Welcome to ShowsAlive, an audiovisual company based in Denver, Colorado. This manual outlines the expectations, policies, and procedures that all subcontractors must follow to ensure a professional, safe, and efficient work environment.
1. General Expectations
- Be on Time: Arrive 15 minutes early for your scheduled call time to check in and complete any necessary preparations.
- Attendance & Call-Offs:
- If you are running late, call and text your name, position, and estimated arrival time.
- Three (3) unexcused late arrivals or no-call/no-shows within a three-month period will result in suspension from the call list for the following quarter.
- To cancel a confirmed call, notify dispatch at least 24 hours before your scheduled start time.
2. Dress Code
- Load-In & Show Days:
- Black t-shirts or black polo shirts (no logos)
- Black pants or black denim pants (no shorts or sweatpants)
- Black sneakers or black shoes (no open-toe footwear)
- Operator Attire: Some events require operators to wear a black or dark navy blue suit jacket (check booking details)
- Clothing Policy: ShowsAlive does not reimburse for clothing purchases
3. Tools & Equipment
- Stagehands: Carry a multi-tool with a knife and a 6-8” crescent wrench at all times
- Technicians: Bring any personal tools and technology needed to complete your tasks efficiently
- Reimbursement Policy: ShowsAlive does not reimburse for tools, personal technology, or lost equipment
4. Personal Grooming & Professionalism
- Hair must be clean and well-groomed
- Maintain good hygiene: clean hands, face, and fresh-smelling breath
- Tattoos and piercings should be kept to a minimum and not distracting
- Report to the Crew Chief at the beginning of the show and remain in your designated work area unless otherwise directed by a Crew Lead or Project Manager
5. Breaks & Meals
- Breaks occur approximately 2–2.5 hours from the start time or after lunch
- Lunch is after 4–5 hours and lasts for one hour
- You are responsible for your own meals unless otherwise specified by the Crew Lead or Project Manager
- Public catering and food in client areas are off-limits unless explicitly approved
- Parking & Meal Costs: Unless stated otherwise in the booking email, subcontractors must cover their own parking and meals
- Use the SpotHero app to find affordable parking downtown
6. Overtime & Pay
- Overtime:
- Begins after 10 hours of work
- Paid hourly beyond the 10th hour
- Turnaround Overtime:
- Applies when returning to the same show in under 8 hours or working before 8 AM
- Only available on certain contracts (check booking emails)
- Payroll & Invoicing:
- Payment is NET 30 (30 days from invoice submission)
- You may be paid sooner, but plan finances assuming 30 days
- Invoices must be submitted within 90 days of the last workday on a show
- No bulk invoice requests — ShowsAlive is not a bank
7. On-Site Behavior & Safety
- Complete each task efficiently, then immediately return to your lead for your next assignment
- If your lead needs a moment to assign the next task, you may take a short (5-minute) break but should remain proactive
- Cell Phones:
- No phone use during setup and work hours for safety reasons
- If a call is urgent, step outside the work area or go to the restroom
8. Colorado State Regulations & Compliance Independent Contractor Status
As a subcontractor with ShowsAlive, you are considered an independent contractor under
Colorado law. This means:
- Tax Obligations:
- You are responsible for paying federal and state income taxes, as well as Self-Employment Contributions Act (SECA) taxes
- You must file appropriate tax forms, such as W-9 and 1099-NEC
- Unemployment Insurance: Independent contractors are not entitled to unemployment insurance benefits unless you provide your own coverage
- Workers' Compensation:
- You are not covered by ShowsAlive's workers' compensation insurance
- If you wish to reject coverage, you must complete the appropriate form indicating your decision
ShowsAlive is committed to providing a safe working environment in compliance with OSHA standards:
- Wear appropriate PPE when required
- Do not operate equipment you are not trained or qualified to use
- Report hazards or unsafe conditions immediately to your crew lead or project manager
Invoice Number (e.g., S-00A1)eet SAWhat to Include on Your Invoice:
- Your Full Name / Business Name
- Mailing Address
- Phone Number & Email
- Invoice Number (e.g., SA-001)
- Invoice Date
- Date(s) of Work
- Event Name / Location
- Position (e.g., Stagehand, Video Tech)
- Start/End Time + Total Hours Worked
- Hourly Rate + Total Amount Due
- Payment Terms: NET 30
- Your Tax ID Number or SSN (for 1099-NEC)
How to Submit Your Invoice:
- Email invoices to: [Insert dispatch or accounting email]
- Subject line: INVOICE - [Your Name] - [Event Name]
- File Format: PDF only
- Submit within 72 hours of your last shift
- Save a copy for your records
Don’t Do This:
- Don’t combine multiple months or shows into one invoice
- Don’t delay submitting invoices
- Don’t expect same-week payment; NET 30 applies
10.🧰 ShowsAlive New Contractor Checklist
✅ Before Your First Call:
- Reviewed and signed ShowsAlive Independent Contractor Agreement
& Submitted your W-9 form
- Have a valid ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Added SpotHero app or know where to park affordably
✅ What to Bring On Show Site:
- Black t-shirt/polo with no logos
- Black pants or black jeans
- Black shoes or sneakers (no open-toed)
- Multi-tool with knife
- 6–8” Crescent Wrench
- Water bottle & small snack
- Suit jacket (if you’re an operator or told it’s a formal event)
- Your own tech/tools if you’re filling a specialized role
✅ What to Know:
- Be 15 minutes early to check in
- No food from green room/client areas unless invited
- Breaks usually after 2–2.5 hrs / Lunch after 4–5 hrs
- Lunch & parking are on you unless told otherwise
- Use your invoice cheat sheet to bill correctly
- Turn invoices in within 72 hours