Stagehand

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

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Design and Technology - Stagehands build and put up scenery, work with rigging systems, and use a wide range of tools and materials on a daily basis. Understanding construction techniques, materials, and how to read technical plans is essential for setting up stages safely and efficiently.
• Physics - Stagehands work with fly systems, rigging, and heavy equipment where understanding forces, loads, and mechanics is crucial for safety. They also deal with sound and lighting systems, which rely on principles like acoustics, optics, and electricity.
• Engineering - Stagehands operate and maintain complex mechanical and electrical systems, including scenic automation and fly systems. Understanding how machines work and how to troubleshoot technical problems helps them keep productions running smoothly.

Also relevant

• Electronics - Stagehands programme and operate sound, video, and visual effects equipment that relies on electronic systems. Understanding how circuits, signals, and electronic components work helps when setting up, configuring, and repairing this equipment.
• Drama - Stagehands work at the heart of theatrical productions and need to understand how performances are structured, including cues, scene changes, and timing. Knowing how a show works from a creative perspective helps them anticipate what's needed backstage.
• Mathematics - Stagehands calculate load weights for rigging, measure dimensions for scenery, and follow technical plans that require spatial reasoning. Getting these calculations right is essential for both the safety and the visual accuracy of a production.
• Film Studies - Stagehands often work in film studios as well as theatres, setting up and operating equipment for screen production. Understanding how scenes are constructed – including camera setups, lighting, and mise-en-scène – helps them anticipate what the production team needs during shoots.
• Music - Stagehands who work on concerts and musical productions operate sound equipment and need to understand how audio systems work in live settings. Familiarity with musical structure and timing also helps when managing cues and scene changes during performances.