REQUIRED BEFORE YOUR FIRST GIG

GSC Crew Orientation

Watch every module, read the rulebook, and pass the final quiz. Your crew portal login is issued automatically when you pass.

Module 1

Module 2

Module 3

Module 4

Rulebook

Final Quiz

Welcome to GSC — Mission, Culture & Your Role

Who we are, what we stand for, and what is expected of every crew member

Not Started

Behind the Scenes of Stagehand Work — what this job actually looks like

Careers Backstage — skills, expectations, and career path in event production

GSC Mission & The Standard

Mission: Build America's most professional, reliable, tech-driven production crew network — uniformed, vetted, and app-dispatched at scale.

Markets: Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York City — with national expansion planned.

Services: Stage hands, AV techs, lighting, rigging, camera assist, wardrobe, runners — on-demand.

Insurance: GSC carries $2 Million General Liability on all active engagements. You are covered while working a GSC gig.

The Standard: Every crew member represents the GSC brand. You are expected to be professional, uniformed, punctual, skilled, and safe — every single time. Clients pay premium rates. You are that premium product.

Your Status — 1099 Independent Contractor

You are NOT an employee. All GSC crew work exclusively as 1099 independent contractors. There are zero W-2 positions in field operations.

You control your own schedule — accept or decline any gig at your discretion.

You may work for other companies simultaneously. No non-compete clause.

GSC does not withhold income taxes, Social Security, or Medicare. You pay your own taxes quarterly.

W-9 Required: You must submit a completed IRS Form W-9 before your first payment. No W-9 = no pay. Period.

A 1099-NEC is issued to you by January 31st each year for all payments totaling $600 or more.

Pay Rates, Schedule & 1099 Tax Basics

Exactly what you earn, when you get paid, and how taxes work as a contractor

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1099 Independent Contractor — what it means for your taxes and rights (2024)

How to fill out your W-9 form — required before your first GSC payment

Pay Rates — 4-Tier System

Level 1 — Apprentice: $10.99–$22/hr. Default starting rate for all new crew. No experience required beyond passing orientation. Rate upgrades automatically at 50 hours.

Level 2 — Tech: $25–$30/hr. Unlocked after 50+ logged hours + 4.0+ star rating. AV, lighting, and camera roles. Auto-applied in app.

Level 3 — Lead Crew: $35–$45/hr. Unlocked at 100+ hours + 4.5+ rating + supervisory evaluation. You manage crews on-site and interface directly with the client.

Level 4 — Specialist: $50+/hr. Requires certification — certified rigger, A1 sound, L1 lighting, or console operator. Top tier, priority gig assignments.

Emergency Surge — 1.5× your rate. Any gig dispatched under 4 hours notice pays 1.5× your level rate. First qualified crew member to accept wins. Stay available = earn more.

Rating Bonus — +$2/hr. Maintain a 4.5+ star average for 5+ consecutive gigs and earn an extra $2 on every hour worked.

Pay Schedule & Rules

Paid every Friday by 5:00 PM via direct deposit or Zelle to your registered account.

4-hour minimum guaranteed on every gig — even if the job finishes early, you are paid for a minimum of 4 hours.

Overtime: Hours beyond 8/day are paid at 1.25× your base rate.

Clock-in required: You must GPS clock-in via the GSC app within 10 minutes of your call time. Failure to clock in = gig may not be paid.

Time disputes must be submitted within 48 hours of gig completion to gratefulsetcrew@gmail.com.

No W-9 on file = no payment issued. Submit your W-9 through the crew portal before your first gig. This is non-negotiable and IRS-required.

Uniform Standards, Tool Kit & Professional Conduct

The GSC look, your mandatory 10-tool kit, and on-site behavior rules

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From Stagehand to Career — professionalism, conduct, and building a reputation on the job

Load-Out Day in the Life — real stagehand work on a concert production

Full GSC Uniform — Required on Every Gig

GSC Black Polo Shirt — Issued by GSC. $25 deducted from first paycheck. Must be worn on every single gig. No substitutions.

GSC Branded Tool Pouch — DeWalt/Milwaukee sponsored. Issued at onboarding. $20 deducted from first paycheck. Must be worn on belt at all times on site.

GSC Photo ID Badge — Issued post-orientation. Must be worn visibly clipped to your shirt on every job site. No badge = you may be denied entry.

Black Work Pants — Creased — YOUR responsibility. No jeans. No shorts. No cargo pants. No sweatpants. Black only. Must be clean and pressed every time.

