17 Stage Crew Interview Questions and Answers

From the set of a high school play to the elaborate stage designs of Broadway, stage crews are responsible for the look and feel of a production. This includes the placement and movement of props, the hanging and focusing of lights, and the installation and operation of sound and video equipment.

If you’re interested in working backstage on a theater production, you’ll need to know how to answer stage crew interview questions. In this guide, we’ll provide you with some common interview questions and answers for stage crew jobs. We’ll also give you tips on how to dress and what to bring to your interview.

Are you comfortable working with a wide variety of technical equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and how comfortable you are working with different types of equipment. Use examples from previous experience to show that you can adapt to new technology and work well in a team setting.

Example: “In my last position, I worked on both the lighting and sound boards for our school productions. While I am familiar with most basic audio and lighting equipment, I also enjoy learning new things. For example, during one production, we had an issue with the microphones, so I learned how to use wireless mics. This helped us finish the performance without any further issues.”

What are some of the most important skills for a stage crew to have?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have the skills necessary to succeed in this role. Use your answer to highlight some of your most important skills and how they relate to this position.

Example: “The most important skill for a stage crew member is communication. You need to be able to communicate with other members of the crew, as well as the director and production team. Another important skill is organization. Stage crews often work under tight deadlines, so it’s important that we’re organized enough to complete our tasks on time. Finally, I think problem-solving skills are essential because there may be times when something goes wrong during a performance. It’s important to be able to solve these issues quickly.”

How well do you work with others in a team environment?

Stage crew members often work together to ensure a successful performance. Employers ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills and how you interact with others in a group setting. Before your interview, think of an example of a time when you worked well with others on a project. Explain what made the experience positive for you.

Example: “I have always enjoyed working as part of a team. In my last position, I was part of a stage crew that helped set up for school plays. We had a lot of props and scenery to move around, so we split into smaller groups to get everything ready before the show started. It was nice to be able to help out my fellow crew members while still getting the job done.”

What is your experience with building sets?

This question can help the interviewer determine your experience with a specific skill that is important for this role. Use examples from previous roles to highlight your skills and abilities in this area.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for building sets for plays and musicals. I started by measuring the stage and creating blueprints of what needed to be built. Then, I worked with other crew members to build the set according to the plans. We used wood, metal and other materials to create the structures we needed. After each production, I would break down the set and store it until the next show.”

Provide an example of a time when you had to deal with a difficult customer or client.

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle conflict and whether you have experience working with challenging people. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, communication skills and ability to work under pressure.

Example: “In my previous role as a stage manager, I had a client who was very demanding. They would often change their mind about what they wanted on the set last minute, which made it difficult for me to plan ahead. However, I always remained calm when speaking with them and explained why certain changes were not possible or practical. Eventually, they understood that I was only trying to do my job and became more reasonable.”

If a performance was to take place outdoors, what would be your strategy for dealing with inclement weather?

Weather can be unpredictable, and it’s important for stage crew members to have a plan in place if they need to move an event indoors. Interviewers want to know that you’re prepared for any situation and will take action when necessary. In your answer, explain how you would assess the weather before the performance and decide whether or not to move inside.

Example: “I’ve worked on several outdoor performances where we had to move inside due to rain. I always make sure to check the forecast before each show so we can prepare accordingly. If there is a chance of rain, I’ll set up tarps over equipment and props to protect them from getting wet. We also keep all our cables and wires covered so they don’t get damaged by water.”

What would you do if you noticed a fellow crew member not following safety protocols?

Stage crew members need to follow safety protocols at all times. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand the importance of following these rules and regulations. In your answer, explain that you would talk to them about why it’s important to follow these protocols. If they continue to not follow the rules, you would report them to a supervisor.

Example: “Safety is one of the most important things on set. I know if we don’t follow protocol, someone could get seriously injured or even killed. If I noticed a fellow crew member not following safety procedures, I would approach them privately and let them know how important it is to follow these rules. If they continued to ignore the rules after my warning, I would tell my supervisor so they can handle the situation.”

How well do you follow instructions?

Stage crew members must be able to follow instructions from the director and other team leaders. Employers ask this question to make sure you can do so effectively. In your answer, explain that you are a highly organized person who is good at following directions. Explain how you keep track of important information and complete tasks on time.

Example: “I am very organized and I have excellent attention to detail. This makes it easy for me to follow instructions well. When someone gives me an assignment or direction, I write down all the details in my planner. Then, I create a schedule for myself with deadlines. I like having everything planned out ahead of time because it helps me stay focused and get things done on time.”

Do you have experience with operating lighting and sound equipment?

