Meaning of the term 'stage hand'

[Andre]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #58 "Stages", question 8

He's always been fascinated by the theatre and has spent many years doing odd jobs as a stage ..........

(a) worker
(b) hand
(c) man
(d) holder

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #58 "Stages", answer 8

He's always been fascinated by the theatre and has spent many years doing odd jobs as a stage hand.

Correct answer: (b) hand

Your answer was: incorrect
He's always been fascinated by the theatre and has spent many years doing odd jobs as a stage worker.
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Hi, What kind of job is a stage hand?

English Learner Andre

[Alan]

Hi English Learner,

A stage hand is someone who does small jobs in the theatre - helping with the scenery, making tea for the cast and cleaning the place. Hand in this sense represents the person - an employee doing manual work.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Good Bye Summer

[Conchita]

[Alan]

Good morning Conchita,

I would suggest that an errand boy is a little different from a stage hand.The errand boy would usually be office based although a stage hand could well run errands as part of their job. I think the stage hand would be more of a dogsbody.

Alan
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English as a Foreign Language
You can read my EFL story A day in the life of a stately home owner