Thank you for your interest in being one of our backstage crew.
No experience is necessary as full training is provided and most tasks can be learnt easily.
To become a member of our Crew or with questions please get in touch with us by email.
Our Crew perform three critical functions:
Stage Hand Usually takes about 3 – 4 hours, 12 times over a month
At dress rehearsals and each performance, as directed by the Stage Manager:
- Move scenery and stage furnishings into their correct positions
- Change scenes as required during the course of the night
- Assist with “bump in” and “bump out” at the beginning and end of each play’s run
- Assist with other matters as required, e.g. set up props table, announcements to the cast, assist an actor with a fast costume change, etc
Lighting and Sound Operator Usually takes about 3 – 4 hours, 12 times over a month
At dress rehearsals and each performance, as directed by the Stage Manager:
- Operate the lighting desk
- Operate the sound, usually on a computer (provided)
- If required, assist Stage Manager to close up at the end of each night.
Stage Manager Requires up to 20 hours a week for about 10 weeks, some shows up to 14 weeks
Liaise closely with the Director to understand scene changes, sound and lighting cues, and the actors’ movements on stage
Oversee other Crew
Liaise with Production Manager, Lighting/Sound Designers and other personnel as needed
Oversee set construction, bump-in and bump-out
Call the show
Maintain appropriate Workplace Health and Safety practices
Backstage Crew Volunteer FAQ’s
Do I need to be a member?
No. Anyone can volunteer. However if you are not a member you will not be covered by our insurance.
How fit do I need to be?
Depending on the set for each show, Stage Hands and Stage Manager may need to be able to lift up to 20kg.
Stage Managers and Sound & Lighting Operators need to be able to hear and see clearly what is happening on stage. Correctly adjusted hearing aids and reading glasses are acceptable.
How often will I be asked?
It’s up to you how often you want to help. We approach all potential volunteers, both new and established, when assembling a crew for each show. Most do one or two a year. We currently produce five shows a year although no crew member does every show. Refresher training, if needed, is also available if it’s been a while since you last helped.
Do you offer training?
Yes. Whether you want to try something new, or are a bit rusty and want a refresher, we will gladly provide whatever training you need to perform your responsibilities with confidence.
What happens if I can’t do every single night?
Reliability is very important. You normally need to be able to commit for the whole run. In some cases we may be able to find a substitute if you will be missing for a night or two but this is something you would need to tell us when you offer to help with a particular show.
What should I wear?
During the run of a show and during tech/dress rehearsals crew should wear comfortable, practical basic black that allows you to lift and move scenery & furniture easily. A popular choice is black slacks/jeans/track suit pants, with a long-sleeve black T-shirt. Appropriate supportive non-slip footwear is also necessary.
