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Stagehand

Stagehand Image

Stagehands work with sets and scenery for theatre, television and film productions. They carry out a range of duties and are a vital part of any performance. They are also called stage technicians or stage crew.

The Work

You could be:

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary depending on:

Stagehands can earn between £20,000 and £23,000 a year, rising to over £27,000 a year with experience. Sometimes pay is hourly, depending on location and experience. However some theatrical jobs are on a "low pay or no pay" basis with those involved sharing any profits after the event.

The Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) website publishes the latest rates from the Advertising Producer's Association (APA) Recommended Crew Rates (July 2022).

Conditions

Workforce Employment Status

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Getting In

Workforce Education Levels (UK)

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Job Outlook Scotland

Employment

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Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland
2022
4887
5.3 %
FALL
2027
4642
  United Kingdom
2022
38089
1.1 %
FALL
2027
37690

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What Does it Take?

You should have:

Training

Getting On

More Information

Take a look at The Stage online magazine for information on jobs and auditions. You can even download a Jobs and Auditions app for your iPhone.

The Creative and Cultural Skills website has a careers section called Creative Choices which covers careers information, jobs and opportunities in the theatre and music business.

Video

Courtesy of Creative Choices

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.

Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT)
Tel: 020 7242 9200
E-mail: office@abtt.org.uk
Website: http://www.abtt.org.uk/
Twitter: @theabtt

Creative and Cultural Skills
Tel: 020 7015 1800
Website: http://www.ccskills.org.uk/
Twitter: @CCskills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccskills

Creative and Cultural Skills is the Sector Skills Council for advertising, crafts, cultural heritage, design, music, performing, literary and visual arts.

Equity
Tel: 020 7379 6000
E-mail: info@equity.org.uk
Website: http://www.equity.org.uk/
Twitter: @EquityUK
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EquityUK

Membership of Equity is open not just those in the acting profession but to anyone working professionally in the field of entertainment.

ScreenSkills
Tel: 020 7713 9800
E-mail: info@screenskills.com
Website: https://www.screenskills.com
Twitter: @UKScreenSkills
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKScreenSkills

ScreenSkills (formerly Creative Skillset) works with the UK’s screen-based creative media industries to develop skills and talent from classroom to boardroom.

Stage Management Association (SMA)
Tel: 020 7403 7999
E-mail: admin@stagemanagementassociation.co.uk
Website: http://www.stagemanagementassociation.co.uk/
Twitter: @SMAssoc

UK Theatre
Tel: 020 7557 6700
E-mail: enquiries@soltukt.co.uk
Website: http://www.uktheatre.org

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