The 'ninjas' who swap out Eurovision Song Contest sets in 48 seconds
A team of stage hands, referred to as 'ninjas', efficiently swaps out sets for the Eurovision Song Contest in just 48 seconds between acts. This group, mainly composed of local volunteers, meticulously rehearses their movements to ensure a seamless transition during the live show. Their impressive coordination is crucial to maintaining the show's pace and avoiding any mistakes that could disrupt the performance.
- ▪The stage hands are nicknamed 'ninjas' for their quick set changes during the Eurovision Song Contest.
- ▪Each of the 25 competing countries has a unique physical set that must be swapped in under a minute.
- ▪The team consists of around 20 local stage hands who rehearse their movements to ensure precision.
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The 'ninjas' who swap out Eurovision Song Contest sets in 48 secondsSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished May 16, 2026, 06:02 PMUpdated May 16, 2026, 06:02 PMVIENNA, May 16 - You will barely notice them on television, but a small band of stage hands nicknamed "ninjas" at the Eurovision Song Contest perform a feat as impressive as those on stage: swapping out countries' sets in the 48 seconds between acts.Although a huge LED-screen stage and backdrop provide many of the visual cues, each of the 25 countries competing in Saturday's final of the contest has its own physical set that has to be hauled on to and off the stage and, in the case of the contest favourite Finland, set on fire.All in less than a minute."That's the set-up time these 20-odd people have to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.