Stage Hand Onboarding Checklist

Stage Hand Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Stage Hand starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Entertainment onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Stage Hand, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Stage Hand onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Stage Hand Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The stage hand attends an orientation session where they are introduced to the company’s policies, procedures, and safety guidelines. This task is typically performed by the human resources department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Job-specific training: The stage hand undergoes job-specific training to familiarize themselves with the equipment, tools, and techniques used in the entertainment industry. This training is usually conducted by experienced stage hands or supervisors.

3. Safety training: The stage hand receives comprehensive safety training to ensure they understand the potential hazards and how to mitigate them. This training is typically conducted by safety officers or trainers who specialize in workplace safety.

4. Familiarization with the venue: The stage hand is given a tour of the venue where they will be working, including the stage, backstage areas, storage rooms, and other relevant spaces. This task is usually performed by a supervisor or a more experienced stage hand.

5. Equipment familiarization: The stage hand is introduced to the various equipment used in the entertainment industry, such as lighting fixtures, sound systems, rigging equipment, and stage machinery. This task is typically performed by experienced stage hands or technicians.

6. Team introductions: The stage hand is introduced to their colleagues and key members of the production team, such as stage managers, lighting designers, sound engineers, and other crew members. This task is usually facilitated by a supervisor or a designated team member.

7. Understanding production schedules: The stage hand is provided with an overview of the production schedule, including rehearsals, load-ins, performances, and strike dates. This information is typically shared by the stage manager or production coordinator.

8. Dress code and personal protective equipment (PPE): The stage hand is informed about the dress code requirements and the necessary PPE, such as hard hats, safety shoes, gloves, and ear protection. This information is usually provided by the human resources department or safety officers.

9. Emergency procedures: The stage hand is trained on emergency procedures, including evacuation plans, fire safety protocols, and first aid procedures. This training is typically conducted by safety officers or designated trainers.

10. Understanding union rules and regulations: If applicable, the stage hand is educated on the specific rules and regulations set by the relevant entertainment industry union. This information is usually provided by the human resources department or union representatives.

11. Shadowing experienced stage hands: The stage hand spends time shadowing experienced stage hands to observe and learn from their expertise. This task is typically arranged by supervisors or team leaders.

12. Learning the company’s communication channels: The stage hand is introduced to the company’s communication channels, such as email systems, walkie-talkies, or other means of communication used during productions. This information is usually provided by the stage manager or production coordinator.

13. Understanding the chain of command: The stage hand is informed about the hierarchical structure within the company and the chain of command. This knowledge helps them understand who to report to and seek guidance from. This information is typically shared by supervisors or team leaders.

14. Reviewing company policies and procedures: The stage hand is provided with a copy of the company’s policies and procedures manual, which covers topics such as attendance, timekeeping, breaks, and other relevant guidelines. This task is usually performed by the human resources department.

15. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The stage hand is informed about any ongoing professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, or certifications, that can enhance their skills and knowledge in the entertainment industry. This information is typically shared by the human resources department or supervisors

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Stage Hand checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Stage Hand up to speed and working well in your Entertainment team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.