Backstage Crew members are also referred to as Stagehands, Stage Crew and/or Stage Technicians. They help with the ‘get-in’ and ‘get-out’ (see theatre terms here) before and after a show, as well as backstage during a show. They can assist with props, scenery, lighting and sound.
Find backstage opportunities to help you get into theatre here
Formal qualifications are not essential for Backstage Crew roles. However the following qualifications could help:
Community theatre is a great way to gain experience in backstage jobs or joining a technical youth theatre.
Find technical youth theatres from across the UK here
Many Crew members work on a freelance or part-time basis often combining it with other creative roles within the industry. Many theatres offer apprenticeships in this area of work and this is a good starting point. Apply for work experience positions and learn as much as you can. Read our blog 'How to become a freelancer in theatre' for more information.
Find apprenticeships in backstage to help you get into theatre here
Grade 5 or 6 rates for 2023-2025 as per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement suggests a minimum weekly rate of £557.48- £609.46. This would be for a 40 hour week. Backstage Crew can also be on casual contracts with a venue that are paid hourly, usually with a minimum call and breaks built in.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.allaboutcareers.com/careers/job-profile/stagehand
https://members.bectu.org.uk/advice-resources/library/3176
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/stagehand
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Anyone looking for a career in backstage and technical theatre should first consider what area most interests them. Sound Technicians, often referred to as Sound Engineers, produce, amplify, mix, record, sync and reproduce sound, effects and music for theatre rehearsals, theatre productions and special events. They’re also responsible for looking over the equipment, checking connections, maintaining sound quality and coordinating staff.
Formal qualifications are not essential as on-the-job training is provided, but many Sound Technicians complete qualifications in the field to prepare them for this career and also to increase their chances of being employed. Technician apprenticeships are a good way to learn on the job, build a network and specialise later on.
Find apprenticeship opportunities in backstage roles to help you get into theatre here
Sound Technicians can begin by completing an apprenticeship or work experience at a local theatre venue or with a local theatre company. You can do this alongside specific sound courses. All of this will help build your network of contacts and future employers. You can research and learn about sound mixing and editing software (e.g., Pro Tools, Adobe Audition, Digico, QLab and Mainstage) to develop your skill set in your own time. Some venues will have in-house technicians that may cover both sound and lighting. Sound Technicians may want to work towards becoming Head of Sound.
A starting salary for a Sound Technician can be an apprenticeship wage or on a minimum wage zero hour contract. Starting out as a Sound Operator, you should receive £49.61 for a 3 hour show call (based on SOLT/BECTU 2024 rates). Sound Technicians on specific tours or productions can earn a weekly fee, with in-house technicians either working as a casual, or receiving a regular salary.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/theatre-sound-technician/job-role
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/sound-technician-broadcasting-film-video
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/live-sound-engineer
https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/National-Theatre/salaries/Sound-Technician
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 6th June 2024
Do you love being creative? Love designing or building sets? Love making things happen?
Fancy training for a job in film, TV or theatre? Then Open Door is here to help you get there.
Open Door is an 8-month part time and flexible intensive course designed to help young people take the next step in their career. Open Door works with people between the ages of 18-26 (Actors) and aged 17-26 (Behind the Scenes) who wish to pursue a career in theatre.
Open Door is a registered charity which has received multiple awards including being named as one of the top 100 change makers by The Big Issue (newspaper) and as ‘School of the Year’ by The Stage Awards.
Open Door know how difficult and expensive the process of applying for drama school can be. Open Door help young people by giving them the support they need to go to auditions feeling prepared, confident and without any worry of financial strain. And it’s all free!
Successful acting applicants will receive:
- RADA
- LAMDA
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
- The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Successful behind the scenes applicants will receive:
- RADA
- Guildhall
- Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
- LAMDA
- Royal Central School of Speech & Drama
- The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Including interview fee exemption whenever required
During their 2018/19 cycle, Open Door worked with 40 new participants and 11 returning participants from the previous year. The group of 51 achieved:
If you’re serious about a career in acting, behind the scenes or in production and you’d like to apply for Open Door, you must meet the following criteria.
Applicant criteria
If this seems like something you’d like to participate in and you meet the criteria, apply below.
Acting: Apply here
Behind the scenes: Apply here
“I honestly felt like a career in acting is hopeless where I live, but then I came to Open Door and I feel so motivated”-
Open Door participant 2018/19
“If not for Open Door I would not have been able to apply for any. It is so expensive I just wouldn’t be able to do it” -
Open Door participant 2018/19
“It made us feel like we belong in what we are going to do. We can go to these amazing places and see shows we like and we don’t like, it is inspiring and makes me think yeah I can do that”-
Open Door participant 2018/19
“Getting the free theatre tickets was amazing because it was for things I couldn’t normally afford to go to, with good seats. The quality of the work, seeing stuff you do and don’t like, it is so inspiring to be there”-
Open Door applicant 2018/19
Good Luck.
