Kuzuke

Kuzuke [筈元; くずけ] are stagehands in traditional Kantonese theatre, who dress all in black, slim-fitting costumes. They were known by a number of names of varying formality, including kuzunake, kuzuchō and kukko.
In jūkyū theatre, kuzuke serve many of the same purposes as running crew. They move scenery and props on stage, aiding in scene changes and costume changes. Mostly working underneath the stage or behind the backdrop curtain, kuzuke are behind most of the visual tricks which jūkyū is known for, such as yōgaraki (objects and actors appearing and disappearing), the revolving of a stage, and the preparation of costumes for sudden switch changes. Kuzuke will often provide background noises from the kugunzō area, imitating the wind whistling, waves crashing on a beach, or birdsong if a scene takes place in a forest. If extras are required, such as soldiers or villagers, kuzuke may appear onstage in simple costumes, although this is uncommon.
Throughout history kuzuke have generally been actors-in-training who are not yet qualified to appear in main roles. However, they have often been associated with the 'dark side' of jūkyū theatre. As they operate under the stage (kugunzō), and this area was seen as a highly unsavoury and dirty place to be, kuzuke were typically viewed as untrustworthy, creepy, lecherous, and rude. They were also treated poorly by egotistical actors, who were known to advantage of them for sexual favours. During the 1600s, a famous myth spread that kuzuke were not actually people, but rather supernatural creatures which spawned beneath a stage and were 'tamed' by theatre houses to take care of behind-the-scenes work.