How to become Stagehand
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
University
You can do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like:
- stage and production management
- sound engineering and production
- theatre and production arts
- sound, lighting and live event technology
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills you would need when looking for a trainee job with a theatre or production company.
Courses include:
- production arts
- sound engineering
- technical and production practice for the creative industries
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:
- Creative Industries Production Technician
- Scenic Automation Technician
These can take between 2 and 3 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and study off site.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You may be able to start in a theatre or venue as a member of the casual backstage staff and work your way up.
You can contact a theatre's resident stage manager to find out about possible opportunities.
Volunteering
Any practical backstage experience you can get will be helpful when you apply for courses and training. You can get relevant experience from:
- student, amateur and community theatre
- working as a casual stagehand in local theatre venues
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Career tips
You may have an advantage if you've got skills and experience in electrical work, carpentry, sound or lighting.
Further information
You can find out more about training and working as a stagehand from Get Into Theatre and the Association of British Theatre Technicians.