Stagehands and roadies

Stagehands, steelhands, riggers and roadies

Hands are workers who help with the construction and dismantling of event equipment in stage construction, event technology and for lighting and sound technology. The term usually says nothing about the quality of the workers. These people can be both unskilled workers from craft trades or technical specialists who have knowledge of the high safety standards in the event sector. Proof of competence is mandatory for work at height, rigging and for operating forklifts and cranes, as well as for commissioning technical equipment. In Germany, freelance hands are often hired to assist technicians. Rigger assemble the "rig", i.e. structures made of trusses. They attach the stage lighting, spotlights and decorations to the rig. To do this, they are secured by climbing harnesses. The tasks of stagehands and roadies are many and varied. The complete assembly and dismantling of stage floors, stage elements, loudspeaker towers and FOH (front of house), as well as the cabling and seating of event areas, are just a small part of their extensive work. These people are also needed during events for stage set changes, as spotlight operators or for other sound and lighting tasks.