This page is designed to orient and inform new workers.
When arriving to a load in, you should bring with you a crescent wrench, work gloves, and we highly recommend steel toed work shoes. You may spend time working outdoors so bring appropriate clothing.
If you are arriving for your first day of work with IATSE Local #114, please show up one half hour before your work call and check in with the Steward to fill out paperwork and receive your instructions for the day.
IATSE Local #114 will assess a $25 fine to anyone arriving late for the scheduled work day. It is in your best interest to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Parking is frequently difficult to find and is not an excuse for tardiness. Plan accordingly.
Cell Phones are prohibited from the job site and should not be carried during the work day.
Be prepared to be on site for the entire day and pay attention to parking restrictions. A load out can last late into the night.
IATSE Local #114 has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the use of alcohol or any other substance that impairs your ability on the job site.
If you are arriving for your first day of work with IATSE Local #114, please show up one half hour before your work call and check in with the Steward to fill out paperwork and receive your instructions for the day.
IATSE Local #114 will assess a $25 fine to anyone arriving late for the scheduled work day. It is in your best interest to arrive at least 10 to 15 minutes early. Parking is frequently difficult to find and is not an excuse for tardiness. Plan accordingly.
Cell Phones are prohibited from the job site and should not be carried during the work day.
Be prepared to be on site for the entire day and pay attention to parking restrictions. A load out can last late into the night.
IATSE Local #114 has a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding the use of alcohol or any other substance that impairs your ability on the job site.
Important Safety Procedures
When working for IATSE Local #114, the steward will instruct you as to evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. When a fire alarm sounds, immediately evacuate the building to the designated meeting area.
At Merrill Auditorium, the designated meeting area is the Press Herald parking lot across Myrtle Street from the Stage Left door.
At Merrill Auditorium, the designated meeting area is the Press Herald parking lot across Myrtle Street from the Stage Left door.
Definitions of Work Assignments:
STAGEHAND
The basic duties of a stagehand are: Assist traveling crew in setting up of lighting, sound, sets, and band gear. A stagehand should be able to lift 50 lbs unassisted and will never be expected to lift more than that without assistance from another stagehand.
The most basic function of a stagehand is placing the gear. This involves taking boxes, crates, trussing, etc. that has been off-loaded from trucks by loaders, and pushing said items to a place within the venue as directed by the traveling crew.
Lighting: This job involves, but is not limited to, bolting truss together, running cables to power lights, assisting in pre-focusing fixtures while still on the deck.
Sound: This job involves, but is not limited to; assisting in Front of House (FOH) and Monitor console set-up. Running speaker cable from amplifiers to speakers, running FOH snakes, connecting speaker cabinets to one another as directed by traveling crew.
Sets (Carpenters): As directed by traveling crew this job involves the assembling of pre-fabricated scenery. Bolting items together, affixing fascia to cover set pieces.
Band Gear: As directed by traveling crew, to assist in setting up musical gear such as drums, guitar amplifiers, organs. The traveling crew usually makes all cable connections.
The most basic function of a stagehand is placing the gear. This involves taking boxes, crates, trussing, etc. that has been off-loaded from trucks by loaders, and pushing said items to a place within the venue as directed by the traveling crew.
Lighting: This job involves, but is not limited to, bolting truss together, running cables to power lights, assisting in pre-focusing fixtures while still on the deck.
Sound: This job involves, but is not limited to; assisting in Front of House (FOH) and Monitor console set-up. Running speaker cable from amplifiers to speakers, running FOH snakes, connecting speaker cabinets to one another as directed by traveling crew.
Sets (Carpenters): As directed by traveling crew this job involves the assembling of pre-fabricated scenery. Bolting items together, affixing fascia to cover set pieces.
Band Gear: As directed by traveling crew, to assist in setting up musical gear such as drums, guitar amplifiers, organs. The traveling crew usually makes all cable connections.
LOADER
Loaders are utilized in trucks to unstack and offload freight. Trucks are usually loaded with equipment varying from Sound gear to Lighting Truss to Set Carts. Over 90% of all gear on these trucks are on wheels and roll from the truck to the ramp for stagehands to deliver to different departments. The number of loaders placed into trucks is based on 2 factors, truck length and truck pack. Loaders will be assigned to any truck 26’ or under. Additional loaders will be added to any truck if the truck cannot be safely unloaded by the 2 loaders. Regardless of pack there will be a minimum of 4 loaders for any truck 26’1" or longer.
RIGGER
Riggers are directed by the traveling crew’s Head Rigger. The head rigger knows what equipment he has and what it will take to fly each system. Riggers are to always be connected to safety lines and systems to prevent any accidental falls. Riggers work under this person’s supervision to bring steel up to the buildings beams to allow points to drop where the show needs them. The rigger hoists the steel up to himself to make the points with assistance from the ground/down rigger. Down riggers work in conjunction with the traveling head rigger to lie out and build with shackles and steel rope needed to put points in the air. Once all equipment is ready to go up the down riggers uses the rigger’s rope, using a bowline to tie the shackle and steel on the rope. The down rigger will assist the rigger in hoisting the point by using the free end of the rope as a pick point.
FORKTRUCK OPERATOR
Forktruck operators will be formally instructed and possess a valid certificate as per OSHA Standards. Forktruck operators will be knowledgeable in proper use of any machine they are using and will utilize all safety equipment provided on said machine. Forktruck operator's are responsible for the safe operation of the lift truck and will not attempt to pick loads that are unsafe in any way. Forktruck operators shall never use the blades to carry anything other than cargo.
WARDROBE
A wardrobe person is required to work with both the traveling crew and members of the cast of a traveling show. Wardrobe usually consists of but is not limited to; sewing costumes, laundering costumes, assisting cast in and out of costumes for the duration of a performance.
DECORATOR - The World of "Pipe and Drape"
Decorators work with companies who provide "pipe and drape" for trade shows. Vertical aluminum poles are attached to small steel bases. This work involves attaching 6’ to 10’ aluminum tubes which are draped with some type of lightweight fabric, onto the verticals using a fastener on the horizontal into a slot in the vertical. Decorator’s roll out carpet and use double sided tape to affix the carpet to the floor.