The Technical crew, often abbreviated to "tech crew" or "technicians", are the individuals employed behind the scenes (backstage) who control all the technical aspects of creating a concert, play, musical, opera or other live performance. The technical crew can be divided up into 13 or more crew members: Stage manager, Props, Back-Stage crew, Lighting Desk Operator, Followspot(s), Master Electrician, Deck Electrician, Sound Desk Operator, Sound Manager, Mic Manager, Stage Hand & Flymen.
The role and composition of a tech crew can change significantly depending on the nature of an event, and often evolves as the production does. For example, in a simple theatre production, the technical crew might consist of a single person, operating the lights and controlling the volume of the sounds and music. In a large scale professional theatre productions, the technical crew can consist of dozens of different departments and may run into the hundreds of individuals. Each department has their own specific job that pertains to their area of expertise, but they are all part of the technical crew.
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The technical crew on a performance fall into many different categories, based on the individuals area of expertise and responsibilities. Some of the most common categories (those encountered on the largest variety of productions) include: Stage Management, Lighting, Sound & Stage. Each of these categories have their respected sub-categories.
The "techies" have a huge responsibility in making the performance rum smoothly, they take the responsibility of making sure you (the audience) can see the performers and also hear them, without the "techies" The show would not be possible.
Almost always wearing full black with "Crew" printed on the back/front of their shirts. Most probably wearing headsets if not they will have "walkies"(2 way radio). They will either be sitting in the sound box, lighting box, backstage or they will be setting up, lights, mics, speakers, etc.
The Technical Crew are most probably the least respected, appreciated and noticed people in the whole production. Without them, however, actors and musicians would be on an empty stage in the dark.