General
Stagehands are usually skilled in multiple disciplines, including rigging, carpentry, stage electrics, stage lighting, audio/projection, and props. Stagehands are often responsible for operating the systems during shows or taping and also for the repair and maintenance of the equipment. Most stagehands have a general knowledge of all the phases of a production, but tend to develop specialties and focus on specific areas.
Riggers are in charge of the things that hang. This may include building structures that are tens of stories high. They use safety gear similar to that used for mountain climbing.
Carpenters construct and set up scenery. They also move scenery on stage during a show.
Electricians or more commonly found, "Lighting technician" set up all the lights, program the light design in the lighting console and run the follow spot (what lay people often call a spot light).
Stagehands are generally employed on a show-by-show basis, although most major theaters and studios maintain staff heads of departments and assistants. Often, they are union members, typically I.A.T.S.E. in North America.
Read more about this topic: Stagehand
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