Three Ways That Stagehands Will Make Your Stage Safer

Safety can be something that is unfortunately possible to overlook when you're preparing a stage for an upcoming performance of any type. It can be easy to be so focused on setting up the backdrop, lighting, and sound, as well as rehearsing, that you fail to notice potential risks around you. Overlooking a safety issue could lead to an embarrassing moment on stage for you or one of your performers, as well as the risk of a serious injury and even a potential lawsuit. Hiring stagehands from a local staffing service won't just help you to get the stage set up quicker. These experienced assistants can also help to make the stage safer by performing the following steps.

Taping Down Cables

A stage will often have a considerable number of cables running across it to power your lights, sound system, and other similar elements. When you're inexperienced with setting up a stage, it can be easy to neglect the cables — leaving them as a serious trip hazard. An experience stagehand will understand the importance of securing the cables to the stage so that they don't pose a risk. Generally, this process involves running gaffer tape along the length of the cables. Your stagehands will often use black gaffer tape so that the cables blend into the stage.

Installing Light Strips

In most cases, the area to the rear and the sides of the stage will be dark. This environment will ensure that the audience's focus is on the stage, rather than on the people who might be moving around its perimeter. To ensure peoples' safety around the stage, your stagehands may install LED light strips in specific areas — for example, around stairs, ramps, or wherever there's an elevation change. By using LED lights that are tinted in colors such as red or blue, the lights will adequately illuminate the areas around them but not be overly visible to the audience.

Securing Movable Objects

You may neglect to think about movable objects that could pose a safety risk during your stage show. For example, a cabinet on caster wheels could begin to roll, potentially running into a cast member. Your stagehands will ensure that any movable object on the stage is secure. This process can be as simple as locking caster wheels, but it can also include securing other objects with ropes or sandbags to ensure that they remain in place for the entirety of the show. If you are in need of an extra stagehand, reach out to a stagehand staffing provider near you.