Stagehand job description.
A stagehand supports live events, theatre productions, and concerts by building, moving, and striking sets, rigging, and equipment before and after performances. They assist with lighting, sound, and staging under the direction of a stage manager or production crew, working quickly and safely during load-in and load-out. The role demands physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to follow precise cues during live shows, often on irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and touring schedules.
The Stagehand job description · $29
The full editable .docx — role summary, 8 worked responsibilities, qualifications, and skills, formatted for your letterhead. Delivered to your inbox within 24 hours — usually instantly.
Role: Stagehand Reports to: Stage Manager
A stagehand supports live events, theatre productions, and concerts by building, moving, and striking sets, rigging, and equipment before and after performances. They assist with lighting, sound, and staging under the direction of a stage manager or production crew, working quickly and safely during load-in and load-out. The role demands physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to follow precise cues during live shows, often on irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and touring schedules.
- Load in and load out sets, equipment, and staging for events and performances
- Assemble and strike scenery, platforms, rigging, and backstage equipment
- Assist lighting and sound crews with cable runs, fixture placement, and equipment setup
What's inside the document.
One-paragraph plain-English explanation of the role's outcome and scope.
8 responsibilities phrased the way the work is actually done.
4 qualifications a candidate must have to perform on day 30.
3 qualifications that would make a candidate excellent in year two.
6 skill chips you can copy directly into your ATS.
Stage Manager
A complete document set.
- Word document (.docx) — fully editable
- PDF — signature-ready
- Google Docs — one-click copy to your Drive
- 12 months of updates to this document
- Commercial-use licence for internal and client work
The work, not the title.
- Load in and load out sets, equipment, and staging for events and performances
- Assemble and strike scenery, platforms, rigging, and backstage equipment
- Assist lighting and sound crews with cable runs, fixture placement, and equipment setup
- Move and position props, set pieces, and instruments during rehearsals and shows
- Follow cues precisely during live performances under the stage manager's direction
- Operate hand tools and basic rigging equipment safely
- Maintain a clean, hazard-free backstage and stage work area
- Support touring or venue crews with unloading and reloading trucks
Required — and what would make a candidate excellent.
- Ability to lift, carry, and move heavy equipment (50 lb / 23 kg or more)
- Comfort working at heights and in tight backstage spaces
- Availability for irregular hours including evenings, weekends, and travel
- Basic knowledge of hand tools and rigging safety practices
- Prior experience in theatre, concert, or live-event production
- Forklift, rigging, or fall-protection certification
- Familiarity with lighting and sound equipment
Eight steps from download to publish.
- 01Open the Stagehand job description in Word or your one-click Google Docs copy.
- 02Replace placeholders for company name, reporting line, and location with your specifics.
- 03Tighten the summary to one paragraph that names the team's outcome, not just the role.
- 04Edit the responsibilities to match the actual scope of the seat — aim for 6 to 8 items, not 12.
- 05Separate required qualifications from preferred. Required is what a candidate must have to do the work on day 30; preferred is what would make them excellent in year two.
- 06Add salary range guidance using BLS, Payscale, or your own band data — do not copy generic figures.
- 07Have the hiring manager and one peer read it. Cut anything that wouldn't survive a candidate question.
- 08Publish to your ATS, intranet, and external careers page.
The right document at the right moment.
Use this Stagehand job description any time you are opening or reopening a seat at this level. The entry band sets the calibration — copy the document, tighten it to your specific scope, and circulate to the hiring panel before the first interview.
The reporting line (Stage Manager) and skills list are starting points. Override either if your org structure or stack differs from the norm — the template is a draft, not a contract.
Honest answers before you download.
- Is prior experience required to hire a stagehand?
- Not always; many venues and production companies train stagehands on the job, though experienced hires reduce ramp-up time for complex rigging or touring shows.
- Do stagehands need special certifications?
- General stagehand work usually doesn't require certification, but rigging, fall-protection, or forklift certifications are valuable for roles involving flying scenery or elevated work.
Other documents in this neighbourhood.
Stage Manager
A Stage Manager coordinates all technical and logistical elements of a live production, from rehearsals through performance.
Rigger
A rigger sets up and operates lifting and hoisting equipment to move heavy loads safely on construction sites, industrial facilities, or entertainment productions.
Production Assistant
A Production Assistant supports film, video, or media production teams with logistical and administrative tasks on set and in the office.
This Stagehand job description is a professionally drafted starting point for your hiring process and is not legal advice. Hiring practice varies by jurisdiction (e.g. pay-transparency laws differ across US states and AU jurisdictions). Adapt this document for your specific location and have employment counsel review any clauses you add before publishing. Salary varies by region, employer type, and experience. Reference BLS or current industry surveys for ranges. Full disclaimer.