ruth
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Deirdre' thank you for translating this article always good to read about the "Others" involved with Andre's concerts without them the concert & all its greatness would be a little dim;
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It is hard work, with deprivation of family and children, but what a unique community.
A huge thanks to those behind the podium as we never see. The music is always wonderful, but without setting up cenen and costumes and what belonging, the experience would not be the same.
Exciting reading.
A huge hug to the whole crew and to Roos for this report and you dear Deirdre translation ...... Oh where would jegnyde to have Andre as bogmester.
I wish you all a wonderful Week-end.
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Very interesting article about Roos , thanks Deidre!!!!
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Thank you for this fascinating look behind the scenes Deirdre. Andre and the JSO would not be able to perform properly, and enjoy doing it (!) without the support staff in the background doing their bit (a BIG bit I might add).
Roos must have exceptional organizational skills to be able to co-ordinate everything - an unsung heroine!
As Bill mentioned, such an important cog in the wheel, without whom things could probably easily fall apart.
I salute you Roos - you're doing a great job!
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DEIRDRE, YOU ARE GREAT,
My sweetie girl, Amazon, a real professional!
It is a very interesting article, bringing us close to the JSO, coming to know them.
Each and every one is special, very good very professional!
Andre must be really happy for having created such a wonderful family of exceptional musicians.
Thank you for the article,
Love you a lot,
Eve
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LOL, there's lots of glamour in the lives of the crew, there is no need to worry about that
And Roos is also not deprived of her loved ones, since her loved one works for Andre too. They must miss little Louis though, but sometimes even the children can come along on tour and people are hired to take care of them.
ExcellenT!
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Wooooow ..... Can not I apply for a job as a nanny ...... or care for our dear André. I would personally ensure solid 4 hours rest at midday. Or maybe as a chef for his food. Ha ha I have done many things in my life. It could be a joy to give back a little of it as André and any fan friends have given me.
Love you all.
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