Overview of Careers for Stage Technicians
beingzoe 5 months ago // Stagehands Tips, tricks, and advice

If you are new to technical theater or thinking of a career as a Stage Technician there are a lot of things to consider. There a many different professions and specialties available, all of which are vital to the modern world of stage and entertainment.

Sometimes unfortunately, both for the industry and for the individuals involved, the bar for entry into the field of technical theater is very low. Working in theater is a profession that has historically relied upon apprenticeship programs to train and mold stage technicians on the job. But as the choice of venues increase, the need for more and more overhire increases, and entertainment choices continue to expand in the modern age, often times what would have been beginner apprentices are thrust into roles of responsibility and show calls before they might be ready. Through the years unions, such as IATSE (International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts) have played a major role in training and ensuring quality stage technicians. Over the years many colleges have also expanded their drama curriculums to include intensive training and certification programs in all areas of technical theater. See a promotional video from Stephens College for their Technical Theatre Program as one example of not only specializing in career but focusing towards women in technical theater (skip to about 2 minutes in if you have a short attention span) or maybe this technical theater promo for Dibden Center for the Arts .

The Career Prospects of Virginia site has a handy primer/overview of careers for Stage Technicians that even people who may have already started into technical theater would benefit from reading to make sure that you know your options and that you are ready for a career in theater.

The overview covers everything from available education options, certification and licensing, how to improve and get ahead, various types of venues where stage technicians generally work, how much we earn, and various specialties that you might wish to pursue.

• See the Career Prospects of Virginia Stage Technician primer/overview here .
• You might also be interested in a previous post entitled, Are you qualified to work in technical theater, film, TV, or AV?