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Stagehand rates

Current union rates for stage technicians to manage electrical, sound, staging, and rigging.

Stage technicians are hired through Local #16, International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). They are responsible for:  

  • Electrical service
  • Sound systems
  • Staging
  • Rigging
  • Video
  • Projection

Union backstage staff handle electrical and technical theatrical equipment for: 

  • Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium
  • Showcase Theater
  • Exhibit Hall
  • Fairgrounds and Lagoon Park 

The Marin Center technical coordinator consults with event producers to determine backstage staffing needs. If they are necessary, we contract with IATSE and they are paid through the County payroll system. 

Current rates

Effective through July 6, 2025.

Department heads 

  • Electrician
  • Carpenter
  • Props
  • Sound
  • Video
  • Projectionist
  • Wardrobe 
Current rates for department heads
Time period Hourly labor rate
First 8 hours worked 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight, straight time $86.42
After 8 hours worked, time and one-half until 12 a.m. midnight $129.63
12 a.m. midnight to 8 a.m., double-time $172.84
Auditorium, Exhibit Hall, Fairgrounds Minimum 8-hour call $691.37
Showcase Theater – Minimum 5-hour call $432.11

Key personnel 

Non-head of department crew that works the show, such as:  

  • Followspot
  • Fly crew 
Current rates for key personnel
Time period Hourly labor rate
First 8 hours worked 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight, straight time $85.36
After 8 hours worked, time and one-half until 12 a.m. midnight $128.04
12 a.m. midnight to 8 a.m., double-time $170.72
Show call is for shows 4 hours or less $426.80
Minimum 5-hour call $426.80

Extra personnel 

  • Loaders
  • Other crew 
Current rates for extra personnel
Time period Hourly labor rate
First 8 hours worked 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. midnight, straight time $75.09
After 8 hours worked, time and one-half until 12 a.m. midnight $112.63
12 a.m. midnight to 8 a.m., double-time $150.18
Minimum 5-hour call $375.44

Benefits and expenses 

Hourly labor rates include: 

  • 10% vacation
  • 10.4% pension
  • 15.5% health and welfare 

County payroll expenses are:  

  • 6.15% payroll administration
  • 1.45% Medicare
  • 4.43% worker’s compensation 

Holidays

Local #16 stage crew works these holidays at time and one-half from 8 a.m. until 12 a.m. midnight: 

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Presidents’ Day
  • Cesar Chavez Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veterans’ Day
  • Thanksgiving
  • Day after Thanksgiving
  • Christmas 

Related

Page last updated on March 2, 2026.