Black Steel-Toe Boots — YOUR responsibility. Must be OSHA-compliant. This is a safety requirement, not a suggestion. Sneakers, flip-flops, and non-steel-toe shoes are prohibited.

ZERO TOLERANCE — Arrive without full uniform = sent home unpaid. You will not be compensated for the gig. Repeat violations result in suspension from the network. No exceptions, no warnings.

The Mandatory 10 — Tool Kit

Every GSC crew member must carry these 10 tools in their GSC tool pouch on every gig. Provided by GSC (cost deducted). Not having your tools = not being ready to work.

Combination Wrench Set (¼"–¾")
Basic fastener work on set pieces and rigging hardware

Multi-bit Screwdriver (Phillips/Flat)
Universal fastening on equipment and stage builds

Needle-Nose Pliers
Cable management, grommets, small hardware

Utility Knife + 3 spare blades
Tape cutting, shrink wrap, packaging removal

Electrical Tape (1 roll)
Cable wrapping, marking, and quick repairs

Gaffer Tape (1 roll, 1" black)
The backbone of event production — you will use this constantly

Sharpie / Black Marker
Labeling cases, cables, and positions

Measuring Tape (25 ft)
Stage dimensions, cable runs, speaker placement

LED Flashlight + spare battery
Dark rigging areas, under-stage work, load-out

Work Gloves (cut-resistant)
Required for rigging, loading, and sharp edge handling

Missing tools = you are not ready to work. Lead crew will report missing tools to dispatch.

Professional Conduct Rules

No personal phone use while clocked in. Phones are for GSC app use only on the clock. No social media, no texting, no filming without explicit client permission. First offense: written warning. Second: suspension.

Zero tolerance: drugs and alcohol on site. Arriving under the influence or consuming alcohol/drugs on any job site = immediate termination from the network. No appeal.

No unauthorized filming or photography. Do not film artists, performers, private areas, or any production element without written client authorization. Violation = immediate removal and potential legal liability.

Client communication: Speak only when spoken to unless you have a direct task question. All client-facing communication goes through the Lead Crew. Do not discuss pricing, contracts, or GSC business with clients directly.

Do not touch equipment you are not assigned to. Stage gear, artist equipment, and production cases are assigned. Do not move, handle, or adjust any equipment outside your designated task without Lead Crew instruction.

Arrive 15 minutes early. Call time is not start time — it is the time all crew must be in position and ready. Late arrival = strike in the system. Multiple strikes = removed from active roster.

Physical condition: You must be physically capable of lifting 50 lbs, standing for extended periods, and working in outdoor/varied weather conditions. This is a labor-intensive role.

Job Site Safety, AI Dispatch System & Discipline Policy

Site safety rules, how gig dispatch works, cancellation policy, and the strike system

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OSHA Rights & Responsibilities — know your safety rights on any job site

Manual Handling & Load Safety for Events — proper lifting, carrying, and load-in technique

Job Site Safety Rules

OSHA certification is a bonus, not a requirement. You do not need OSHA-10 to work at GSC. However, if you have it, upload your certificate during onboarding — it qualifies you for higher-paying roles and supervisor positions.

Stop Work Authority. Every crew member has the right AND the duty to stop work immediately if they observe an unsafe condition. Never proceed in an unsafe situation. No penalties will ever be issued for a legitimate safety stop.

Report all injuries immediately. Any injury — no matter how minor — must be reported via the GSC app within 2 hours of the incident. Do not leave site without reporting. GSC carries $2M liability insurance covering on-site injuries during active gigs.

Lift smart. Bend at the knees. Keep your back straight. Never twist while carrying. Use team lifts for anything over 50 lbs. Use dollies and hand trucks whenever available. Your back is your livelihood.

PPE compliance: Steel-toe boots required at all times. Hard hats required in any active rigging area. Gloves required when handling sharp edges, rope, or chain. Eye protection in demo/construction zones.

GPS clock-in required within 10 minutes of your call time via the GSC app. AI monitors check-in status in real time. No clock-in = gig flagged as absent. 3 absent flags = account review.

How the GSC AI Dispatch System Works

Gig notifications are sent simultaneously via push notification, SMS, and email when a gig matching your skill level and location becomes available.

3-minute response window. You have exactly 3 minutes to accept or decline a gig notification. After 3 minutes, the gig is offered to the next qualified crew member. First to accept wins.

Emergency gigs — under 4-hour notice — pay 1.5× your rate. Emergency alerts look different in the app (red banner). Stay available on off-days to catch surge pay opportunities.

