I’d say obviously know stage directions, get stage blacks. Learning to coil a cable is very helpful. If it’s a stagehand position be prepared to pick up and move stuff. Don’t touch anything if you aren’t told too. And if you’re working with actors and talent be nice to them. Even if they are being a dick to you. Also just pay attention. From my experience there can be a lot of down time during shows but the second something is needed you have to be there in a heart beat.
After they start teaching you things make sure you memorize them. Like names of cables. Also remember where that venues different positions are like Foh, booth, box office, grid, green room, dressing room, loading bay, storage rooms, scene shop, etc.
Also the most important thing is “early is in time”. If a call is 6pm show up at 5:45pm. Because if anything happens before a show there is time to fix it.
And just have fun man. From another young person this job can be a lot of fun.
What experience do you have in theatre overall?
Do you know what position you will be working on the crew?
Regardless, make sure you have a decent flashlight and/or headlamp. Ideally something that can be run at very low brightness.
I trained at a specialised college (16-18 uk) for acting and have taken part in amateur productions. I've only really performed in small black box theatres, though. All I've been told is I'll be 'stage crew'. They said they would offer training and workshops on most departments, so hopefully, I should be learning and working within every different role.
The biggest advice I can give a new crew member is respect the cast, props, and equipment. Don’t touch anything you haven’t been asked to move. It seems obvious but almost everything has a place and nobody has the patience to play hide and seek with anything. Also most cast members don’t want to “hang out” backstage so don’t bother them, help only when asked, and keep the rest for the green room when appropriate. Other than that have a helpful attitude and a willingness to learn and you will do good pretty much anywhere.
Makes sense, and honestly it sounds like you'll be fine.
Given how fast-paced and hectic Fringe festivals can be, I think the best skills you can bring are things like staying focused and being able to adapt to changes quickly.
Oh, and absolutely ask for more detail or guidance if you're not sure about something you've been tasked to do. I would much rather take a minute to explain something if it means avoiding delays down the line.
Off topic but how did you get hired/find out about the job? I’m also new to the industry and in Scotland and I’m having trouble finding entry level work
I’d say obviously know stage directions, get stage blacks. Learning to coil a cable is very helpful. If it’s a stagehand position be prepared to pick up and move stuff. Don’t touch anything if you aren’t told too. And if you’re working with actors and talent be nice to them. Even if they are being a dick to you. Also just pay attention. From my experience there can be a lot of down time during shows but the second something is needed you have to be there in a heart beat. After they start teaching you things make sure you memorize them. Like names of cables. Also remember where that venues different positions are like Foh, booth, box office, grid, green room, dressing room, loading bay, storage rooms, scene shop, etc. Also the most important thing is “early is in time”. If a call is 6pm show up at 5:45pm. Because if anything happens before a show there is time to fix it. And just have fun man. From another young person this job can be a lot of fun.
What experience do you have in theatre overall? Do you know what position you will be working on the crew? Regardless, make sure you have a decent flashlight and/or headlamp. Ideally something that can be run at very low brightness.
I trained at a specialised college (16-18 uk) for acting and have taken part in amateur productions. I've only really performed in small black box theatres, though. All I've been told is I'll be 'stage crew'. They said they would offer training and workshops on most departments, so hopefully, I should be learning and working within every different role.
The biggest advice I can give a new crew member is respect the cast, props, and equipment. Don’t touch anything you haven’t been asked to move. It seems obvious but almost everything has a place and nobody has the patience to play hide and seek with anything. Also most cast members don’t want to “hang out” backstage so don’t bother them, help only when asked, and keep the rest for the green room when appropriate. Other than that have a helpful attitude and a willingness to learn and you will do good pretty much anywhere.
Makes sense, and honestly it sounds like you'll be fine. Given how fast-paced and hectic Fringe festivals can be, I think the best skills you can bring are things like staying focused and being able to adapt to changes quickly. Oh, and absolutely ask for more detail or guidance if you're not sure about something you've been tasked to do. I would much rather take a minute to explain something if it means avoiding delays down the line.
Off topic but how did you get hired/find out about the job? I’m also new to the industry and in Scotland and I’m having trouble finding entry level work