What's involved in being a stagehand?

I'm curious about working behind the scenes in theater, specifically as a stagehand. What are the typical duties, and what type of environment can I expect? Would this be a good first job in the theater industry?

As a stagehand, you will play an instrumental role in a theatre's technical team. A stagehand's typical duties include setting up and striking, which is theatre jargon for deconstructing, the physical aspects of the production. They work on scene changes, props, lighting, and sound, and occasionally help with costume changes. A well-rounded stagehand needs a diverse set of skills, including basic carpentry, knowledge of lighting and sound systems, and sometimes even rudimentary sewing.

In terms of what kind of environment to expect, theatre is usually fast-paced and requires physical strength, endurance, and efficiency. You'll also need to have a good understanding of the production you're working on, as you may need to make rapid changes to scenery or props while under pressure.

Working as a stagehand can indeed be a great first job in the theatre industry as it gives you hands-on experience with many aspects of technical theatre. Moreover, working so closely with the elements of a show may help you discover a particular field within the industry that you are passionate about, such as lighting or set design.

However, it's important to note that the role often involves extended, unusual hours, especially during tech week and the actual run of the show. In this respect, you must be prepared for some late nights and weekend work. You'll find, however, that despite the long hours, the theatre environment is often a tight-knit community where people share a passion for putting together a spectacular show. In many cases, this shared enthusiasm makes for an exhilarating and rewarding experience despite the demands of the job.

Overall, being a stagehand can be an excellent stepping stone into the theatre industry, offering a practical understanding of what goes into a production and valuable networking opportunities.