Best Practies

The following list is best practices. Every effort has been made to expand upon the IATSE Local 31 By-Laws and typical working conditions to provide additional recommendations. This list of recommendations does not supersede the Local 31 Bylaws, Constitution, or any contract. In the event of a conflict, the other documentation prevails. This list should not be interpreted as a Policy, Procedure, Rule, or Requirement; This list is intended as guidance and recommendations. If you have questions pertaining to a specific call, discuss with the steward.

1. PUNCTUALITY

Report to all calls at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time. This preparation period ensures work begins promptly at call time. Tardiness may result in replacement on the call and, if repeated, loss of referral privileges. If you anticipate running late, call the Call Steward immediately.

NOTE: Do not start working until your scheduled time or instructed by the steward.

2. DRESS CODE

Show Blacks: Black Shirt, Black Shorts/Pants, Black Belt, Black Socks, Black Shoes. Collars preferred. Sleeves and long pants may be required on some calls.

AV Dress Blacks: Typical for Camera Operators or other highly visible positions. Business Professional Blacks. Typically, including Dress Slacks and a Sport Coat and tie. Skirts/dresses may be appropriate, but are typically discouraged as there could be some unanticipated work on a ladder or elevated platform.

Hotel Assignments: Show blacks for load-in/load-out; sport coat, dress slacks, and tie for performance calls. NOTE: When walking through food service areas, be aware the food service provider requires non-slip shoes to meet local codes. This primarily affects the food service provider; however, stagehands not wearing non-slip shoes may be asked to refrain from walking through kitchens, etc.

Work Calls (arenas, studios, theaters): Clean, casual long pants, shorts, or jeans with appropriate work shoes. Certified Safety-Toes boots ASTM F2412 or F2413 are required for certain calls, including all Live Nations calls. Shorts are prohibited at indoor venues. Avoid t-shirts with advertisements or slogans. Local 31 apparel is typically acceptable. Concert shirts are typically acceptable; however, some heavy-metal and other bands may be inappropriate for work calls.

Closed-toe shoes and undergarments are required at all times.

Avoid excessive odors such as weed/tobacco/smoke, Body odor, colognes/perfumes, and Body Sprays.

3. EMPLOYMENT DOCUMENTATION

Before your first call and as requested, bring valid identification to complete I-9 and W-4 forms: driver’s license, social security card, and/or passport. The Local 31 office will retain a copy and provide to most employers.

Direct all payroll questions to the Local 31 office, not the employer.

4. CALL STEWARD SYSTEM

The Call Steward will call you typically within 48 hours of the call. Answer your phone.

5. PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

Maintain professional behavior that reflects positively on Local 31, our employers, and union agreements. Do not consume client food, take merchandise, or solicit gifts unless explicitly approved by the steward. Do not take any give-away items from any tradeshow booth at any time, even when offered.

6. COMMUNICATION

Contact the Local 31 office immediately regarding any job-related difficulties or concerns.

Cell phones should not be used during active work times, including Load-ins and Load-outs. The Use of a phone must be work-related, including calling the office during active work times.

Photography is generally not permitted as it may spoil the fan experience, detract you from work, or invade backstage privacy. Always obtain the steward’s permission before publicly publishing any photos on social media. Exceptions may include photos of stagehands working or unique vantage points that clearly promote stagehand work, not the performance. When photos are taken, do not tag the venue or the show. Do not post any scenic or prop elements before the show closes. Do not include any venue advertisements in any published photos.

Venues or Stewards may institute additional restrictions, including no phone use on the specific call, position, or for a period of time when it may create a safety hazard.

No photography is permitted at T-Mobile Center at any time for any reason.

7. REQUIRED TOOLS

Bring appropriate tools for your assigned work. Stagehands provide hand tools but not power tools or major diagnostic equipment, except battery-operated screw guns and handheld meters when applicable. All tools must be in good working condition and you must demonstrate proficiency in their use.

For the majority of calls, this will include:

• 8″ Crescent Wrench
• Multi-Tool
• Work Gloves
• Proper Shoes
• Hard Hat – Required at Starlight and T-moble Center

Additional tools that may be recommended depending on your position.

Do not purchase these tools until you consistently wish you had them. Many stagehands will own several of the tools listed and bring them based on the call they have accepted.

A. Theater and Convention Center calls for Carpenters & Electrics

• Tool belt for hardware and small tools
• 25-foot minimum tape measure
• 16 oz. straight claw hammer
• Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
• Battery-operated screw gun (9.6V minimum)
• 8-inch crescent wrench
• 3/8″ drive ratchet wrench with 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″ deep sockets
• 10-inch channel locks
• Slip joint pliers (2-position)
• Wire cutters (end or diagonal)
• Pocket knife (sash cord capable)
• Compact, powerful flashlight
• Safety glasses
• Work gloves
• Pen and pencil
• Black permanent marker
• Small tool bag

B. Tools for Smaller Calls

• Work gloves
• Utility knife with extra blades
• Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
• Pen, pencil, paper
• Black permanent marker
• Board tape or electrical tape
• Crescent wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• AC circuit tester
• Small flashlight
• Small tool bag

C. Audio Calls

• Flashlight
• Standard and Phillips screwdrivers
• 8-inch crescent wrench
• Jeweler’s screwdrivers (Phillips and flat)
• Pocket knife
• Board tape or masking tape
• Electrical tape
• Work gloves
• Pen and notepad
• Headphones
• Headphone amplifier or Q-Box
• Black permanent marker
• Diagonal wire cutters
• 9/16″ socket with ratchet
• 5/16″ Allen wrench (coffin key)
• Needle nose pliers
• Personal audio player
• AC circuit tester

Optional but Recommended: Voltage meter, AC ground lifts, isolation transformers, cable tester

D. Scenic Shops, Booth Setups, and Carpentry calls

• Tool belt
• 25-foot minimum tape measure
• 16 oz. straight claw hammer
• Nail sets and center punch
• Screwdrivers (4-in-1 acceptable)
• Battery-operated screw gun (9.6V minimum)
• Combination square or speed square, and framing square
• Cross-cut hand saw
• 8-inch and 10-inch crescent wrenches
• 3/8″ drive ratchet wrench with 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″ deep sockets (complete set preferred)
• 10-inch channel locks
• Slip joint pliers (2-position)
• End cutters and diagonal wire cutters
• Pocket knife (sash cord capable)
• Utility knife with blades
• Chalk line, dry line, line level
• Compact, powerful flashlight
• Block plane, Surform, assorted files and rasps
• 1-inch wood chisel minimum
• 3-inch wrecking chisel
• Safety glasses
• Ear protection
• Work gloves
• Pen and pencil
• Black permanent marker

E. Rigging Calls

• 1/2″ to 5/8″ rope (venue-specific lengths):
  • Hotels/convention centers: 40 feet
  • Large arenas: 200 feet
  • Mid-size venues/outdoor sheds: 100 feet
  • Theaters: 100 feet
• Full body harness (ANSI Z359.1 rated)
• Shock absorber lanyard or Y-lanyard
• Auto-lock steel carabiners (minimum 2)
• Multi-loop 5-foot CMC rescue sheave
• 100-foot cloth tape measure
• 30-foot steel tape measure
• 8-inch channel locks
• 8-inch crescent wrench (wide mouth, opens to 1-1/8″)
• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Sidewalk chalk
• 3/4″ x 7/8″ ratcheting box wrench
• 3/8″ drive socket wrench with 11/16″, 9/16″, 3/8″ deep sockets
• 1/2″ drive socket wrench with 15/16″, 7/8″, 3/4″ deep sockets
• Klein tool pocket
• Knife