Curious About a Stagehand's Duties

I've been thinking about working in theater, and the role of a stagehand sounds interesting. What exactly does a stagehand do, and what skills would I need to succeed in this role after high school?

A stagehand, also known as a theater technician, plays an integral role in the theatrical production process. The job description involves a wide range of tasks that all serve the purpose of ensuring smooth operations during theater productions.

Primarily, stagehands set up and tear down sets before and after shows. This can involve physically building and painting set pieces or placing props in their correct locations. They may also be responsible for adjusting lighting and handling microphones or other audio equipment, all under the direction of the stage manager or director. During live shows, they're often required to manage scene changes, manipulating curtains, or even helping actors with quick costume changes.

As to the skills necessary for this role, it's quite a diverse set. Physical strength and stamina are critical because stagehands often need to lift and move heavy set pieces. A strong understanding of machinery and technical equipment, like sound and light boards, is also beneficial. Quick problem-solving abilities are needed when unexpected issues arise (an all-too-frequent occurrence during live performances!). Stagehands also must have good time management skills to ensure tasks are completed before showtime.

Familiarity with the world of theater can be helpful, be it through high school drama classes, participation in community theater, or attendance at professional productions. However, most specific skills can be learned on the job, and no formal education beyond high school is typically required.

Ultimately, the theater world thrives on collaboration, so strong teamwork ability and a good attitude are fundamental. One of the best ways to gain these skills and experiences is by starting as a volunteer at a local community theater or school productions, which allows you to experience the environment and duties firsthand without a considerable initial commitment. This experience, combined with the aptitude for fast-paced, flexible work, would definitely set you up for success in a stagehand role.