Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Event Stagehand

🎯 Role Definition

As an Event Stagehand, you are the backbone of our live event productions. You are a crucial team member responsible for the physical execution of the technical aspects of a show. Working under the direction of crew leads and technical directors, you will handle everything from loading in gear and building the stage to running show cues and ensuring a safe, efficient strike. This role requires a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive on teamwork and the satisfaction of seeing a spectacular event come to life, this is the perfect opportunity to build a career in the live production industry.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Labor or Warehouse Roles
Theater or Technical Production Student
Hospitality or Event Staff

Advancement To:

Lead Stagehand / Crew Chief
Audio Engineer (A2/A1) or Lighting Technician (L2/L1)
Technical Director or Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Corporate AV Technician
Broadcast Utility / Grip
Theatrical Rigger

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Execute the safe and efficient loading and unloading of production equipment from trucks, ensuring proper handling of sensitive and heavy gear.
Assist in the assembly and teardown of modular staging, truss structures, barricades, and other scenic elements according to detailed plans.
Meticulously run, lay, and tape down extensive lengths of power, audio, video, and data cables, ensuring clean pathways and adherence to safety standards.
Support the audio department with the setup of loudspeaker systems, including line arrays and subwoofers, stage monitors, and microphone placement.
Work with the lighting department to hang, circuit, and focus a diverse range of conventional and intelligent lighting fixtures as directed by the lighting plot.
Aid the video team in building, flying, and wiring large-format LED walls, projection screens, and confidence monitors.
Operate stage equipment during rehearsals and live shows, such as a follow spot, curtain systems, or automated scenery, precisely following cues from the show caller.
Perform seamless and quiet scene changes, moving set pieces and props on and off stage with precision during live performances.
Act as a "show-call" stagehand, remaining on standby throughout events to quickly resolve technical issues or respond to last-minute client needs.
Take clear direction from and work collaboratively with department leads (Audio, Lighting, Video), Technical Directors, and Production Managers.
Strictly adhere to all company and venue safety protocols, including the consistent and correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, steel-toed boots, and gloves.
Proactively identify and report potential safety hazards, faulty equipment, or operational concerns to the crew lead or supervisor.
Safely construct and dismantle scaffolding and, when certified, operate aerial work platforms like scissor lifts and boom lifts.
Assist with the careful and organized packing of all equipment into designated road cases post-event, ensuring it is secure for transport.
Maintain a professional and helpful demeanor when interacting with venue staff, clients, and artists, representing the company with integrity.
Work long and often irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, while maintaining high energy and focus in a physically demanding role.
Interpret and execute tasks based on technical documentation such as stage plots, lighting plots, and rigging plans.
Provide hands-on support for the setup and breakdown of backline equipment for musical acts, including drum kits, amplifiers, and keyboards.
Serve as a camera utility or grip for video elements of a production, assisting with camera support, platforms, and cable management.
Assist with the distribution of electrical power, including running feeder cable and connecting distribution boxes under the supervision of an electrician.
Communicate effectively with team members over a radio headset to ensure synchronized and smooth execution of show elements.

Secondary Functions

Assist with warehouse duties, including equipment cleaning, basic maintenance, testing, and inventory management.
Contribute to maintaining a clean, organized, and safe work environment, both on-site and in the warehouse.
Help with the upkeep and organization of road cases, cabling, and other production assets.
Occasionally drive non-CDL company vehicles to transport equipment and crew to and from event sites.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Foundational knowledge of live event signal flow for audio, lighting, and video.
Familiarity with professional stage equipment, terminology, and stagecraft.
Basic carpentry skills and proficiency with common hand and power tools.
Understanding of basic electrical principles and safe power distribution practices.
Knowledge of common and essential knots (e.g., bowline, clove hitch) used in stagecraft.
Experience operating or working around aerial work platforms (scissor lift/boom lift certification is a major plus).
Ability to repeatedly lift and carry 50-75 lbs.

Soft Skills

Exceptional teamwork and a collaborative, "can-do" attitude.
Strong problem-solving abilities and the capacity to think critically under pressure.
Excellent verbal communication and active listening skills.
High degree of punctuality, reliability, and personal accountability.
A keen eye for detail and a commitment to safety above all else.
Adaptability to rapidly changing schedules, environments, and production plans.
Ability to remain calm, professional, and composed in high-stress, fast-paced situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent GED.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or vocational training in Technical Theater, Live Event Production, or a related discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Technical Theater
Audio Engineering
Live Production & Touring

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0-2 years of experience in a live event, production, or related physical labor environment.

Preferred: 1+ years of direct, hands-on experience as a stagehand for corporate events, concerts, trade shows, or theatrical productions.