What is Stage Crew?

Stage crew (also called stagehands, event crew or run crew) are the stagehands and technicians who build, run and take down the stage at live events, moving equipment, rigging, setting up and handling changeovers during the show. They work at concerts, theatres, festivals and corporate events. The work is physical, often starts early and finishes late, and depends on good teamwork and safety habits.

What stage crew do on show day

A stage crew's day follows the show:

  1. Get-in: unload trucks and move equipment into the venue, as load-in crew.
  2. Build: help with rigging, set up staging, backline, sound and lighting.
  3. Run the show: manage changeovers between acts, move set pieces and handle cables.
  4. Strike: take everything down after the show.
  5. Load-out: pack the trucks and leave the venue clear.

Crew calls often split into get-in, show and load-out shifts, which venues and festivals plan with shifts in Crescat.

Stage crew vs touring crew

Local stage crew are hired by the venue or promoter for each show and know the building. Touring crew travel with the artist and know the production. On the day, local crew work alongside the touring crew, who direct how their equipment is set up. The number of local crew needed for each call is usually agreed in the advance.

Common stage crew roles

  • Stagehands and loaders
  • Riggers
  • Sound, lighting and video technicians
  • Backline technicians
  • Stage managers and crew chiefs
  • Forklift and telehandler drivers at festivals
  • Wardrobe and props crew in theatre

Frequently asked questions

How do you get into stage crew work?

Many start with crewing agencies, local venues or festivals, often as loaders. Being reliable, fit and safety-aware matters most at first, along with turning up on time for every call. Qualifications such as rigging or forklift tickets help later. Many crew work freelance for several venues and companies at once.

What should stage crew wear?

Usually black clothes, safety boots and gloves. Hard hats and hi-vis are needed when overhead work is happening, such as during rigging. Black clothing keeps crew discreet if they appear on stage during the show.

What do stage crew move on to?

Many become specialists, such as riggers or engineers, or move into roles such as stage manager, production manager or technical director.

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