You may decline up to 3 gigs in a 30-day period without any penalty or flag. After 3 declines, your availability status is reviewed. Excessive declines lower your priority in dispatch queue.

Set your availability in the app each week. The more markets you're available in, the more gigs you receive. You can block out dates at any time with no penalty.

Discipline Policy — Strike System

GSC uses a transparent 3-strike system. Strikes reset after 90 days of clean performance.

Late arrival (15–30 min)

First offense verbal warning, no strike

1 Warning

Late arrival (30+ min)

Logged in app, affects dispatch priority

1 Strike

Cancel after accepting — 24+ hrs notice

Professional courtesy, acceptable with advance notice

No strike

Cancel after accepting — under 24 hrs

Puts crew in standby — dispatch finds replacement

1 Strike

Cancel after accepting — under 4 hrs

Client impact fee may apply

2 Strikes

No-show — zero contact

Immediate suspension pending review

3 Strikes

Uniform violation — sent home

Zero tolerance applied immediately

1 Strike + unpaid gig

Unauthorized filming / photography

Potential legal liability, network ban

Immediate removal

Alcohol or drugs on site

No appeal process, no reinstatement

Permanent termination

Physical altercation

No appeal process, law enforcement notified

Permanent termination

Rating drops below 4.0 — 3 consecutive gigs

Meeting required before next gig

Performance review

All strikes, warnings, and reviews are logged in your crew profile in the app. You can view your record at any time.

GSC Official Rulebook & Stage Numbers

Every rule you must know before stepping on a job site — numbered, clear, no exceptions

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GSC Crew Rule Book & Orientation

Welcome to the official GSC Rule Book. This is your complete guide to rules, expectations, stage position numbers, and professional standards. Read every section — you will be quizzed on this material.

Open Full Rulebook in New Tab

Grateful Set Crew transforms production labor into a reliable, professional service trusted by the live events industry. We operate with five core values that define every crew member's conduct on and off the job site:

Safety First — No show, no schedule, no client pressure overrides the safety of our crew or the public.
Operational Excellence — We show up uniformed, equipped, on time, and ready. Every time. No exceptions.
Reliability — When GSC commits to a call, the client can count on it. Your reliability is GSC's reputation.
Transparency — Clear pay, clear rules, clear expectations. No hidden fees. No surprises.
Growth Mindset — Every gig is an opportunity to level up. Rate bonuses, certifications, and leadership roles are earned — not given.

GSC currently operates in Miami, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York City — with national expansion planned. You are part of a crew network of 500+ professionals.

All GSC crew must complete the following steps before receiving their first gig assignment:

Submit Application

Complete the online application at /join — personal info, ID upload, skills, and sizes.

Background Check

GSC runs a standard background check. Disqualifiers: felony violence, theft, fraud within 7 years.

Orientation Modules

Watch all 4 orientation videos and read the full Rulebook (this document).

Pass Final Quiz

Score 8/10 minimum on the orientation quiz. Unlimited retakes.

Portal Access Issued

Your crew portal login is automatically issued once you pass. Log in to set availability and accept gigs.

Level 1 — Apprentice

$20–22/hr

Entry level. No experience required beyond passing orientation. Upgrades at 50 hrs.

Level 2 — Tech

$25–30/hr

50+ logged hours + 4.0+ star rating. AV, lighting, camera roles.

Level 3 — Lead Crew

$35–45/hr

100+ hours + 4.5+ rating + supervisory evaluation. Manages crews on-site.

Level 4 — Specialist

$50+/hr

Certified rigger, A1 sound, L1 lighting, or console operator. Priority gig assignments.

⚡ Emergency Surge — 1.5× your rate on any gig dispatched under 4 hours notice. Stay available on off-days to catch surge opportunities.

Pay Rules: Paid every Friday by 5 PM · 4-hour minimum guaranteed · GPS clock-in required within 10 min · Overtime at 1.25× after 8 hrs · W-9 required before first payment · Time disputes within 48 hrs to gratefulsetcrew@gmail.com

All GSC crew are assigned a position number at check-in. The app uses these numbers for dispatch, check-in, and communication. Know every role.

Stage Manager / Lead Crew

On-site authority. All crew report to 01. Client communication routes through 01 only.

Assistant Stage Manager

Supports Lead. Handles crew check-in and call sheet. Takes over if 01 is unavailable.

Head Rigger

Oversees all overhead load work. Rigging cert required. No chain moves without 03 approval.

Lighting Director / Board Op

Controls all lighting consoles and dimmer racks. Coordinates with 01 on cue sheets.

