Head Stagehand

Head Stagehand

Minneapolis, MN

Stage Operations

Reports to: Stage Operations Director

Compensation: $34.21 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

The Head Stagehand is responsible for technical support of shows mounted by or for the Guthrie Theater, coordinating with other departments in the theater and outside vendors and presenters, providing leadership of crews, facilitating the smooth running of shows, and maintaining the backstage and onstage areas, sets and equipment. The position requires participation at load‑ins, technical rehearsals, previews and performances. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence;
Community;
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

The show schedule is Tuesday – Sunday nights, midweek and weekend matinees, and some daytime hours.

The load‑in schedule is Tuesday‑Friday with mostly daytime hours of 8:00 am‑4:30 pm. This schedule is subject to change based on external needs such as viewing the designer run, assisting with lighting focus, and automation preparation.

The technical rehearsal schedule is Tuesday‑Sunday, with both daytime and evening hours required as part of the production process, resulting in a 60+ hour week, 11:00 am‑11:00 pm.

There is a guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week with a guaranteed minimum of 32 workweeks per fiscal (September 1 - August 31) year.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Assist with the load in of scenery and props before the tech process begins as assigned.
• Attend rehearsals as assigned.
• Set up tech tables for tech week as directed.
• Attend special meetings with scene shop and prop shop to become familiar with scenic elements and props as assigned.
• Attend preparation meetings before and during tech week as assigned.
• Communicate as needed with Stage Operations Director, Stage Management and across other production departments to evaluate use and function of scenery and props to ensure a smooth and efficient tech process.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to changes to support the tech process. Foster a positive and supportive work environment.
• Communicate performance‑track changes to Stage Operations Director and Stage Management to ensure maintaining of an accurate record of performance‑tracks.
• Following the final performance, load out show, clean and repair props and scenic pieces for long term storage as assigned.
• Assist Props Liaison as needed.

• Complete assigned track for each performance.
• Support and maintain safe usage of all theatrical elements.
• Operate stage machinery, shift scenery, move furniture, and handle effects during the tech, preview and run of a show to ensure consistently high production values as assigned.
• Creatively problem solve when issues arise during the running of a performance.
• Assist actors with scenic and prop shifts as assigned.
• Prepare stage, scenic and prop elements for each performance.
• Remain calm to support and reassure actors and ensure a smooth performance.
• Do minor adjustments and repairs on props and scenic pieces before and during performances.
• Communicate prop and scenic repair notes to the Stage Operations Director and TD Staff as needed.
• Clean and maintain show workspace.

• Assist with builds, load‑in, and load‑out of special events, following first right of refusal per the collective bargaining agreement if needed.
• Lead and provide work direction to Overhire Stagehands on specific projects.
• Complete assignments from Events Production Manager or Stage Operations Director to ensure smooth operations of Special…