Theatre Stagehand

Also known as:

Stagehand
Stage Technician

Introduction

Theatre stagehands prepare the stage for a performance, move scenery and clear away afterwards. The work involves responsibility for maintaining sets and props.

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Work Activities

Stagehands work in theatres setting up scenery, furniture and props before performances. They also change things around in between scenes and during the interval. They may raise and lower the stage curtain.

Stagehands may be responsible for the basic maintenance of stage sets, furniture and props as well as being involved in their construction. They must make sure all the scenery is secure. At the end of a performance, they take down scenery and store it in an accessible way.

Stagehands may need to travel if the company is touring.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will need good general fitness because of all the lifting, bending and climbing involved. There may be long periods of time waiting for scene changes so patience is essential, as is the ability to work quickly at busy times. It is helpful to have practical skills and perhaps some basic carpentry or DIY. Painting and decorating skills are also useful.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for theatre stagehands vary depending on the type of production and the location of the theatre.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Stagehands earn in the range of £220 - £380 a week, rising to around £410 a week.

Stagehands usually work a basic 40-hour week. However, long and irregular hours, including early starts, late finishes and work on weekends and public holidays may be required.

Employers include theatre, opera and ballet companies throughout the UK.

Most theatres employ a small group of resident stagehands to carry out general duties before, after and during performances. Some companies are permanently based in certain areas while others tour the country.

Some stagehands work on a self-employed, freelance basis.

Production experience, for example, gained in amateur theatre, may improve chances of entry.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills and abilities gained in amateur dramatics, community or children's theatre, repertory companies and student productions can all be useful.

A clean current driving licence is an advantage.

Previous practical work experience using your hands is helpful.

• 14% of people in occupations such as this are self-employed.
• 63% work part-time.
• 2% have flexible hours.
• 6% work on a temporary basis.

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