Audio A1 — Front of House

Primary FOH mix engineer. Manages PA, subwoofers, and signal chain.

Audio A2 — Stage Monitor

Stage monitors, in-ear systems, and stage-level audio patching. Works under 05.

Video / LED Tech

Operates video walls, switchers, and projection. Coordinates with 04 on show flow.

Head Grip / General Labor Lead

Manages all stage hands on the ground. Load-in sequence, set dressing, furniture, and strike.

Rigger — Overhead

Works under Position 03. Certified only. Hard hat required at all times.

Stage Hand — Load In / Out

General labor. Reports to 08. Loading, stacking, spotting, building, and striking.

Stage Hand — Set Dressing

Props, furniture, backdrops, and set elements. Works with client or event designer.

Cable Tech / Coil & Lay

All cable runs, drops, coils, labeling, and taping. Keeps stage floor clean and safe.

Spotlight Operator

Operates follow spot as directed by 01 or 04. Headset contact throughout show.

Forklift / Scissor Lift Operator

Certified operators only. Spotters required at all times during operation.

Runner / Production Assistant

Assists all departments. First on, last off. Drives, fetches, fills gaps as needed.

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R-01 — Report to your assigned position first. Do not free-roam. Check in with Lead (01 or 02) and receive your task assignment before touching anything.

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R-02 — Keep your area clean and clear at all times. Cables coiled, cases stacked and labeled, pathways unobstructed. A messy set is a dangerous set.

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R-03 — Never move equipment not assigned to you. Do not handle, adjust, or relocate any production gear, artist equipment, or rental cases without direct Lead instruction.

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R-04 — Headsets and radios are for work communication only. Keep communications brief and professional.

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R-05 — Backstage and dressing rooms are off-limits unless explicitly assigned. Do not approach artists, performers, or VIP guests under any circumstances.

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R-06 — GPS clock-in required within 10 minutes of call time. If the app fails, notify your Lead immediately.

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R-07 — Load-in sequence is called by the Stage Manager. Do not begin loading or unloading any vehicle until the sequence is called by Position 01 or 08.

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R-08 — Hard hats mandatory in all active rigging zones. If Position 03 has not called the all-clear, no one stands under any suspended load — no exceptions.

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R-09 — Breaks are called by the Lead, not self-assigned. Do not leave the work zone without being released.

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R-10 — Verify power before handling electrical connections. Call out "CLEAR" before energizing any circuit.

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R-11 — No uncertified equipment operation — forklift, scissor lift, boom lift. Certified operators only. Uncertified operation = immediate termination.

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R-12 — Strike sequence is reverse of load-in. Coil first, break down, case, then load. Never load a truck before all items are cased and labeled.

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R-13 — Document pre-existing damage at load-in. Photograph and report to your Lead before handling.

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R-14 — In any emergency — fire, medical, structural failure — activate stop-work authority. Call 911 first, then notify GSC dispatch. Safety overrides every show schedule.

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R-15 — Rate your gig within 24 hours via the GSC app. Crew feedback improves dispatch quality and your network standing.

✔ REQUIRED EVERY GIG

✔ GSC Black Polo Shirt (logo visible)
✔ Black Work Pants — creased, no jeans
✔ GSC Branded Tool Pouch — on belt
✔ Black Steel-Toe Work Boots
✔ GSC Photo ID Badge — clipped to shirt
✔ GSC Mandatory 10 Tool Kit

✖ PROHIBITED — INSTANT SEND HOME

✖ Jeans (any color or cut)
✖ Sneakers, slides, or open-toe shoes
✖ Graphic tees, hoodies, or sweats
✖ Torn, stained, or wrinkled clothing
✖ Excessive jewelry
✖ Hats other than approved GSC headwear

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U-01 — Uniform check happens at crew call. Lead inspects every crew member before the client sees you. Fail = sent home unpaid. Zero exceptions, zero warnings.

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U-02 — The GSC polo must be tucked in neatly during client-facing events. Untucked is acceptable on load-in/strike-only calls unless instructed otherwise.

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U-03 — GSC issues polo and tool pouch at onboarding — $45 deducted from first paycheck. You are responsible for your own black pants and steel-toe boots.

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U-04 — Your ID badge is your site credential. Report loss within 24 hours. Replacement fee: $15. No badge may result in venue security denying entry.

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U-05 — Outdoor/weather: plain black rain jacket or fleece over polo is acceptable. No logos other than GSC. Clear it with your Lead before wearing.

