Stagehand
What is the work like?
Stagehands, also known as stage technicians or crew, work backstage with scenery, props and special effects in theatrical productions and concerts.
As a stagehand, you would play a vital role in any performance, by knowing exactly where and when to move objects and scenery. Your tasks could include:
- loading and unloading equipment
- helping carpenters to build and put up scenery
- attending rehearsals, to become familiar with every scene change
- moving scenery, furniture and heavy equipment during performances
- opening and closing the curtains between acts
- operating manual and automated scenery-moving machinery
- clearing the stage and backstage area at the end of the performance.
You would work as part of a team under the direction of a master carpenter, technical manager or stage manager.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You would often start as casual backstage staff – to find work, you could approach a theatre's resident stage manager or master carpenter.You do not need any formal qualifications.
Stage managers will be interested in your experience and practical skills, so it would be useful to have backstage experience from school, college, amateur or fringe productions. You may also find it helpful to have skills and experience in carpentry, electrical work, sound or lighting.
You could choose to take a college or university course in technical theatre or stage management before looking for work. This is not essential, but it would be useful if you want to progress into stage management or technical work like sound or lighting. Relevant courses include:
- BTEC National Certificate or Diploma in Production Arts
- BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Performing Arts (Production)
- degrees in stage management or technical theatre.
You should check entry requirements with individual course providers.
What further training and development can I do?
You will learn on the job from experienced backstage crew. You may also be able to take some short courses in skills such as:
- health and safety
- scaffolds and towers
- using hydraulics and pulleys
- pyrotechnics.
See the Association of British Theatre Technicians website for details of short courses for stagehands and other backstage technical staff.
If you want to progress into technical and production roles, you could take a technical theatre or stage management course at drama school or university. You can find a full list of approved courses (usually degrees or postgraduate diplomas) on the National Council for Drama Training (NCDT) website.
See the related profiles for more information about technical theatre and stage management.
Where can I go for more information?
London
SW9 9BT
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9200
London
WC1H 0JJ
Tel: 020 7387 3650
London
EC1M 3JB
Tel: 020 7242 9250
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Full-time stagehands could earn between £11,000 and £15,000 a year.
- With experience and technical skills, you could earn £20,000 to £30,000 a year.
- The standard rate for a single concert is £10 an hour or £50 a show.
What are the hours and working conditions?
Your hours would vary according to the needs of performance. Most performances take place in the evening, but you would also work in the afternoons during rehearsals or matinee shows. You would usually finish late at night.
You might work in one venue, or travel to different venues when on tour. Conditions backstage may sometimes be cramped and hot. You may need to work at heights and lift heavy objects. You would wear black clothing during performances, for making scene changes in the dark.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- physical fitness and stamina
- the ability to work well as part of a team
- a patient and flexible attitude
- the ability to work under pressure
- enthusiasm
- a head for heights
- good awareness of health and safety
- an interest in theatre and live performance.
What opportunities are there?
You could work for theatre venues, touring theatre companies and large-scale pop, rock or classical concert tours. Freelance work is common.
Some jobs may be advertised in The Stage or on theatre crew recruitment websites, but it is also common to find work through word of mouth.
With experience, you could lead a crew of stagehands and scene builders, or become a production carpenter. You could eventually progress to tour manager or stage manager.
You may find the following useful for job vacancies and general reading (links open new window):
The Stage
Stage Jobs Pro
Get Into Theatre (listings of theatres and theatre companies)
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