A behind-the-scenes look at Las Vegas show business » Exhibitions

By Mark Hebert, Exhibition City News

Book title: It’s show time!

subtitle: Behind the Scenes of Our Las Vegas Showroom Stage

author: Craig L. Hayes and Kelli Draper Wolf

association

It’s show time! Take readers behind the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas and into the lives of the hard-working stagehands who make the entertainment magic happen. Craig Hayes, a third-generation member of International Alliance of Theater and Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 720, paints a vivid picture of his family’s history in the entertainment industry. His family, from his father to his uncles, helped establish the infrastructure of Las Vegas’ early showbiz scene.

Since 1939, IATSE Local 720 has represented the men and women behind the Las Vegas entertainment industry, growing from its talented founding members to today’s more than 4,000 skilled employees. Hayes’ father, John, worked at the Mint, a historic venue where Craig began his career. Over 40 years, Craig has worked on over 20,000 shows in a variety of roles including stagehand, stage technician, carpenter, technical director, audio engineer, lighting designer, master hand, scenic artist and more. His vast experience makes him a key player in all types of productions.

family legacy

in the heart It’s show time! This is Craig’s family story, starting with his grandfather, Leander Hayes, who moved to Boulder, Nevada in 1939 and then to Basic (now Henderson) in 1943. In 1944, Leander joined IATSE Local 720 as a union representative. He struck a famous handshake deal with Ben “Bugsy” Siegel, ensuring that Local 720 would provide stagehands and technicians for Siegel’s new Flamingo Hotel, cementing the family’s long-standing presence in the Las Vegas entertainment community laid the foundation.

Since then, the Hayes family has grown into a dynasty in the Las Vegas entertainment industry. Leander’s six sons, including Craig’s father, all pursued careers as stagehands, lighting technicians, carpenters and sound designers, working on some of the city’s most iconic shows. Craig tells these stories to give readers an intimate look into the behind-the-scenes world of Las Vegas productions.

the price of dedication

Take advantage of show time! It highlights the achievements of the Hayes family while also exploring the personal challenges that come with dedication to the industry. Craig candidly shared how the demands of his career ultimately affected his personal life, leading to the breakdown of his marriage. Long working hours, relentless schedules and time away from family are recurring themes in the book, demonstrating the true cost of success in this field.

unique perspective

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Craig’s perspective as a participant and observer of Las Vegas history. From restoring Elvis Presley’s old stage at the Las Vegas Hilton to recalling the time he played audio at a Scout Jamboree when he was 10, Clay G’s story spans decades of Las Vegas show business history.

It’s amazing how much you can learn and how quickly you learn when the pressure valve opens,” Craig said of his younger days at the convention center.

Craig joined Local 720 when he was 15, initially working at The Mint Hotel and Casino, where his father also worked.

“His favorite artist to hold the spotlight was Frank Sinatra,” Craig said of his father. “John worked many nights at the Sands Hotel and Casino back when the ‘Rat Pack’ was a must-see show in Las Vegas.”

These early experiences shaped their careers, leading them to contribute to some of the largest and most complex productions in a city known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World.”

Craig’s extensive expertise, from technical direction to lighting design, allows him to adapt to the changing needs of the industry. His versatility and practical experience have made him an integral part of many productions large and small, and he has seen firsthand how the entertainment industry has grown into the spectacle it is today.

in conclusion

It’s show time! This is more than just a memoir; it’s a behind-the-scenes look at the technical backbone of Las Vegas entertainment. Craig Hayes’ dedication to his craft and his family’s legacy in the industry shines through every chapter. This book is an insightful read for anyone interested in show business technology or Las Vegas history. For those considering a career in entertainment, it provides both inspiration and a candid look at the challenges that come with the job.

“Someone said, ‘If you find a career you love, you’ll never work again in your life.’ I’m very lucky to have found a career like this,” Craig said.