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U-06 — You represent the GSC brand. Dress like the professional you are being paid to be. Negative appearance comments reflect on the entire network.

GSC uses a transparent 3-strike system. Strikes reset after 90 days of clean performance. All strikes are visible in your crew profile.

Late arrival (15–30 min)

First offense verbal warning, no strike

1 Warning

Late arrival (30+ min)

Logged in app, affects dispatch priority

1 Strike

Cancel after accepting — 24+ hrs notice

Professional courtesy, acceptable with advance notice

No strike

Cancel — under 24 hrs

Puts crew in standby, dispatch finds replacement

1 Strike

Cancel — under 4 hrs

Client impact fee may apply

2 Strikes

No-show — zero contact

Immediate suspension pending review

3 Strikes

Uniform violation — sent home

Zero tolerance applied immediately

1 Strike + unpaid gig

Unauthorized filming

Potential legal liability, network ban

Immediate removal

Alcohol or drugs on site

No appeal process, no reinstatement

Permanent termination

Physical altercation

Law enforcement notified, no appeal

Permanent termination

Rating drops below 4.0 — 3 consecutive gigs

Meeting required before next gig

Performance review

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C-01 — Chain of command: GSC Dispatch → Stage Manager (01) → Assistant SM (02) → Department Lead → Crew. Always communicate up the chain. Do not skip positions.

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C-02 — Issues go to your Lead — not social media, not to other crew publicly. On-site concerns get resolved on-site.

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C-03 — Pay and hour disputes must be submitted to gratefulsetcrew@gmail.com within 48 hours of gig completion. After 48 hours, disputes may not be honored.

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C-04 — Radio protocol: state your position number first. Example: "Position 10 to Position 08 — truck 3 empty, awaiting direction. Over."

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C-05 — No press or media interaction. Do not give interviews or speak to media on any job site. Refer all inquiries to Position 01 immediately.

Watch all videos as part of your onboarding. These cover stagehand work, safety, and professional conduct on production sets.

Stagehand Tips — Pressures & Challenges

What Is a Stagehand? — Roles & Responsibilities

From Stagehand to Career — Building Your Reputation

Manual Handling & Load Safety for Events

Final Orientation Quiz

Pass 8 out of 10 (80%) to unlock your crew portal login

Complete All Modules First

Complete all 4 modules and the Rulebook above to unlock the final quiz

1.What is the minimum number of hours you are paid for on any GSC gig, even if the job ends early?

2 hours

3 hours

4 hours

6 hours

2.What must you submit before receiving your FIRST payment from GSC?

A signed employment contract

IRS Form W-9

A direct deposit form only

OSHA-10 certificate

3.If a gig is dispatched with under 4 hours notice, what surge pay multiplier applies?

1.25× your rate

1.5× your rate

2× your rate

Standard rate only

4.You arrive at a job site and notice an overhead truss is improperly secured. What do you do?

Proceed — it is not your responsibility

Fix it yourself without telling anyone

Stop work immediately and report it to the Lead Crew

Wait until after the show to mention it

5.How many minutes do you have to GPS clock-in after your call time?

5 minutes

10 minutes

20 minutes

30 minutes

6.What happens if you arrive at a gig without your full GSC uniform?

You get a verbal warning and can continue working

You are allowed to work but receive a strike

You are sent home immediately without pay

You can borrow a shirt from another crew member

7.GSC crew are classified as what type of worker?

Full-time W-2 employees

Temporary W-2 employees

1099 Independent Contractors

Seasonal employees

8.What tax form does GSC issue to contractors who earn $600 or more in a calendar year?

W-2

1095-C

1099-NEC

W-4

9.How many gig offers can you decline within 30 days before it affects your dispatch priority?

1 decline

2 declines

3 declines

5 declines

10.What is the CORRECT response when a gig notification arrives in the GSC app?

Wait and see if a better gig comes

Accept or decline within 3 minutes or it goes to the next crew member

Call dispatch to negotiate the rate

Accept and then cancel if something better comes up

Answer all 10 questions to submit

GSC Crew Orientation

GSC Mission & The Standard

Your Status — 1099 Independent Contractor

Pay Rates — 4-Tier System

Pay Schedule & Rules

Full GSC Uniform — Required on Every Gig

The Mandatory 10 — Tool Kit

Professional Conduct Rules

Job Site Safety Rules

How the GSC AI Dispatch System Works

Discipline Policy — Strike System

GSC Crew Rule Book & Orientation

Final Orientation Quiz

Orientation Complete!