Meet David Smith, a man whose career has spanned an incredible 50 years in the world of set building. But now, as he embarks on a new chapter of his life, he’s ready to shift his focus from the bustling set-building environment to something he’s equally passionate about – woodturning.

Adventurous beginnings

David’s journey began in Port Elizabeth (PE), South Africa, where he spent his formative years before moving to the UK for his last two years of school. His adventurous spirit led him to dive into the world of work at the age of 17 in 1973. He explored various occupations, from working in a clothing shop to selling encyclopedias door-to-door. However, destiny took an exciting turn when he heard about the spectacular show Disney on Parade’s imminent arrival in South Africa.

With unwavering determination, David made his way to Johannesburg in 1976. He knocked relentlessly on Film Trust’s doors, visiting their offices daily, touting for a chance to join the team led by Andre and Philo Pieterse. Eventually, they relented, offering him a role as a stagehand for Disney on Parade. This show was a colossal musical extravaganza, featuring everything from stunning costumes to props, with cast and crew imported from America. David was among the few South Africans amidst this international extravaganza, debuting in a 6000-seat raked tented arena. He found himself amongst a range of colourful characters, including, he recalls fondly, a tent master who doubled as a sword swallower. The fever of the entertainment industry quickly infected him, and he stayed on as Stage Manager after Disney, overseeing a wide range of events, from boxing matches to political rallies and circus acts.

But as the Film Trust Arena days faded away, David spent a few more years working in “regular theatre”. However, he soon realised that while he enjoyed the thrill of rehearsal and setup preparation, he found the daily running of the show tedious and craved more of a challenge. He changed course and spent 3.5 years as a computer operator and programmer, leveraging the unique blend of analytical and hands-on skills that he is known for. Little did he know that these skills would later converge in the world of set building.

The bug bites

“As anyone who works in events will testify, once the theatre bug has bitten, it never leaves you,” he testifies, “So in the early eighties, I returned to a different aspect of theatre and began working at Kevco studios in Braamfontein, a set-building workshop run by Kevin Maybury and Steve Collins, whom I had met during the Film Trust Arena days. That is where I discovered my love of set building.” He reminisces about his early days at Kevco, where he embarked on some standout projects like creating multi-staged car launches that toured the country, complete with revolving platforms and other captivating features. Kevin and Steve set a benchmark in the set-building industry, seeming to achieve all the best jobs by being solutions-focused with a penchant for ensuring it was done “exactly right” and without compromise – a trait that David shares. “Carpenters know that when I run my fingers over a joint, I am expecting not to be able to feel the joint”, he laughs. “However, I am also quite patient. Many of the people I have worked with did not have the same access to learning that I had, so I enjoy passing on the knowledge.”

With a side serving of adrenaline

The journey didn’t stop there. In 1984, David joined Multivisio, a leading audio-visual company in South Africa at the time, where he got to explore the innovative realm of slide projection, contributing to groundbreaking car launches and shows that left a lasting impact. “We did pretty much every car launch in the country over the next six years”. Johann Kruger was very innovative, introducing audio-visual trends from Japan to South Africa, using giant screens and a host of projectors together in ways that were new on the local scene.”

After a brief return to PE, David felt the pull of Johannesburg once again. He ventured into Audio Image, a company making waves in the car launch market, competing with giants like Multivisio. Audio Image was just starting to use video and slide combinations for large-screen multi-image projection exhibitions and launches. It was an exciting time to be at the leading edge of audio-visual “show packaging.” Like the rest of the team, he was also deeply involved in building the theatre on the Track in 1994. “I can tell you that on the day that theatre opened, everyone who worked at Audio Image at the time was still putting the finishing touches to the venue, laying carpets, and doing everything necessary to prepare it for opening. This is just part of the adrenaline rush we love about this career choice.”

A “backstage boy.”

“After I left Audio Image, which by that time had become O’MAGE, I started up The Redbox corporation with Kevin Glover, providing audio-visual equipment and technical services to event managers”. That lasted around three years before I became General Manager at Joburg Set Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of O’MAGE.” Joburg Set Company built a lot of exhibition stands and hospitality areas for the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Electra Mining Show, BAUMA construction industry show, the Aerospace and Defence Show held at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria as well as corporate events.

David’s heart lies backstage. “I’m a backstage boy and always have been,” he says. “I thrive on working with clients but prefer to remain in the background on the whole”. He embraced the role of Branch Manager, JHB, when approached by Pieter Joubert and Craig Pretorius to join Sets Drapes Screens (SDS) in 2015, choosing to support rather than take on a more leading role.

Over the past eight years at SDS, David has weathered the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic together with the company. As most of the Live Events industry ground to a halt due to stringent gathering restrictions, SDS pivoted, using its manufacturing skills to make emergency provisions and keeping its team engaged. The result was that when the restrictions relaxed, SDS found itself able to pick up and run with the set-building work as it started coming in. “Because Pieter (Joubert – SDS Managing Director) made the decision to do this we were much better positioned for recovery than most,” explains David, “Because we’d stayed on, we were ready! We were keen! So, I think we were fortunate.”

Amongst the first event types to recover was the experiential marketing segment, which SDS retained as the live event market roared back to life. In 2023, SDS is thriving and according to David even turning away work due to high demand.

The importance of innovation and adaptation

Reflecting on his journey, David reiterates the importance of innovation and adaptation in the industry. CNC machines have revolutionized the set-building landscape, opening up new creative possibilities and career paths. While he might be amongst the last of an era of great set-builders, David believes that the industry is on the brink of a new chapter and that the future holds promise with 3D printing and continued innovation driven by designers.

But beyond the tools and techniques, David emphasises the importance of humility, patience, and passing on knowledge. He values leading by example and believes in the potential of every individual to learn and grow. “It is by exploring the potential of the upcoming generation of set builders and designers that this industry will continue to grow.”

But it is more than just anyone who is cut out for the set building and event space. In parting, David shares a message for those entering the industry: “You must REALLY WANT IT to be in this business. It’s not just a job; it’s a way of life. We’re deadline-driven in this industry, and opening night means everything. The challenges will expand to fill the time allocated, but you will make it work because you have to.”

David Smith, the “backstage boy,” leaves an indelible mark on the world of set building, a legacy of dedication, innovation, and a passion for craftsmanship as well as his own distinctive imprint on the lives of his colleagues at SDS.

“In the short space of time that I have known David, he has been a well of knowledge and experience – funny and witty at any given moment and always striving to see the bigger picture. He never wasted a teachable moment, even if you were not in the mood to listen to it at times,” quips SDS Project Manager, Nathi Radebe. “In short, he’s our ‘Wise Old Man’ with an amagwinya addiction😄. I have gained great respect and knowledge from him and wish him blessings into his retirement.”

“Thank you to the man who introduced me to this mad industry, for the time spent together and all the knowledge you so freely share,” adds SDS Durban’s Branch Manager, Pieter Brink.

Administrator, Carolyn Dixon, has loved working with David during her short time at SDS, appreciating the intelligence, freely given advice and wry humor that color his daily work life. “With a wealth of knowledge and friendship stored in his head and in his heart, David made my time at SDS such fun. I will miss him dearly! All the best for your retirement David, hope you actually get some rest!”