How to become a 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
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 can take a college course, for example:
- Level 2 Certificate in Technical Theatre - Sound, Light and Stage
- Level 3 Diploma in Production Arts
- T Level in Media, Broadcast and Production
The skills you'll learn on these courses could help when you look for a trainee job with a stage or production company.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You can get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship, such as:
- Creative Venue Technician Level 3
- Creative Industries Production Technician Level 3
These can take around 2 years to complete and are a mix of workplace learning and off-the-job study.
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 or master carpenter to find out about possible opportunities.
Volunteering
Any backstage experience you have from school, college, amateur or fringe productions will be helpful.
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Career tips
You may have an advantage if you've got skills and experience in carpentry, electrical work, sound or lighting.
Further information
You can find out more about working and training as a stagehand from Get Into Theatre and the Association of British Theatre Technicians.
You can get more information on working in creative careers from Discover Creative Careers.