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Dave Aretsky is a multi-media artist with over 40 years of experience in the entertainment technical services business. His journey began at the age of 13 when he started working for local bands as a roadie, lighting director, and audio engineer. Over the years, he has collaborated with various live production companies in Los Angeles, taking on roles such as a live stage technician, film/TV lighting tech, gaffer, grip, swing, and scenic artist. Dave holds certifications as a recording engineer, part 107 UAV drone pilot, and PADI advanced open water scuba diver. He also has a background in art photography and works as an independent videographer, editor, and special effects artist. In his free time, Dave enjoys biking, traveling, good food, sipping freshly brewed beer, and working out at the gym.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Stagehand: A Backstage Pass to My Life Stories by David H. Aretsky is a memoir that talks about the author's experiences as a stagehand, revealing the highs, lows, and rewards of the profession. Aretsky speaks on the demanding nature of the job, including long hours, difficult conditions, and the physical strain of working in diverse environments. He leans into the sacrifices required, such as missing family events, but also his true love for the work. Aretsky also shares his personal values, contrasting them with conventional measures of success. Aretsky chose a life of adventure, prioritizing creativity and meaningful experiences over wealth and material possessions. After more than forty years in the industry, he shares the stories and memories from a life well-lived, fulfilling childhood dreams while forgoing traditional markers of success.
Stagehand by David H. Aretsky is a thoughtful patchwork of a memoir, written as journal entries and standalone reminiscing, that is packed with fantastic stories and the cost of his life on the road. The writing is strong, clear, and detailed, and as a reader who knows nothing of the business, I found the conversational style of the writing fluid and comfortable. Aretsky’s sharp observational style brings each scene to life in near cinematic splendor, whether it's a chaotic tent collapse, the incredible beauty of the Château de Mazan, meeting Prince, or sharing happier moments with his ex. These varied experiences are unified by a central meditation on change. His line, “There may be times of desperation… But as a creative person, you must keep pursuing your dreams…” is less a refrain and more his guiding mantra and life affirmation. I love his characterizations of others, the standout being the surprising down-to-earth pragmatism of Crystal Gayle, revealing not just names but personalities, values, and the odd, human beauty behind the scenes. Very highly recommended.
