Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
•   Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
•   Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Organising, Planning, and Prioritising Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritise, organise, and accomplish your work.
•   Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
•   Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Working Life

Stagehands work in theatres setting up scenery, furniture and props before performances. They also change things around in between scenes and during the interval. They may raise and lower the stage curtain.  
 
Stagehands may be responsible for the basic maintenance of stage sets, furniture and props as well as being involved in their construction. They must make sure all the scenery is secure. At the end of a performance, they take down scenery and store it in an accessible way. The Stagehand may also be involved in sound and lighting in smaller theatre companies.  
 
Stagehands may need to travel if the company is touring.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Notify supervisors when major equipment repairs are needed.
• Diagnose and resolve media system problems.
• Direct and coordinate activities of assistants and other personnel during production.
• Compress, digitise, duplicate, and store audio and video data.
• Install, adjust, and operate electronic equipment to record, edit, and transmit radio and television programmes, motion pictures, video conferencing, or multimedia presentations.
• Control the lights and sound of events, such as live concerts, before and after performances, and during intermissions.
• Switch sources of video input from one camera or studio to another, from film to live programming, or from network to local programming.
• Record and edit audio material, such as movie soundtracks, using audio recording and editing equipment.
• Perform minor repairs and routine cleaning of audio and video equipment.
• Design layouts of audio and video equipment and perform upgrades and maintenance.

Further Information

• Theatre director- from: GradIreland
• Theatre lighting technician- from: GradIreland

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Stagehands work in areas of stage rigging, stage set design & repair, and as part of theatre and performance production teams. Experience and connections can be developed by participating in volunteer theatre companies.

Training can be carried out on-the-job, working alongside more experienced staff in tandem with safety awareness and skill building. 

Key Skills Certs 

Manual Handling 

Allied trade skills CSCS SOLAS

These courses may be available at low or no cost in FET centres nationwide. You can search for these key skills certs, just add the key word via Search our FET CourseFinder.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: theatre, drama, media, performance, lighting stage, sound management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: theatre, drama, media, performance, lighting stage, sound management.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Construction, Engineering.

Search for Apprenticeships

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €31k

Salary range varies greatly depending on whether work is done on part or full time basis.

Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Payscale/ Glassdoor/ Theatre Forum salary review

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Artists; Authors; writers; translators; Actors; entertainers; presenters; Dancers; choreographers; Musicians Arts officers; producers; directors; Photographers; audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators; Graphic designers Product; clothing and related designers.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment grew strongly between 2021 and 2022, with an additional 7,300 persons employed. As illustrated in the CSO Census data below, employment is spread across a number of roles; since 2016, the strongest growth, in absolute terms, was for graphic designers and authors, writers and translators.

New employment permits issued for this occupation in 2022 were primarily for film/TV and animation/visual effects (VFX) roles but also for linguistics experts in the ICT sector. There was also a high volume of recent job hires in line with the recent employment increase. The data does not point to overall issues with recruitment for these roles.

• SIPTU (Arts Culture Print and Media Sector)

  • Liberty Hall, Dublin 1
  • (01) 8586300
  • Click Here

• National Theatre of Ireland

  • Abbey Street, Dublin 1
  • (01) 8787 222
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here