So, you want to be a stagehand?.. Ok great... You're going to need a few things, dependant on what area you're working in... Tools!... That's right, you must be equiped to do the work, or what good are you? In the extension, is a bit about what you need to have when you work a road house, or touring house, in my mind... Some places will ask for more, some less, but this is a good base line.
Everyone should have a mini-mag type flashlight (hey, it doesn't have to be Mag brand, but they're cheap, available, and durable), and a multi-tool at the very least. After that it gets a bit more specific to the type of work... For your multi-tool, I am not going to tell you one is better than another except for this. Buy a brand name tool, do not get some knock off... That means Leatherman, Gerber, Schrade (I really don't like these, but some people find them ok), SOG, or Victorinox. There is a wide range of prices on these tools, and you don't have to buy the most expensive one to get a solid performer.... I have carried a Leatherman, Gerber and now the Victorinox tools, and they all have their benifits and drawbacks. Really look at what you do all the time, and get the tool that furfills your needs the best.
Carps... Adjustable wrench, hammer, pencils, utility knife, and gloves if you like gloves...
Electricians... Adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, diagonal cutters and gloves (again, only if you like them)
Riggers... Rope, harness (the venue is required by law to be able to supply you with an approved, inspected harness if you need one, but I don't trust them in the least... Get your own, and make sure it fits correctly!) gloves, hammer, shackel wrench, and make sure everything is tied off to you, so it can't fall and hurt anyone.
Props falls under the same list as carps...
Costumes... I haven't the foggiest what you need here for a road house...
Loader... (the people loading and unloading the trucks) Gloves, lifting brace if you like or need one...
Two more thoughts... You get what you pay for in tools... If you buy a no-name adjustable wrench made in China for $2.00, that is exactly what you will get... Suck it up, and buy a solid tool the first time, and it will never let you down (just don't loose it)...
Come dressed correctly... This sounds silly, but let me tell you how often I see idiots on crews in crappy shoes, or baggy pants on crews... You're there to work, not make a fashion statement, get good footwear, durable jeans, and t-shirts/sweat shirts... Don't wear your nice sweater to work, its going to get trashed...
Most important thing to bring to work call?... Your brain!
Posted by Backstage at April 6, 2004 07:48 PM