Ready, Set, Stunt! How to Prepare for Your First Stunt Gig: A Checklist

So you’ve been dreaming about this day, right? You’ve trained hard, perfected your falls, flips, and fakes. Now, the moment has finally arrived—your first stunt gig! Pumped? Nervous? Totally normal! But don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered with a step-by-step checklist that’ll help you walk onto that set feeling prepared, focused, and ready to crush it.

1. Check Your Gear
​Your safety gear is more than just equipment—it’s your lifeline. Whether it's helmets, pads, harnesses, or any specialised gear, make sure everything is in tip-top shape. Double-check that it fits properly and is ready for the day’s demands. Safety first, always! Never cut corners here.
👉 Pro Tip: Treat your safety gear like your best friend—look after it, and it’ll look after you.

2. Know Your Stunt Inside and Out
Surprises are fun at birthday parties—not so much on a stunt set. Make sure you’ve gone over the stunt with your coordinator in detail. Know your marks, your timing, and every move down to the second. Rehearse it until it becomes muscle memory—then rehearse it again.
👉 Pro Tip: Practice like you’re on set, so when you’re in the spotlight, it’ll feel second nature.

3. Study the Set
Before the cameras roll, explore your playground. Check out the surfaces, any potential hazards like cables or uneven ground, and spot those slippery areas. Know exactly where you’ll be landing, falling, or running. Treat the set like an extension of your performance space--own it.
👉 Pro Tip: Got rogue cables? Slippery spots? Flag them. Safety is everyone’s job, but it starts with you.

4. Warm Up and Stretch
Stunt work is demanding, so don’t skimp on your warm-up. Stretch those muscles, get your blood pumping, and loosen up. This will not only prevent injuries but also get your mind and body synced up for the action ahead.
👉 Pro Tip: Focus on dynamic stretches—keep your body moving to mimic the type of activity you’ll be doing in the stunt.

5. Hydrate and Fuel Up
Hydration and proper fuel are your secret weapons. Keep that water bottle handy and sip consistently. Also, pack some healthy snacks—high-protein bites will give you the energy needed to power through those long takes.
👉 Pro Tip: Protein bars, nuts, or a banana are great go-tos for quick energy on set.

6. Communicate Clearly
No question is a dumb question when it comes to your safety. Got a doubt about the setup or how something will play out? Speak up! The stunt coordinator, crew, and team are there to make sure everything is crystal clear and safe.
👉 Pro Tip: It’s always better to ask and be safe than to assume and risk an injury. Voice your concerns!

7. Get Your Head in the Game
Mental prep is just as important as physical readiness. Take a few minutes to calm your mind—whether it’s through breathing exercises, meditation, or listening to your go-to hype music. Picture the stunt in your head going perfectly. Your mental focus will be key when the cameras start rolling.
👉 Pro Tip: Visualisation is a powerful tool. Run through the stunt mentally, imagining success every time.

8. Double-Check Everything
Before the action begins, do a final sweep. Check your gear one last time, make sure you know your timing, and scan the set for any changes or last-minute surprises. You can never be too careful when it comes to stunts.
👉 Pro Tip: Take your time. A quick final check can save a world of stress later on.

9. And... Breathe!
Finally, just before the cameras roll, take a deep breath. Remind yourself why you’re here—you’ve trained for this moment, you’ve done the prep, and you’re absolutely ready to shine. Breathe in, focus, and then let it rip.
👉 Pro Tip: Trust your training. This is your moment. Enjoy every second of it!

Remember: This is Just the Beginning!Your first stunt gig is a massive milestone, but it’s only the start of your journey. You’ve put in the work, you’ve got the skills—now it’s time to show the world what you’re made of. Get out there and own the spotlight!