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Apprentice Theatrical Rigging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Provides direction, training, guidance and assistance to employees, volunteers, apprentices ... Operates and maintains theatrical equipment, including stage rigging systems, lighting systems ...

Knowledge of stage rigging. * Knowledge of college and department policies and procedures ... of an apprenticeship/ internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Apprentice Theatrical Rigging information

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$12

$22

$36

How much do apprentice theatrical rigging jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice theatrical rigging in the United States is $22.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Apprentice Theatrical Rigging vs Apprentice Stage Electrician?

AspectApprentice Theatrical RiggingApprentice Stage Electrician
Required CredentialsBasic rigging certifications, safety trainingElectrical safety training, basic electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentRigging setups, fly systems, load managementElectrical wiring, lighting setup, power distribution
Employer & Industry UsageTheatrical productions, live events, touring showsTheatrical productions, concerts, live events
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Apprentice Theatrical Rigging and Apprentice Stage Electrician roles are entry-level positions in theater production, requiring safety and technical certifications. Rigging apprentices focus on load management and fly systems, while Electrician apprentices handle electrical setups and lighting. They often work together on the same productions, but their skills and certifications differ based on their specific tasks.

How to become an apprentice theatrical rigging?

To become an apprentice theatrical rigging professional, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and should gain experience or training in rigging, theater production, or related fields. Many start by working as stagehands or in entry-level theater roles, then seek apprenticeships through theaters, production companies, or unions that offer on-the-job training and mentorship in rigging safety, equipment, and techniques.

Is apprentice theatrical rigging an apprenticeship?

Yes, apprentice theatrical rigging is typically an apprenticeship program where individuals learn rigging skills under the supervision of experienced professionals. These programs often include hands-on training, safety certifications, and may lead to full-time rigging roles in theater or live event production.

What cities are hiring for Apprentice Theatrical Rigging jobs?

Cities with the most Apprentice Theatrical Rigging job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Theatrical Rigging jobs?

The most popular types of Theatrical Rigging jobs are:

What states have the most Apprentice Theatrical Rigging jobs?

States with the most job openings for Apprentice Theatrical Rigging jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Theatrical Rigging jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Theatrical Rigging jobs are:

Infographic showing various Apprentice Theatrical Rigging job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,449 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

$18 - $20/hr

Internship

Posted 18 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Learn and operate technical equipment for theatrical performances, concerts, and events, including lighting, audio, and video systems.

  • Set up and take down equipment required for all campus events and maintain theatre production equipment and backstage areas.

  • Operate theatrical rigging systems, carpentry tools, and other technical equipment during events.


Job description

Description

 Position Summary:  

Under the direction of the Technical Production Manager, the Stage Technician Intern will learn and operate every department of all of the technical aspects of theatrical performances, concerts, and other events.  

  • Set up and operation of all types of lighting equipment, including an ETC ION, followspots, Incandescent, LED, practical and intelligent fixtures. 
  • Set up and operation all types of audio equipment, including mixing consoles such as the Midas M32 or Yamaha CL series, microphones such as the Shure ULXD, amplifiers, and speakers. Dante, Shure WWB, and Qlab. 
  • Set up and operation all types of Video equipment, including projectors, screens, playback units and switchers. Qlab. 
  • Operation of a theatrical counterweight system, including soft goods, hard goods, occasional other forms of theatrical rigging such as chain hoist and automation. 
  • Operation of various carpentry tools including table saws, miter saws, band saws, pneumatic tools, drill motors etc. 
  • Learning to set up and take down the equipment required for all events on campus.
  • To work in a technical position and how to operate technical equipment during an event.
  • Learning how to clean and maintain all theatre production equipment and backstage areas
  • Other related duties as may be deemed necessary by the Technical Production Department. 

Employment Standards:

The Stage Technician Intern must have the ability to:

  • Understand and follow directions
  • Learn and follow safety procedures
  • Report to all work calls at the scheduled time 
  • Lift and carry up to sixty pounds
  • Learn to safely use and work on ladders and personnel lifts
  • Work in low- and no-light environments
  • Must be available to work entire show runs: load-in, rehearsals, performances, and strike. 
  • The ability to work multiple long days in a row. 

The Stage Technician Intern must successfully complete a minimum of 1000 hours to complete the program.  This training period may be extended at the discretion of the Technical Production Manager. The Stage Technician Intern position status is non-exempt and casual. The Stage Technician Intern will be required to work evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, depending upon the performance schedule. These 1000 hours are accredited by IATSE 122, the San Diego Stage Hand Union, and can be used in conjunction with their pre-apprenticeship program. 

Working Environment:

The Center's unique campus includes a 1,500-seat Concert Hall, a 400-seat Center Theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities. The Stage Technician Interns primarily work in the Center Theatre, but may be asked to work any event on campus.  

Requirements

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move a minimum of 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and an ability to adjust focus. 


Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. 

Please note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Stage Technician Intern.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.