A Flyperson - also referred to as a Fly Operator - is someone who operates the permanent weighted systems in theatres which are used to raise and lower scenery on stage. To ‘fly something’ means to raise or lower an object via this system. Many theatres have automated flys which use motors and hoists, however some are manual and require someone to operate it known as a Flyperson.
Search opportunities in fly operation and other backstage roles here.
There is no particular degree that is required for this career, though an education in theatrical design or show production is recommended. Flypeople must understand the proper use and maintenance of each component of the fly system, in addition to being experienced in the theatrical production process.
You can also search The Stage Jobs for backstage roles in fly operation here.
The physical demands of this job are some of the most challenging on any theatrical crew. A Flyperson must have the strength for this role and to lift heavy stage weights and this is not to say that the job is only suitable for men. Anyone who is capable of lifting at least 50 pounds comfortably and exceeds 100 pounds in body weight can perform these tasks if properly trained. A Flyperson must be able to work comfortably with heights. Employment opportunities are normally on a full-time basis with resident theatres, however, freelance work is also available. Read our blog ‘How to become a freelancer in theatre.’
Search all careers advice here.
http://getinmedia.com/careers/flyman
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 12 August 2019
The Deputy Stage Manager often referred to as ‘DSM’ is required to follow the script and write all technical cues in it - ensuring that all crew members perform the correct effects at the correct time. They call “go” to cue lighting, sound, special effects and scene changes. This ensures that the show runs smoothly and according to the predetermined cues and timing. This is called “calling the show”.
Search stage management opportunities here
You do not need any formal qualifications to become a DSM, however any qualifications in the following areas would be beneficial:
Find training opportunities in stage management from across the theatre industry here
Being a DSM is a very crucial role to the success of a production and your involvement is very rewarding. If this is a career you’d like to pursue, begin by applying for entry level positions, work as an apprentice or volunteer and shadow a DSM. This will help you to gain skills and work your way up from there. You can also apply for entry level roles in other positions such as Backstage Crew, casual Technicians or Assistant Stage Manager, although you will need some training or experience before doing these.
Equity 2024/2025 rates for a DSM are £551.31-£556.97 per week.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.equity.org.uk/news/2023/new-agreement-for-subsidised-theatre
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
https://britishyouthmusictheatre.org/take-part/trainee-schemes/deputy-stage-manager#
https://penguinclub.org.uk/roles/deputy-stage-manager
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
The visual and performing arts are one of nine sectors within the creative industries. The below links are great places to look for more general careers info for all the creative industries and not just theatre.
Search all theatre opportunities here
DISCOVER! Creative Careers brings together careers information and opportunities from creative organisations in one explorable directory.
Masterclass offers workshops online and in person for young people, with those well known and working in the industry.
Find more theatre careers advice here
Upstart Projects creates opportunities for young people to develop as the arts professionals of the future. They support young people to lead and manage projects, act as ambassadors, find their voice in the arts and train other people. In short, they offer real experiences which build skills and can lead into arts and media careers.
Find more theatre careers advice here.
A Voice-Over Artist is someone who uses their voice in radio, television, film, theatre and other presentations. Sometimes they are in a dialogue between characters in a scripted radio play, but often referred to as off-camera or off-stage commentary or narration. The work of a Voice-over Artist is all unseen and only heard. The different ways you can work as a Voice-Over Artist include:
Voice-Over Artists in theatre are there to entertain their audience or deliver dialogue with nothing but their voice. They must:
You don’t need any formal qualifications to be a Voice-Over Artist. Some form of drama training would be beneficial as you will learn techniques which you can use through your voice instead of your body. Many organisations offer workshops for voice-over training and you can find opportunities from across the theatre industry here.
Most Voice-Over Artists are also Actors and singers as well. When working as a Voice-Over Artist you will mostly be working as a freelancer. Read our blog 'How to be a freelancer in theatre.' It is a good idea to keep a voicereel (exactly the same as a showreel but with your voice-over work). Depending on the different skills you have for this role you can be hired for numerous roles because of your range and skills. You could also try hospital radio and reading to children in schools and hospitals to practise.
Income in voice acting can fluctuate significantly depending on the specific project. View our What does an Actor/Performer do? blog, for more information on performer rates.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.cv-library.co.uk/career-advice/start/career-guides/how-to-become-a-voiceover-artist/
https://uk.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-to-become-voice-actor
https://www.filmd.co.uk/articles/becoming-a-voice-over-actor-in-the-uk-tips-to-get-you-started/
https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/voiceover-training-5077/
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A theatre Producer oversees all aspects of a theatre production from start to finish. They could decide to produce a particular play they are interested in, or be approached by a Playwright and/or Director. They are involved in the hands-on, daily management of a specific production and have a multifaceted role in bringing them to life. They could also be based in a theatre or with a company to produce their work.
