A Stagehand's Guide to Unionized Travelling Shows

Working as a stagehand in unionized travelling shows is both challenging and rewarding. Understanding how crews are organized, what's expected of you, and the nuances of different events can make all the difference. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this dynamic industry.

Crew Organization

An IA crew is divided into several departments:

• Carpentry: Includes Flies, Riggers, and Loaders.
• Electrics: Sometimes encompasses Sound.
• Properties
• Wardrobe: Covers Makeup, Hair, and Wigs.

Rigging and Projection are often treated as separate specialties. The required number of hands for each department on a unionized travelling show is listed on a Yellow Card—hence the term "Yellow Card Shows." Depending on local conditions and contracts, additional workers might be needed in specific venues.

Staying in Your Assigned Department

On most shows, once you're assigned to a department, you're expected to stay there. This might vary according to the contract, but the steward always has the authority to reassign workers as needed. Do not change jobs unless the steward authorizes it; there are valid reasons for maintaining departmental assignments.

If you finish your assigned task, inform your department head or road person so you can be given another. When everyone does their job—no more and no less—everything gets done efficiently, and nothing is missed.

Dress Code and Essential Tools

Stagehands should wear sturdy, dark clothing and robust footwear when on a call. Since you're essentially in a "light industrial" workplace, dress accordingly. Workers on a "show call" (working backstage during a performance) are generally required to wear all black to remain unseen by the audience.

Essential Tools

You're expected to bring a minimum set of tools for your assigned job:

• General Tools: Crescent wrench and work gloves.
• Recommended Extras: Multi-tool or pliers and screwdriver, small flashlight.
• Specialized Tools:
  - Carpenters: May require a hammer.
  - Riggers: Might need a rope, a "split wheel" pulley and runner, and a carabiner.
  - Electricians: May need screwdrivers and pliers.

Many stagehands carry work bags or "gig" bags with small tool kits to cover various situations.

For Wardrobe Workers

Wardrobe workers should bring:

• Safety pins
• Bitelite
• Pencil
• Small scissors
• Needles with light and dark thread
• Possibly needle-nose pliers

Arrive 15 minutes early and report to the Wardrobe head immediately upon arrival.

Types of Events

Theatrical Events

These are performances of plays by live actors in traditional theatre venues, sometimes referred to as "legitimate theatre." Our job is to set up the scenery and costumes during the Load-in, operate them during the performance (Show Call), and then strike and load everything back onto the trucks during the Load-out.

In our jurisdiction, most shows are road shows where the scenery arrives pre-constructed, and we set it up under the supervision of the travelling road crew. Sometimes, we may handle production for a show, building and modifying scenery and costumes for upcoming performances.

Note: Theatres have their own language, and even directions differ from what the audience might expect.

Concerts

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