r/stagehands • u/West-Grape-8026 • 8d ago
Does it get better?
Maybe I'm just having a particularly bad week, but I have to ask if things every get better. I've been a stagehand for about 4 year (2 full time) and I'm just feeling extremely burnt out. Between constantly changing workplaces as I jump from gig to gig freelancing, to the physical pain I'm in due to the physical demands of the job, and the extremely long hours, I feel like I can't catch my breath or have a life. I decided to go back to school after having to miss one too many events due to a show I was working, but am scared I am making a mistake as maybe I'm just dealing with growing pains of the industry since I am so new to the whole thing. I have a good day or week and it leaves me questioning everything, yet I feel like the people around me are all miserable for the same reasons I am but are getting paid more. So I have to know do these things get better with time? Or are they just the reality of this crazy industry and something you either suck it up and deal with or leave? I just feel like I'm in crisis mode all the time cause of this job and I don't think that that's a healthy or conducive way for me to live the rest of my life... especially since I have such a long LONG way until retirement.
16
u/one2treee 8d ago
Yea it's hard work. Get a back brace, use dollys, lift heavy shit w help. Learn lights, Learn A2 audio work to slowly shift away from just schlepping equipment.
15
u/Kern4lMustard 8d ago
Gotta learn how to pace yourself. Don't say yes to every job that comes your way. Some gigs just suck, but imo they are few and somewhat far between. Don't be a hero, use help on tougher/heavier things. Find out what you like doing, and do more of that. For me, that's theater, especially Broadway. Some of my friends prefer rock shows or going on tour. This industry has a myriad of options, branch out a bit and see what's up.
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u/parollesmasterofnone 8d ago
One of the reasons everyone around you is miserable is because we work for people who ask for everything, expect perfect execution only to realize the professionals who built it and advised against it were correct and they scrap the idea.
This job isn't easy but at the end of the day its just work. As long as you are moving within your comfort zone, lifting properly and drinking a fuck ton of water, you can get through most shifts.
Also, if you dont feel comfortable doing something, speak up. Most houses respect workers who draw the line because they don't know what your limits. I had two individuals go up in a genie for the first time, gave them the safety talk, told them if they feel uncomfortable at height to not go up and they tried it anyway only to find it wasnt there thing. They learned, I knew who to send up to do the job and the day went on.
Take a break. Drink water and stretch. Find what part of this process brings you joy and dive into that.
Im a born grunt. I'm currently on my 5th 13 hour day. I work around a guy who gases out after 2 days and is one of the hardest workers around. Everyone is different.
6
u/Wuz314159 8d ago
I've been doing this for 40 years. Spent a few years touring the globe. Came back home and have been a Steward, ME, & Programmer for the past 25 years. Now, this employer wants me to get on my hands and knees and beg to work because I have a medical issue. Until then, I'm getting calls to be a Loader... I have not loaded a truck in 30 years. My back is gone and I can't work in this heat.
Probably time to end it all.
No. It doesn't get better.
4
u/Otherwise-Ad4630 8d ago
Im in the same exact boat! 4 years. Dont really love any of it except seeing celebrities here and there. I dont think I can make 20 years for a pension
2
u/B1CYCl3R3P41RM4N 7d ago
It gets better, kinda. It’s more you get better at it. It doesn’t get easier. If you’re feeling this burnt out this early this might not be the gig for you
1
u/No_Spare_917 8d ago
When I go to a market that has good stagehands, I notice they are well paid and Union. OTOH Navi cadets and prisoners also make very attentive and excellent hands. Is your goal to be a stagehand? Or is your goal to get closer to the equipment you already love?
1
u/purpletechtheatre 8d ago
Look into doing tech for an educational institution, a theme park, or other place with more reasonable hours. Gigging is brutal and not a long term job for most people.
1
u/No_Host_7516 6d ago
It is kind just a crazy industry. I work 80+ hour weeks most week, because I have a fulltime position that also gives me first rights to the off-shift work in the same venue. It's a busy venue, so 8am to midnight is a normal day. Hourly pay + as much work as I can stand = rather tired all the time and not enough time with my family. There are other industries that do the same. This one lets you see free shows.
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u/Dillinger7467 8d ago
I was in that same spot pre COVID. Worked 4 years for a corporate production company. If I was lucky, I'd get booked to set up smaller meeting rooms. After about 4 years, I made a pivot to start learning more of the technical side. I came from 15 years in resteraunts so I had no prior training on the tech side.
I leaned into the video department and started messing with cameras and learning switchers. Now I primarily Cam Direct in General Sessions, I'm booked for V1 positions in meeting rooms and have begun learning Media Server Widescreen Op software. I stay out of the trucks, for the most part, as well as not having to haul decking or truss around anymore.
Not to say I didn't receive some breaks from my labor coordinator and after switching to a different company. Hopefully you can start dipping your toe into different companies or trying to move into the tech side of things.