Stagehand

About the role

This position supports stage productions at the Staller Center for the Arts, including load-ins, load-outs, installations, and maintenance of stage spaces. The role involves working as part of running crews, operating and repairing theatrical technical equipment, and assisting in the design or execution of lighting, sound, rigging, scenery, or costumes. Additional duties include support for film events such as recording and editing introductions, Q&A sessions, branding trailers, and creating commercials.

Responsibilities

• Fill crew requirements for stage productions, load-ins, load-outs, installations, and maintenance of stage spaces
• Assist in loading and unloading scenery and stage equipment for incoming performing companies
• Install lighting, scenery, flying scenery, or perform costume maintenance and repair for productions
• Work as part of a running crew for productions
• Assist in the design or execution of lighting, sound, rigging, scenery, or costumes
• Operate, adapt, and repair theatrical technical equipment
• Support film events: record and edit introductions, Q&A with filmmakers, create branding trailers, and produce commercials for advertising
• Other duties or projects as assigned appropriate to rank and departmental mission

Stagehand tier structure

Stagehands are tiered based on experience and skill level. Each tier defines required experience and expected duties:

Stagehand 1 — Novice (0–2 years experience)

• Box pushing
• Coiling cables
• Stage cleaning and organization
• Setting up chairs and stands for concerts under supervision
• Installing lighting under supervision
• Installing sound under supervision
• Other basic production tasks as assigned by crew leaders

Stagehand 2 — Intermediate (2–5 years experience)

• Proficiency and reliability in Stagehand 1 tasks
• Ability and willingness to sling weight
• Ability and willingness to work slots
• Ability to work follow spots
• Placing microphones
• Ability and willingness to work the fly rail
• Setting up chairs and stands for concerts independently
• Ability and willingness to work in a genie lift
• Patching lights on the light board
• Other intermediate production tasks as assigned

Stagehand 3 — Experienced (2–5 years experience)

• Proficiency and reliability in Stagehand 2 tasks
• Independence in installing lights with other crew members
• Independence in installing sound with other crew members
• Knowledge and leadership in Stagehand 2 tasks
• Assisting with line checks
• Completing channel checks
• Ability and willingness to be rail captain
• Ability to execute and manage a basic concert/event independently
• Regularly take on lead crew positions

Stagehand 4 — Professional (5+ years experience)

• Proficiency and reliability in Stagehand 3 tasks
• Run a light and/or sound board
• Stage management experience
• Ability to run a department for a large show (lighting, sound, carpentry, etc.)
• Regularly take on manager crew positions
• Leadership with crew members

Qualifications

Required

• Associate's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) OR two years of directly related full-time experience OR a combination of education and experience totaling two years
• Experience working in at least one of the following technical areas: stage electrics, stage carpentry, stage rigging, costuming, theater sound, video projection, and associated terminology

Preferred

• Supervisory stage work experience
• Experience in more than one of the following technical areas: stage electrics, stage carpentry, stage rigging, costuming, theater sound, and associated terminology
• Prior experience working in an arts center

Schedule

• Part-time, per diem appointment
• Evening and weekend work may be required
• FLSA non-exempt (eligible for overtime)

Pay

Salary Grade SL1; compensation commensurate with experience.

Additional information

• This position cannot sponsor candidates for work visas.
• Location: Stony Brook University, Staller Center for the Arts, Stony Brook, NY.
• Department: Staller Center for the Arts.
• Appointment type: Temporary.
• Posting period: November 4, 2026 – November 24, 2026.