Stagehand

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You can do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:

• stage and production management
• sound engineering and production
• theatre and production arts

Entry requirements:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

You can take a college course, for example:

• Level 2 Certificate in Technical Theatre - Sound, Light and Stage
• Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts
• T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production

The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee job with a stage or production company.

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

This can take around 2 years to complete and is a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Work

You may be able to start in a theatre or venue as a member of the casual backstage staff and work your way up.

You can contact a theatre's resident stage manager or master carpenter to find out about possible opportunities.

Volunteering

Any backstage experience you have from school, college, amateur or fringe productions will be helpful.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• knowledge of building and construction
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to use your initiative
• physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of public safety and security
• persistence and determination
• knowledge of maths
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• knowledge of English language
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• leadership skills
• active listening skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• physical fitness and endurance
• the ability to monitor your own performance and that of your colleagues

What you'll do:

Stagehands help to get things ready on set for performances in the theatre, at concerts and in TV and film studios.

As a stagehand, you could:

• load and unload stage equipment
• help carpenters build and put up scenery
• follow production plans to set up stages and rigging
• control a fly system to hoist and lower lighting and scenery during rehearsals and performances
• programme and operate sound, video and visual effects equipment
• maintain and repair technical equipment

Location : You could work in a theatre, at a TV studio or at a film studio.
Environment : Your working environment may be physically demanding, cramped, noisy and at height.

Salary:

Starter : £19,000
Experienced : £30,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

40 - 50 hours variable

Working Pattern is freelance / self-employed away from home

Career Path:

With experience, you could lead a crew of stagehands and scene builders. You could also take further training to become a production carpenter, sound or lighting engineer. You could do a creative industries production manager degree apprenticeship to become a stage manager.

You could also work freelance for theatre venues, TV or film studios, touring theatre companies and large-scale concert tours.