The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your technical skills and how you apply them in a real-world setting. If you have experience operating lighting and sound equipment, describe the specific types of equipment you’ve used and what you enjoy most about using it.

Example: “I’ve worked with both lighting and sound equipment throughout my career as a stagehand. I find that I’m particularly good at troubleshooting issues with these systems because I understand how they work. For example, when I was working on a production of ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ one of the microphones went out during the show. I knew exactly where to look for the problem and fixed it quickly so the actors could continue their performance.”

When is it appropriate to break character?

This question is a test of your ability to understand the importance of staying in character and when it’s appropriate to break. It also tests your communication skills, as you’ll need to clearly explain why breaking character at certain times is important.

Example: “It’s always important to stay in character while on stage or during any performance. However, there are some instances where it’s necessary to break character. For example, if an actor has forgotten their lines, I would remind them that they can take a moment to look at their script before continuing with the scene. If an audience member asks for help finding their seat, I might break character to give them directions. In both cases, I’m still speaking in my role but am able to provide assistance.”

We want to create a fun and collaborative environment for our stage crew. How would you encourage teamwork?

Stage crew members often work together to create a fun and safe environment for the audience. Employers ask this question to make sure you understand how important teamwork is in their company. In your answer, explain that you would encourage teamwork by making it fun. Share an example of how you helped stage crew members have more fun at your last job.

Example: “I think one of the best ways to encourage teamwork is to make it fun. At my last job, we had a lot of fun backstage before shows. We played games and did silly things to get each other laughing. I also made sure everyone got equal time on the spotlight so they could show off their talents. This helped us feel like part of a team and gave us all confidence when performing.”

Describe your experience with choreographing dance routines.

Stage crew members often need to be able to choreograph dance routines. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience with this skill and how well you can perform it. Use your answer to highlight your ability to work as part of a team, communicate effectively and manage time efficiently.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for creating dance routines for halftime shows at football games. I worked with other stage crew members to plan out each routine. We had to make sure that we could complete all of our tasks in the allotted amount of time so that the show would go on without any delays. In addition to planning the dances, I also helped teach the dance moves to the cheerleaders.”

What makes you stand out from other candidates?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about you and your qualifications. It’s important to highlight your skills, abilities and experience that make you an ideal candidate for this role. You can also use this opportunity to explain how your unique qualities will benefit the stage crew team.

Example: “I have been working in theater since high school, so I am very familiar with all aspects of production. In my last position as a lighting technician, I was responsible for creating lighting cues for every scene change and special effect. This helped me develop my problem-solving skills and taught me how to work independently. My previous employer even asked me to train new employees on how to operate the lighting board.”

Which performance venues do you have the most experience working in?

This question can help the interviewer determine if you have experience working in their venue. It can also show them what your previous employers thought of your work ethic and skills. When answering this question, list venues that are similar to the one you’re interviewing for.

Example: “I’ve worked at theaters with a capacity of up to 1,000 people and smaller venues with capacities of around 500. I’m comfortable working in both types of venues because they each require different stage setups. For example, larger venues usually need more lighting equipment than smaller ones.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of a live performance?

This question is a great way for the interviewer to learn more about your technical skills and how you prioritize them. Your answer should include an explanation of what you think is most important, as well as why it’s so crucial.

Example: “I believe that the sound quality of a performance is the most important aspect because without good sound, no one can understand the performers or their message. I’ve worked on many shows where we had to use backup equipment due to issues with the primary system, and in those situations, my priority was always making sure the backup systems were working properly so we could continue the show.”

How often do you perform a complete setup and breakdown of a stage?

This question can help the interviewer understand your experience level and how much you’ve learned from previous roles. You can use this opportunity to highlight any skills or techniques that have helped you become more efficient in your work.

Example: “In my last position, I was responsible for setting up and breaking down the entire stage every night of a show’s run. This included all lighting equipment, sound equipment, props and scenery pieces. It took me about two hours to complete the setup process and one hour to break everything down at the end of each performance. As I gained more experience with the system, I developed some shortcuts that allowed me to complete both processes even faster.”

There is a miscommunication between the stage crew and the audio technician. What would you do to resolve the issue?

Stage crew members often work with audio technicians to ensure the show runs smoothly. Employers ask this question to make sure you can communicate effectively and resolve conflicts when they arise. In your answer, explain how you would talk to the audio technician about the miscommunication. Explain that you would try to understand their side of the story before trying to solve the problem.

Example: “I would first go over to the audio technician and apologize for any confusion. I would then ask them what we could do to fix the issue. If it was a simple misunderstanding, I would tell them exactly what I needed from them. If there was more to the situation, I would take some time to think about how I could improve communication between us in the future.”