Stagehand
Stagehands set up and operate equipment used during performances in the theatre, at concerts and in TV and film studios.
Also known as: Stage technician, backstage crew member
- Starter salary£21,000 a year
- Experienced£32,000 a year
- Typical hours40 to 50 a week
What you'll do
As a stagehand, you could:
- load and unload stage equipment
- help carpenters build and put up scenery
- follow production plans to set up stages and rigging
- control a fly system to hoist and lower lighting and scenery during rehearsals and performances
- programme and operate sound, video and visual effects equipment
- maintain and repair technical equipment
Working environment
You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped and at height.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- knowledge of building and construction
- the ability to use your initiative
- physical skills like movement, co-ordination and dexterity
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- knowledge of public safety and security
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a stagehand
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:
- stage and production management
- sound engineering and production
- theatre and production arts
- sound, lighting and live event technology
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you would need when looking for a trainee job with a theatre or production company.
Courses include:
- production arts
- sound engineering
- technical and production practice for the creative industries
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:
- Creative Industries Production Technician
- Scenic Automation Technician
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and study off site.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Work
You may be able to start in a theatre or venue as a member of the casual backstage staff and work your way up.
You can contact a theatre's resident stage manager to find out about possible opportunities.
Volunteering
Any practical backstage experience you can get will be helpful when you apply for courses and training. You can get relevant experience from:
- student, amateur and community theatre
- working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues
Career path and progression
With experience, you could lead a crew of stagehands and scene builders. You could also take further training to become a production carpenter, or a sound or lighting engineer.
You could do a creative industries production manager degree apprenticeship to become a stage manager.
You may wish to work freelance for:
- theatre venues
- TV or film studios
- touring theatre companies
- large-scale concert tours
Career tips
You may have an advantage if you've got skills and experience in electrical work, carpentry, sound or lighting.
Guides for this industry
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