Theatre stagehand

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

Also known as:

Stagehand

Work activities

Stagehands work in theatres. They set up scenery, furniture and props before performances. They also change things around in between scenes and during the interval. Each time scenery is moved, stagehands have to make sure that it is positioned safely and securely. At the end of a performance, stagehands take down some of the scenery and store it, ready for the next show. Some of the scenery may stay in position. Some stagehands help with building or painting stage sets, furniture and props, as well as keeping them clean and in good condition. In touring productions, stagehands set up and secure scenery at each new location. The scenery will usually need to be taken down after a short period, sometimes after only one night. Stagehands are likely to be involved in loading and unloading the scenery, and props. While on tour, stagehands stay in temporary accommodation and can spend weeks away from home. In large theatre companies, stagehands work in teams.

Personal qualities and skills

As a theatre stagehand, you need:

Good general fitness, because of the lifting, bending and climbing involved.
Patience – there could be long periods of time spent waiting for scene changes.
The ability to work quickly at busy times.
Teamwork skills.
Flexibility.
The ability to work unsocial hours.
It is useful to have practical skills and perhaps some basic carpentry or DIY skills.

Future skills needs have been identified for this industry. These are:

Creative skills, in areas of growth such as street arts.
Technical skills.
Leadership and management skills.
Education and community development skills.
Fund-raising skills.

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 are approximate. Salaried stagehands earn in the range of £15,000 rising to £28,000 with experience.

Stagehands usually work a basic 39-41-hour week. However, long and irregular hours, including early starts, late finishes and work on weekends and public holidays, may be required.

Opportunities for stagehands occur in towns and cities throughout the UK, and particularly in major theatre production centres such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh. Employers include theatre, opera and ballet companies. 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.

Opportunities occur for stagehands to work on a self-employed, freelance basis.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in newspapers, in industry publications such as The Stage, on job boards, on employers’ websites, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Other sites include:

Arts Jobs.
Get into Theatre.
National Theatre.
StarNow.
The Guardian – Theatre Jobs.

Entry routes and training

There is no strict entry route into this career. People from a variety of backgrounds and with a variety of different qualifications enter. A relevant performing arts qualification would be useful, however.

You may be able to find an intermediate apprenticeship in this role at a theatre, concert venue or other performing arts venue.

Training is normally on-the-job, working alongside more experienced staff.

With experience in the theatre environment, and the relevant skills and enthusiasm, it may be possible to progress to other theatre roles, such as technician work, stage management, or administration.

Qualifications

There is no set criteria for entry to this profession. To begin an intermediate apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to work towards these alongside your programme.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is 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 or student productions, can be useful. Previous practical work experience using your hands is helpful.

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