<p>“I want to be a stage hand on Broadway.”</p>
<p>Do you mean that you want to work backstage/ off stage… Running follow spot, light board, fly system, etc… Or that you want to be a designer or technical director for Broadway shows… Or that you want to build Broadway shows?</p>
<p>In the case of being a stage hand or a builder, the majority of those jobs are held by members of IATSE local 1 members. While many may have college degrees, it is not a requirement. IATSE is a union. In order to join you basically go through an apprenticeship period, and need to be recommended to the local, I believe. Local 1 is reputed to be the most difficult of the IATSE locals to get into.</p>
<p>Most of the designers and technical directors on Broadway will either have an MFA and/or have worked their way up by working as an assistant to Broadway designers. </p>
<p>There are also unions for professional designers.</p>
<p>Most Broadway shows are built in commercial scene shops by IATSE members, transported to the theatre by Teamsters, and installed by IATSE members. It is not like HS, college, community, or many regional theatres that maintain their own shops.</p>