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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 7215

Stagehand

A stagehand is a person who helps the stage technicians set up and prepare the equipment for a live performance.

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Rate 5 of the 17 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

work safely with machines

use personal protection equipment

prevent fire in a performance environment

work safely with chemicals

assemble scenic elements on stage

About stagehand

What does a stagehand do? They assemble scenery on stage, build the set, rig the lighting, the sound, the props and the rigging lines, and prepare the special effects a given show calls for. During rehearsal they handle the scenery and dismantle whatever was needed only for that rehearsal, and during the performance they modify stage elements, which means moving them between scenes at moments set by the course of the performance.

The stagehand prepares their own workstation, works ergonomically because the job involves lifting and carrying heavy pieces, and handles the chemicals used in sets and effects safely. The stagehand also works to prevent fires in the venue, keeping escape routes clear and flammable materials and heat sources away from the set.

How to become a stagehand: it starts with assembling and dismantling scenery. Formal requirements are set by the employer, and work at height adds the safety rules that apply to it.

Key Work Functions

Core areas of responsibility for a stagehand.

1

Setup and installation of technical equipment

  • Assemble scenic elements and set pieces according to design specifications and stage blueprints
  • Install and position lighting fixtures, rigging systems, and overhead structures
  • Set up sound equipment including speakers, microphones, mixing boards, and audio cables
  • Arrange props and decorative elements on stage according to production requirements
  • Build truss constructions and rigging systems for special effects and performer safety
2

Operate and maintain equipment during performances

  • Monitor equipment and systems during performances and make real-time adjustments as needed
  • Manage set changes and transitions between scenes smoothly and efficiently
  • Assist with cuing and triggering special effects and lighting changes during performances
  • Ensure all equipment operates safely and report any malfunctions immediately
  • Operate mechanical blowers and other equipment for set modifications during performance
3

Safety and working at heights

  • Follow all safety procedures when working at heights including proper use of harnesses and fall protection
  • Wear and maintain personal protective equipment at all times during setup and performance
  • Prevent fire hazards by following proper handling procedures for props, lighting, and electrical equipment
  • Work safely with electrical systems under supervision and report any safety concerns immediately
  • Handle chemical substances and materials safely according to regulations and safety data sheets
4

Teamwork and production coordination

  • Coordinate with stage technicians, lighting operators, and sound technicians to ensure smooth operations
  • Communicate clearly with team members regarding setup requirements and timing
  • Prepare personal work environment and tools before each performance or rehearsal
  • Manage professional development and stay current with new technical equipment and techniques
5

Teardown and cleanup

  • Dismantle scenic elements, rigging, and technical equipment after performances
  • Carefully remove and store props, lighting fixtures, and equipment for future use
  • Clean and maintain all equipment to ensure it remains in good working condition
  • Organize and inventory equipment and materials for future productions

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (17)

work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.assemble scenic elements on stageassemble scenic elements on stageAssemble scenic elements, dance and stage floors and stage cloths, based on written documents.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.dismantle the rehearsal setdismantle the rehearsal setTake apart all prepared scenic elements after the rehearsal.handle scenic elements during rehearsalhandle scenic elements during rehearsalHandle and assemble equipment and scenery material during rehearsal or on stage.modify scenic elements during performancemodify scenic elements during performanceChange-over of scenic elements during performance, and follow the relevant documentation during performance.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...set up equipment in a timely mannerset up equipment in a timely mannerMake sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.assemble truss constructionsassemble truss constructionsUse trusses, metal structures that derive strength from their construction involving triangular shapes, to construct stages for performances.assemble the rehearsal setassemble the rehearsal setPut together all prepared scenic elements to prepare the rehearsal set.prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...
Optional (14) — show
set up pyrotechnical equipmentset up pyrotechnical equipmentMake sure the pyrotechnic equipment for a performance is set up and ready for operation.organise stageorganise stageMaking sure the scene elements like props and furniture are placed according to specifications, procuring the costumes and wigs and making sure everybody is ready in the right time and place.set up camerasset up camerasPut cameras in place and prepare them for use.pack electronic equipmentpack electronic equipmentSafely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.de-rig electronic equipmentde-rig electronic equipmentRemove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.assemble performance equipmentassemble performance equipmentSet up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.build scaffoldingbuild scaffoldingAssemble temporary scaffolding structures for construction, maintenance or event-related purposes. Set vertical standards on the base plate of the scaffolding structure. Ensure the scaffolding structu...prepare the floor for performanceprepare the floor for performanceCheck the state of the floor, making sure that its absorption of impact, restitution of energy and adherence properties are adequate. Check the surface for cleanliness, any sharp edges, level differen...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...set up stage lightsset up stage lightsSet up and test stage lighting systems and technology, according to their specificity.dismantle scaffoldingdismantle scaffoldingSafely dismantle a scaffolding structure according to a plan and in the set order.set up follow spotsset up follow spotsSet up and test follow spots in different types of locations.store performance equipmentstore performance equipmentDismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.scaffolding componentsscaffolding componentsThe different components of which scaffolding is constructed, their usage cases and limitations. Weight bearing properties of each component and how they are assembled.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

stage technician16 shared essential skillsscenery technician15 shared essential skillsstage machinist11 shared essential skillsautomated fly bar operator10 shared essential skillslight board operator10 shared essential skillsperformance rental technician10 shared essential skillsperformance video operator10 shared essential skillspyrotechnician10 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a stagehand do?

Stagehands assist stage technicians setting up and preparing equipment for live performance. Their work includes setting up the scenery, lights, sound, props, rigging, and special effects for a production.

What skills does a stagehand need?

A stagehand needs 17 essential skills, including work safely with machines, use personal protection equipment, prevent fire in a performance environment, work safely with chemicals, assemble scenic elements on stage.

Will AI replace stagehand jobs?

The AI disruption score for stagehand is 11/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: set up equipment in a timely manner, use personal protection equipment, pack electronic equipment. Most resilient: dismantle the rehearsal set, work with respect for own safety, build scaffolding.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupMetal, machinery and related trades workers
Essential Skills17

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