How do you become a stagehand?

[Justin D]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 9:04am

Just something i;ve always wondered about, can some one please answer (i'm nor being snarky, i really want to know about this)

How do you become a stagehand?

Do you need any sort of training?

How easy is it to get a job doing that at one of the big Broadway shows?

Is there high demand?

Im assumind that the term stage hand means the people behind the scenes that run props and help change the set. IS that correct?

I'm asking all this because it is smoething i am looking to get into. Thanks.

[Trailer Trash Jones]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:20am

To get into local one, for the most part, you have to be born into it. I have worked with entire families of stagehands in one theater; a dad, several brothers and even cousins. There are some people who get in, but it isn't easy.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:22am

T.T. Jones is correct.
It is basically a closed shop and you have to ne born into it.

[Justin D]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:26am

WOW, that sucks. for me anyways.

Updated On: 11/12/07 at 10:26 AM

[CJR]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:39am

Like every other aspect of show business, it's all about who you know.

[Trailer Trash Jones]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:43am

yeah, sort of, but this is more like "who's your dad?"
Updated On: 11/27/07 at 10:43 AM

[proptart101]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:53am

If you're from a stagehand family that can help, but in no way is Local One a closed shop. I know at least a dozen current Local One members who have no other family members in the business, much less Local One members.

If you're serious about being a stagehand, the sky is the limit. There are any numbers of paths to follow, it all depends on what your final goal is. I come from a family of farmers and teachers in the Midwest and (while not a member of Local One) have been working on B'way for 10+ years, with 10 years prior to that touring and another 10 years working regionally (again, mostly in the Midwest).

As far as training is concerned, it depends on which area you want to work in. A study of electronics, engineering and carpentry will go a long way to further a backstage career.

[CJR]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 10:57am

but this is more like "who's you dad?"

Not always, but it certainly helps. My ex wasn't born into it. Neither was my choir director or my good friend who are both local one. And about 8 years ago, I was putting my time in with IATSE working on equity tours, working towards joining the union. I wasn't born into it, but I knew the right people.... and I certainly knew what I was doing.

Updated On: 11/12/07 at 10:57 AM

[mew5317]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 11:52am

Everyone is right. I am in school for theatre and its defintaly the people you know.

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:00pm

Of course, who you know helps--that's true of all aspects of the theatre and really any career.

But, I have friends who are not born into it who are following the process anyone can follow to join. If it was easy as pie, anyone could get in. Any ideally, not just anyone can get in.

[proptart101]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:01pm

Who you know CAN help you get work, what you know (and how you do it) keeps you working. Who you know can help, but is NOT the only way to get work.

There are always exceptions, of course. I have met more than a few "shoes" on B'way who keep getting work because of their last names. On the other hand, the vast majority of stagehands, no matter what their family name, are very smart, hardworking, talented people who more than earn their pay.

As I said before, I came from a background of Midwest teachers and farmers, and have been a successful stagehand in NYC (and beyond) for close to 30 years. Nobody hired me for my family name, but because of my training, skill set, work ethic and general disposition. I arrive on time ready to work, work hard, do the best I can and am proud to be a part of the Entertainment Industry.

That's what keeps me working. I know my job well and do it well.

[misschung]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:05pm

I've actually been curious about this as well - do you need a specialized degree to pursue this? I know it's a complicated career, which is why I'd be surprised if one wasn't required

[Justin D]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:07pm

What is this process to follow?

[CJR]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:11pm

Choosing what aspect of being a stagehand you'd like to pursue is the first step. Then you know, from there, what degree you'll need.

[Trailer Trash Jones]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:17pm

The only people I know who got into Local One specifically (it's easier to join the IASTE in other cities) are those who are highly skilled in their craft, since they need to raise the quality of their members. On the other hand, if you are "born" into it, you can get in whether or not you have those skills. Many do not!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 12:19pm

But those men are trained. And the men I know who were indeed born into it are highly skilled. It's the way it used to be--apprenticeships, etc.

[proptart101]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 1:46pm

I have a fair amount of advanced training in electronics, computer programming, and am currently studying structural engineering.

All of that after my apprenticeship in stagecraft, as well as a BA in "Theater Arts".

It's important to keep on top of the technological changes that are constantly updating the industry.

CJR is right - the best place to start is figure out which sub-discipline you're interested in. As you gain more information about each area, the avenues to follow, both in training and work experience, should become clear. They did for me, anyway...

[leko2]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 4:14pm

well, i assume that you're talking about how to become a stagehand, not just a union stagehand. the best thing you can do is start at the bottom and work your way up. get involved in local community theater productions, take some classes at a local college, and then try and get a job at a local theater or with the local union. If you want to join the union contact the local in your area and see what their membership requirements are. these things differ around the country. sometimes it's based on hours worked for the union. in some places it's based on how much money you make working for the local. in other places it's based on skill, or it could just be based on you applying and getting voted on. it doesn't matter who your dad was, if you can't do the job or don't meet the requirements you're not getting into the union.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 5:55pm

Plenty of people whose Dad's had to first get the job to begin with. You can,after calling your local Union Office for recommendations for Schools and Training requirements, go to


1) College, at any level to begin with and take Theatre Arts subjects. Might as well work on your degree, it will help you pay wise,

2) Join the Navy or other branch of the service to train to be a certified Electrician or Mechanic. Though this is the long way. You would still than have to learn enough about the specifics that apply purely to the Theatre Arts but you will learn basic construction and wiring skills there.

3)The hard and slow way is to join a Theatre Group as a grunt,(probably another special term I am missing here,sorry), basically taking a job that pays nothing but offers you a foot in the door and a chance, if you are very ambitious, to learn some of the skills you will need to do the work. You would still need to go to at least a Technical School if you want to be able to do any specialty work and get paid better. I don't think anyone will teach you how to do all the wiring or rigging required for a big show out of sheer boredom these days. They are just too busy. So really I think, going the route of College or Tech School is the best of choices for you to learn a job like this one and then working in a small Theatre for the extra money while working on your Education and Degree.

4) For Carpentry work, I really am not sure? Getting a job in that line of work and working your way up is the only way I know of except for prop work in College or a local Theatre Group. I don't really know if that will be enough experience to get a good paying job as a set Carpenter?

The more you can put on your resume the better your chances are of making it big in any type of work that you choose to do.

A couple of books available at Amazon.com under techinical training for the theatre arts. Are any of them any good? They look pretty basic to me?

Please, I only know the basics. If someone knows a better, faster way to get into the business, if your Father isn't around to teach it all to you, please correct me or post more specific information. Thank you.
Updated On: 11/12/07 at 05:55 PM

[Mooo]

Posted: 11/12/07 at 8:43pm

I have absolutely no family in the business. I went to college and got a BFA in Lighting Design/Technical Theater and worked at a lot of summer stock theaters. I met a lot of people and worked my A** off. I wouldn't say it's the people you know so much as the people you impress. I've had Local 1 card for almost 10 years