ABOUT US
YOOCrew was started in 2019 by Nic Balkum and Sam Johnston, keen to fill the demands for a crewing company that enabled development of specialist production technicians in the Wellington Region. Despite the difficult COVID pandemic the company has grown, answering the need for qualified and experienced crew in specialist roles throughout New Zealand.
Our roots are in production rigging, however we have an extensive network of crew with a variety of skill sets across all technical production disciplines.
Our team is comprised mainly of freelance contract staff, who are hand picked for their ability to efficiently and safely deliver the specific needs of the productions on which we work. We also pride ourselves on supporting younger technicians to develop and grow through mentoring and training within our company.
Our crews can regularly be found working on various festivals, concerts, stage productions, art installs, film sets, and corporate events.
In 2021 we aligned ourselves with Theatrical Solutions (Auckland NZ), enabling us to hold a stock of rigging hardware and equipment to further support our client’s needs.
NIC BALKUM
Nic is originally from the USA and came to New Zealand in 2014 bringing with him over 10 years experience in the entertainment industry, mainly working on outdoor stage builds and high steel rigging. Nic has a passion for safe rigging and aerial performance rigging. Since arriving in New Zealand, he has worked as a freelance rigger and production technician on some of the largest shows in the country, as well as touring for a time with Cirque Du Soliel prior to the pandemic. In addition to running YOOCrew, he is currently the Head Rigger of WOW - New Zealand’s largest theatrical show.
Contact Nic:
+64 (0) 20406 13868
Nic@yoocrew.co.nz
SAM JOHNSTON
Sam is a born and bred Kiwi who spent over 15 years as a venue technical manager, integrating and working out creative ways of fitting international scale shows into NZ sized spaces! Sam takes pride in helping develop people through mentoring, training, and qualifications. Sam absolutely loves getting his hands dirty on a job site, especially when he can get out and rig, but is equally comfortable in his roles of Technical or Production Manager for large events. He is also a registered electrician, so regularly finds himself fault finding and problem solving - even if that is not where he is meant to be!