Overview
A stagehand is a person who works backstage or behind the scenes in theatres, film, television, or location performance.
Activities
- Build and set up scenery, lights and sound
- Set up props, rigging and special effects
- Manual work such as lifting and moving heavy objects
Organisation
In the Black Country you would find Stagehands working in theatres, local amateur dramatic groups and other venues where productions/events are taking place.
Workplaces
Stagehands usually work indoors but there is also outdoor work where a music festival is being held and a stage needs to be built.
Working Hours
Full time working 37-41 hours per week. This can be working for a company or self-employed where you have a contract to work on a particular event. Can be days, evenings and weekend working.
Salary
Starting salary from £15,000 up to £20,000 for experienced.
Qualifications
The simplest job of a stagehand is to help move and place equipment on the stage and adjust sets and props as needed and would not require qualifications. For more technical roles i.e. setting up lighting and sound etc you may need GCSE/A levels and a college course.