Description
Set up, operate, maintain, and strike stage, lighting, audio, video, rigging, and related production equipment for live events, such as theater productions, concerts, conferences, presentations, and sporting events. Build and position scenery and props, run cues during rehearsals and performances, manage cable and power distribution, and ensure safe, efficient load-ins, changeovers, and load-outs.
- • Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
- • Monitor stage audio, lighting, video displays, and communications to ensure quality and safety; report issues to the stage manager.
- • Assist with patching and testing microphones, DI boxes, stage monitors, and intercom lines.
- • Plan and lay out stage plots, cable runs, rigging points, and equipment placement per drawings and riders.
- • Perform minor repairs, lamp changes, and routine cleaning of stage, lighting, audio, and rigging equipment.
- • Operate lighting, audio, video playback, or stage automation consoles as assigned during rehearsals and shows.
- • Coordinate with the stage manager, designers, and department heads to review cues, blocking, and changeover sequences.
- • Construct, install, and position scenery, platforms, props, truss, and lighting positions.
- • Load in, hang, focus, and strike lighting fixtures, soft goods, and rigging hardware.
- • Prepare and manage QLab or other playback systems for audio and video cues as required.
- • Edit or update cue stacks, patch sheets, and show files per production notes.
- • Lead and coordinate crew during load-ins, scene changes, and strikes to meet schedules.
- • Read and interpret plots, tech riders, line sets, and ground plans to support pre-production and builds.
- • Maintain inventories of cables, lamps, expendables, rigging hardware, and staging components.
- • Estimate and prepare equipment, power, and labor needs to meet show requirements within budget constraints.
- • Support onstage sound by setting mic placements, backline, and monitor positions.
- • Communicate and enforce venue safety and equipment use policies with visiting crews.
- • Review scripts, cue sheets, set lists, and run-of-show to anticipate scene changes and special effects.
- • Fabricate or source small props, show decks, and effects in coordination with designers.
- • Control house and work lights, practicals, and sound before, during, and after performances.
- • Train stagehands and volunteers on safe lifting, rigging basics, and proper use of tools and equipment.
- • Track inspections, certifications, permits, and warranty information for rigging and electrical systems.
- • Create or update run sheets, plots, manuals, and quick-reference guides for productions and crews.
- • Set up and manage backstage paging, program audio, and video monitoring feeds.
- • Troubleshoot and resolve stage, power, rigging, audio, lighting, or video issues during setup and shows.
- • Schedule and track equipment rentals, venue spaces, and stage resources as needed.
- • Maintain show reports, equipment logs, and maintenance records.
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Related Pathways
Arts, Entertainment, & Design
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
