All members of the stage crew should wear Stage Blacks (black sneakers, black work pants, long sleeve black shirt) to rehearsals and performances. If going to a work call or load in, jeans or work pants, boots or sneakers, and a shirt you don’t mind getting dirty are standard.
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What are stage blacks?
Stage Blacks or Show Blacks are black clothes from head to toe which you don’t mind getting dirty in. All black sneakers or tennis shoes which are comfortable and quiet, rugged black pants which allow you to move and be flexible, and a long sleeve black shirt or sweatshirt.
When told to wear show blacks or stage blacks, you should arrive in all black clothing which allows you to move without being a tripping hazard. Black cargo pants are common because of the utility of the extra pocket space.
What Not To Wear On Stage Crew
Besides avoiding colors, stage crew should avoid anything which does not allow them to move freely. Clothing which might be a tripping or snagging hazard is also a no go, along with open toe shoes. Limit wearing anything which will increase your footprint, or make you more noticeable backstage.
This means no bell bottom pants, no skirts, and no loose dangling clothing or jewelry. Anything which might get caught on sharp corner of a set piece is a hazard backstage. Flip flops are dangerous backstage, with rolling set pieces, actors in heels, and loose screws.
What Pants Are Best For Stage Crew?
The best pants to wear on stage crew are going to be flexible, but able to withstand being on your knees to crawl under a platform mid show. Something you don’t mind getting dirty, but will let you move. Tactical pants tend to check both of those boxes.
Some of the best tactical pants I have found are the 5.11 Tactical Ripstop Cargo Pants. They are durable but have a bit of stretch which I need most days. I also like the Kuhl work pants, but they run on the expensive side at around $100 per pair, so I usually only get them as gifts.
Jeans don’t usually have the same stretch as tactical pants which is less than ideal. I shy away from black jeans when possible, but have a few pair for days when I know I am going to need their durability more than their stretch.
Why do crew members wear black?
Wearing black as a stagehand or crew member helps you remain invisible backstage. Black clothing doesn’t reflect light, which means you are more difficult to see. In addition, because everyone conforms to the same dress code, everyone knows you aren’t just a regular patron there to watch the show.
