STAGEHAND PRIMER

IATSE Local 470

Intro to the Union Safety Material Safety Stage hierarchy Theatres Basics Stage carpentry Flys and Permanent Rigging Softgoods Rope and knots Temporary Rigging Scene Shop Fasteners Joints Platforms and Stairs Electrics Dimmers and Control Instruments and fixtures Load-in procedure Sound Department Video Department Properties Wardrobe for Stagehands

This "Stagehand Primer" is specifically intended for the use of the Stagehands and Apprentices of IATSE Local 470. It remains the property of the author, Mick Alderson, and the contents of this website may not be copied, saved, reproduced, or duplicated in any way, either in whole or in part, without the written consent of the author.

Introduction:

IATSE 470 is part of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada; IATSE or IA for short. The IATSE as a whole is a member of AFL-CIO. The IA head office is located in NYC.

Unlike Actors Equity, which is nationally organized, the IATSE is organized into Locals which handle theatre labor needs within a particular geographic area, called a "jurisdiction". The head office (usually referred to as "International") gives advice and guidance, but the actual wages and conditions are entirely up to each Local to negotiate with employers and venues within its own jurisdiction. Each contract is negotiated separately, each is unique.

Locals are run by an Executive Board of officers elected by the membership every three years. The President runs meetings and handles matters between members, assisted by the Vice President when the President is unavailable. The Secretary takes minutes and handles correspondence, the Treasurer handles the financial matters and keeps the books. The Members at Large provide input from the membership on the Executive Board.

The Business Agent is the Local's liaison with employers. The BA leads the contract negotiating committee, takes labor requests for shows, then contacts members and associated workers (called permit workers or "stringers") to work the calls. The Business Agent is the one to call if you need additional labor on a call.

For each call, the BA appoints a Steward who is in charge of the crew. The steward is the Local's representative on the job. An IA steward is not only a traditional union steward, inter mediator between employer and employee in disputes on the job, but also acts as foreman for the Local crew. The steward assigns people to jobs, keeps track of hours worked. fills out job sheets, makes sure workers are properly paid, and disciplines workers who violate the work rules. Discipline might range from fines for lateness to dismissal for such things as insubordination, unsafe work habits, fighting on the job, or working under the influence of drugs or alcohol. On the job site, the steward's word is final!

If a worker will be late to a call, he should first contact the steward, and then the BA if the steward cannot be reached directly.

An IA crew was traditionally organized into four departments, Carpentry (including Flies, Riggers and Loaders), Electrics (which includes Sound), Properties, and Wardrobe (which includes Makeup). Several years ago Hair & Wigs was made into a separate department, making five departments. The required number of hands needed for each department on a unionized travelling show is listed on a Yellow card (so-called Yellow card shows), which is presented to each Local by the show Carpenter.

Once assigned to a department, hands are expected to stay in their own department. This actually improves efficiency on the job, making it clearer who is responsible tor each task as the show moves from stop to stop. If everyone does their job, no more an no less, then everything will get done and nothing be missed.

To pay the expenses of the Local and the costs of filling calls, the Local levies membership dues from local members, and work dues on all workers on a call managed by the Local. Work due currently are assessed as 5% of the gross wages of each worker.

A stagehand is expected to bring a minimum set of tools for the job assigned. At a minimum, a hand should have crescent wrench and work gloves, and a multi tool or pliers and screwdriver, and small flashlight are also suggested. Other tools can be added as needed. Show up ten to fifteen minutes early and check in with the steward immediately upon arrival.

Wardrobe workers should bring safety pins, bitelite, pencil, small scissors, needle and light and dark thread, and perhaps a needle nose pliers. Show up 15 minutes early and report to the Wardrobe head immediately upon arrival.

THE TECHNICAL CREW HIERARCHY:

Promoter/Producer- the boss, in charge of everything. Arranges for the show to happen and ultimately responsible for paying expenses.

Production Manager- producer's right hand, handles all financial matters.

Stage Manager- in charge of back stage operations and liaison between the various elements of the production. Calls the cues.

Designers- design the portion of the production for which they are responsible and oversee execution of their designs.

Technical Director- Supervises and coordinates the various technical areas. House TD looks after the venue facilities.

Steward- In charge of local Union crew. Keeps track of the crew and hours worked, assigns crew to departments, handles employer/employee problems, sees that work rules are followed.

Head Carpenter- supervises all carpenters, on stage and in shop. Usually in overall charge of backstage area & crew.

Carpenters- term covering construction and running crew who construct and handle scenery
and the deck itself.

Head Electrician- supervises electricians in preparing, installing and operating anything electrical.

Properties Head- supervises props crew.