Stagehand - Challenges

Challenges

Stagehands may work in many different venues, including traditional theatrical spaces large and small, convention centers, outdoor venues, concert arenas, film sets, television studios and others. Skilled stagehands know how to work in a wide range of theaters and other venues to support successful shows.

Different disciplines experience different risks. The most serious injury risk for riggers is falling. The primary risks for carpenters are things falling on them or being injured by power tools. Electrocution is the most serious risk for the particular stagehand working with lighting and show power.

When a show travels or "goes on tour" some stagehands travel with the show ("the road crew") and others work to support the shows at each new venue ("the local crew"). Usually everything the show needs is transported from venue to venue in trucks. Local stagehands "load in" a tour under the direction of the road crew, also known as "roadies". This can involve moving tens of thousands of tons worth of equipment from the trucks to the local venue.

After the show, which can be one day or as long as a month, they take it all apart and load back onto the fleet of trucks to haul it to the next city.

When a show is produced locally, stagehands build and set up the scenery, hang all the lights, and set up sound systems. Stagehands work closely with the directors, lighting designers, set designers, costume designer, and sound designers to ensure their visions are realized.

Some stagehands work conventional hours but more often they work nights and weekends. Employment can be intermittent due largely to the seasonal nature of theatrical production work.

Many production companies and venues have union contracts. Stagehands are represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. In some smaller productions, stagehands are not all paid, many are volunteers, theatre students or unpaid interns.