The term stage crew can cover various responsibilities in a few disciplines, each of which have their own areas of expertise.

These include:

• General crew - moving scenery and set pieces about the stage between (and sometimes during) scenes. Much of this is often done in blackout, allowing the audience the perception that the scene changes out of their view.
• Fly crew - The Abbey has a limited fly rail, with three dead-hung 3-line hemp backcloth lines. The fly crew are responsible for lowering the empty barrels in during the set-up (fit-up) and hoisting them back out once the scenic cloths have been tied on. As this is an area where safety is paramount, the Abbey does not allow under 16's to work the rail, and crew are authorised to work the fly rail only after instruction on how to correctly and safely use the lines and tie them off to the wall cleats. Fly crew may also be used on the stage floor (deck) if needed.
• Properties - or props - Props can vary from small hand-held items to tables and chairs or larger items (though there can sometimes be intense discussion over what constitutes the move from a prop to scenery!). Again, depending on the size of the show and the number of props/scenic pieces in use, there may not always be a definitive props person engaged, and the duties involved may be taken on as a whole by the SM or crew.

• Be aware of the general safety rules involved with working on stage, both with regard to themselves and the cast/performers.
• Be aware of the fire safety policy in force at the venue.
• Be proficient in the use of the variety of stage scenery items/rostra etc. (Guidance can be given by the NAC if needed).