How to organise a stunt show safely and smoothly

A stunt show needs a tighter production plan than a standard public event because vehicles, performers and spectators share one site. Start by defining the playing area, audience capacity and access routes before booking the stunt team or selling places. Then build the safety plan with the stunt coordinator, arrange permits, insurance, medical cover and traffic control, and only after that finalise the programme and technical setup. This order helps prevent late changes to barriers, parking, sound, lighting and emergency access.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Mark out the venue and playing area
2 people
2
Check permits and notifications
2 people
3
Hire the stunt team
2 people
4
Reserve technical production
2 people
5
Arrange insurance for the stunt show
6
Prepare safety plan
3 people
7
Create a risk assessment with the stunt coordinator
3 people
8
Determine emergency scenarios and evacuation
3 people
9
Determine audience capacity
2 people
10
Send invitations
2 people
11
Process registrations
2 people
12
Collect dietary requirements
13
Order catering
2 people
14
Book security and traffic controllers
2 people
15
Reserve first aid coverage
2 people
16
Finalize the stunt program
3 people
17
Prepare music and announcements
2 people
18
Send audience information
19
Make route and parking signs
2 people
20
Confirm materials and rentals
2 people
21
Do the shopping
3 people
22
Check stunt vehicles
3 people
23
Prepare the technical briefing
2 people

Event

24
Make the venue accessible
4 people
25
Conduct a safety inspection
4 people
26
Set Up Audience Sections
5 people
27
Put up barriers
5 people
28
Unload stunt equipment
5 people
29
Set up stunt vehicles
5 people
30
Lay out crash mats and protective equipment
5 people
31
Place fire safety equipment
3 people
32
Set up the sound system
4 people
33
Set up lighting
3 people
34
Connect power supply
3 people
35
Set up catering point
3 people
36
Set up the first aid station
2 people
37
Set up registration desk
2 people
38
Brief the stunt team
6 people
39
Hold Security Briefing
5 people
40
Hold staff briefing
8 people
41
Open audience entrance
4 people
42
Register visitors
4 people
43
Guide the audience to sections
5 people
44
Set out drinks and snacks
3 people
45
Open the stunt show
2 people
46
Perform stunt acts
12 people
47
Guard safety zones
6 people
48
Refill drinks
2 people
49
Serve snacks
3 people
50
Moderate audience questions
2 people
51
Supervise the photo and film zone
2 people
52
Set up evening program
5 people
53
Perform evening acts
12 people
54
Operate the light show
2 people
55
Monitor crowd flow
5 people
56
Serve the last round
3 people
57
Wrap up show
2 people
58
Safely escort the audience out
6 people
59
Collect lost property
2 people

Aftercare

60
Secure stunt equipment
5 people
61
Park and lock vehicles
3 people
62
Dismantle the sound system
4 people
63
Dismantle lighting
3 people
64
Remove the barriers
5 people
65
Clean up catering
3 people
66
Collect and sort waste
4 people
67
Wash dishes and supplies
3 people
68
Clean the grounds
5 people
69
Check for damage and any items left behind
2 people
70
Return rental items
3 people
71
Return stunt equipment
3 people
72
Store leftover stock
2 people
73
Hand over the venue
3 people
74
Archive photo and video materials
75
Send thank-you message

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Beer tablesqty 12
High tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 120
Registration deskqty 2
Bar stoolsqty 6
Waste binsqty 12

Equipment

Sound system
Microphonesqty 4
Mixer
Speaker standsqty 4
Extension cordsqty 12
Cable reelsqty 4
Power splitterqty 4
Walkie-talkiesqty 12
Megaphonesqty 2
Laptopsqty 2
Payment terminalsqty 3
Charging stationsqty 3

Lighting

LED spotlightsqty 12
Light standsqty 4
Work lightsqty 6
Flashlightsqty 8

Safety

Crowd barriersqty 40
Traffic conesqty 30
Barrier tapeqty 8
Warning signsqty 12
Safety vestsqty 20
Hearing protectionqty 150
Fire extinguishersqty 8
Fire blanketsqty 4
First aid kitsqty 3
Eye wash bottlesqty 4
Emergency lightsqty 6

Sports equipment

Crash matsqty 8
Crash padsqty 4
Protective matsqty 12
Stunt rampqty 2
Stunt barrelsqty 12
Stunt dummiesqty 4
Springboardsqty 2
Cable matsqty 20
Spare helmetsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 6
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 250
Coffee cupsqty 180
Platesqty 180
Forksqty 180
Knivesqty 180
Spoonsqty 180
Small bowlsqty 24

Decorations

Stage drapesqty 4
Event flagsqty 12
Directional signsqty 15
Program postersqty 20

Cleaning

Broom setsqty 4
Litter pickersqty 4
Bucketsqty 6
Mopsqty 6
Cleaning cartsqty 2
Hand soap dispensersqty 8

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Mark the venue and playing area before confirming the layout. Leave clear separation between the stunt zone and spectators, and plan space for crowd barriers, warning signs, emergency lights and vehicle access.
Work with the stunt coordinator on one written risk assessment and safety plan. Cover vehicle failure, fire, injury, crowd movement and evacuation, then brief every crew member before doors open.
Confirm permits, insurance and emergency cover several weeks before the show. First aid, security and traffic controllers are difficult to replace at short notice, especially when the venue has limited access roads.
Set audience capacity from the site layout rather than from ticket demand. Include registration, catering, toilets, accessible routes, parking signs and evacuation space when deciding how many people the venue can safely hold.
Schedule a full technical and safety inspection on the event day, before the audience arrives. Test the sound system, microphones, lighting, extension cords and work lights, and check that crash mats, fire equipment and first aid kits are in position.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I start planning a stunt show?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before the event. Allow extra time if you need permits, road or parking controls, specialist insurance, several stunt vehicles or a large audience.
Do I need insurance and permits for a stunt show?: Usually, yes: the exact requirements depend on the venue, vehicles, audience size and local authority. Check them before booking the date, and aim to have approvals and insurance confirmed no later than 4 weeks before the show.
How do you keep the audience safe at a stunt show?: Separate spectators from the playing area with barriers, cones and warning signs, and keep emergency routes clear at all times. Set capacity from the site plan and complete a safety inspection before admitting the audience.
What equipment is needed for a stunt show?: Plan for production equipment such as sound, microphones and lighting, plus safety equipment including crash mats, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, eye wash, emergency lights and hearing protection. Check and position everything during the technical briefing, not during the performance.

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