There are no specific qualifications required to become a Producer, however a degree in a media or drama related subject could increase your understanding of creating shows. It’s essential to have a creative portfolio of any previous experience you have and build your network of contacts.
Search all opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You will need a detailed understanding of the management and technical process involved in theatre production. Other related skills you should have are:
Find opportunities to help you get into producing here
Some Producers begin with an apprenticeship as a starting point to learn new skills and gain experience. You can gain a position within a company and gain skills in different departments such as part of the production team before working your way to a Producer position. People often start initially as an Assistant Producer within a company before then perhaps building their skillset and starting up their own production company. There are funding and training opportunities in Producing, especially as your portfolio grows. You can search for these here.
A Producer based in a venue or company can earn a full time salary. They are usually part of the mid to senior team, so salary is reflective of this. As a freelancer, you can set your own rate based on your experience and the scale of the show and/or tour. ITC/Bectu rates for a freelance producer for 2024 suggest a day rate of £173.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/2015/want-next-cameron-mackintosh/
https://www.barbican.org.uk/read-watch-listen/ask-a-theatre-producer
https://www.rsc.org.uk/blogs/whispers-from-the-wings/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-does-producer-actually-do-hannah-elsy/
https://www.oldvictheatre.com/discover/the-hub/insights/what-does-a-theatre-producer-do/
https://www.itc-arts.org/rates-of-pay/
https://www.bushtheatre.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/PRODUCER-Job-Description-
Photo: Alex Brenner
Updated: 4th June 2024
A theatre Lighting Technician (LT) prepares and operates the lighting system for a production. They make the lighting effects for live theatre productions based on the designs created by the Lighting Designer (LD). The type of work can vary depending on the production.
Search Technician opportunities to help you get into theatre here
You do not need a degree for this role and most training takes place on the job. Additional training throughout your career is essential to keep your knowledge up-to-date. You can gain qualifications in any subject related to lighting design and technology such as:
Find training opportunities to be a lighting technician from across the theatre industry here
You can start as a Stagehand, Lighting Crew or casual Technician. You can get these roles through apprenticeships, work experience or even technical based youth theatres. You can also start as an Assistant at a lighting hire company as they are often involved in productions and there is potential to get your foot in the door this way. Some venues will have in-house technicians that may cover both sound and lighting.
Some people go on to work as Lighting Designers. Have a look at our vlog with Lighting Designer and Technician Rajiv Pattani.
A starting salary for a Lighting Technician can be an apprenticeship wage or on a minimum wage zero hour contract. Lighting Technicians on specific tours or productions can earn a weekly fee, with in-house technicians either working as a casual, or receiving a regular salary. For more information about Technician rates and jobs, you can join the Association of British Theatre Technicians.
The above is a guide. Pay, salary or fee can vary depending on the theatre or company, as well as your personal experience. National institutions or commercial productions can pay in excess of the above, with profit-share or community theatre paying less.
You can find theatre jobs via The Stage Jobs here
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/lighting-technician-broadcasting-film-video
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/lighting-technician</b></b>
https://careerswales.gov.wales/job-information/theatre-lighting-technician/skills-and-qualities
https://gradireland.com/careers-advice/job-descriptions/theatre-lighting-technician</b></b>
Published: 9th June 2024
Work experience is a short term placement in an organisation which gives you a feel for the role. It also helps you see what a day in the life looks like for someone who has that particular job. As part of your work experience you’ll likely carry out only a few important tasks, and will mainly complete other tasks such as assisting, making tea and coffee and photocopying etc. It will give you a chance to observe and see what you could be doing in the future.
Some work experience placements are paid and some are not. It is up to the organisation and depends on what tasks they will get you to do. Generally, work experience is usually unpaid because it’s over a short period of time, however your travel and/or lunch costs will often be covered or reimbursed.
Find work experience opportunities here.
Nothing impresses an employer more than seeing that you’ve gone out of your way (especially during your free time) to gain work experience and improve on your skills. This shows enthusiasm and dedication to your future career. There are many benefits of work experience such as:
For more info about work experience in the creative industries, you can also take a look at our blog 'Where can I find general careers information about the creative industries?'
Work experience is great for all the reasons above, but we must highlight concerns around the exploitation of young people. When you get involved in these experience opportunities you must be aware of the impact of low or unpaid work and also ensure you know your rights beforehand.
Find theatre vacancies with The Stage Jobs here
Photo: Alex Brenner
Published: 16 May 2019
