Translation guide
A stagehand is a person who works backstage in theater, film, or TV, handling scenery, props, lighting, etc. In Japanese, the most common term is 舞台スタッフ, but more specific roles exist.
The learner wants to refer to a person who works backstage in a performance or production, without specifying a particular role.
The most common and general term for a stagehand or backstage crew member in theater, concerts, TV, etc. It is a loanword from English 'staff' combined with 'stage'.
彼は舞台スタッフとして働いています。
He works as a stagehand.
Refers specifically to stagehands who handle scenery and large props (sets). It can also mean the scenery itself, but in context it refers to the crew.
Refers to stagehands who handle small props (hand props). Like 大道具, it can mean the props themselves, but often refers to the crew member.
A broader term for backstage personnel, including stagehands, lighting, sound, etc. It emphasizes the behind-the-scenes nature of the work.
In traditional Japanese theater (kabuki, bunraku), a stagehand dressed in black who moves props and assists actors. The black clothing signifies they are 'invisible'. Not used for modern Western-style theater.
大道具 (おおどうぐ) refers to large props and scenery, while 小道具 (こどうぐ) refers to small hand props. When referring to the crew, 大道具さん/小道具さん are common colloquial forms.
大道具さん、この机を運んでください。
Stagehand, please carry this desk.
In theater and TV production, it's common to add さん to the role name when addressing or referring to a crew member, e.g., 大道具さん, 照明さん (lighting technician). This is polite and friendly.
大道具のスタッフが背景を変えている。
The stagehands are changing the backdrop.
The props stagehand prepared the small items.
彼女は演劇の裏方として活躍している。
She is active as a backstage crew member in theater.
In kabuki, stagehands in black move props on stage.