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Backstage Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Support artist and crew movement in coordination with Production, Stage Management, and Tour Security * Assist with tour vehicle parking and backstage lot setup per Production-approved plans

Technical Theater Assistant

Atherton, CA · On-site

$45K - $53K/yr

Lead and support scenic construction, helping move productions from design through build. * Assist ... Follow strong safety practices in all shop and backstage work. Student Mentorship * Supervise and ...

$17.75/hr

Maintain attendance and help distribute daily rehearsal or performance schedules. * Assist with checking presets backstage before each run. * Support cue tracking during tech (shadowing SM team to ...

A/V Tech Assistant

San Diego, CA · On-site

$17.25 - $20/hr

Essential functions • Assist with load in, setup, testing, operation, and strike of audio ... and backstage teams with gear prep, stage changes, and cue execution • Perform basic ...

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Backstage Assistant information

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Backstage Assistant during a live performance?

As a Backstage Assistant, your daily responsibilities during a live performance often include organizing and tracking props, assisting with quick costume changes, ensuring performers are in the correct places at the right times, and maintaining clear communication with stage management. You'll also help with setting up and striking sets between scenes, and may be called upon to resolve unexpected issues quickly and discreetly. Teamwork is essential, as you'll be working closely with stage managers, performers, and technical crew to ensure smooth show operations.

What qualifications do I need to be a Production Assistant?

A production assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work flexible hours in a fast-paced environment. Prior experience in film, television, or theater production can be beneficial, and familiarity with production equipment or software may be helpful.

What does a backstage assistant do?

A backstage assistant supports theater, concert, or event productions by helping with set changes, equipment setup, and maintaining the backstage area. They ensure smooth transitions between acts, assist performers and crew, and often handle tasks such as organizing props and managing stage logistics. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of stage operations are beneficial for this role.

Has anyone gotten a job from Backstage?

Backstage is a platform that connects job seekers with entertainment industry opportunities, including backstage assistant roles. Many individuals have secured jobs through Backstage by applying to relevant listings and demonstrating relevant skills such as organization and communication. Success depends on the quality of applications and matching the job requirements.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Backstage assistants often face competition from a large pool of applicants, and employers may prefer candidates with relevant experience or specific skills such as organization and communication. Additionally, younger job seekers may lack work experience or formal training, making it harder to secure entry-level roles in the industry.

What is the difference between Backstage Assistant vs Stagehand?

AspectBackstage AssistantStagehand
CredentialsMay require basic theater or production trainingOften requires technical or production experience
Work EnvironmentBehind the scenes in theaters, concert halls, or TV studiosOn stage or backstage during live events or productions
Employer & IndustryTheater companies, TV studios, event venuesTheater productions, concerts, live shows

Backstage Assistants and Stagehands both work behind the scenes in entertainment settings. While Backstage Assistants typically handle support tasks like organizing props and assisting performers, Stagehands focus more on technical setup, lighting, and scene changes. Both roles require some technical knowledge and are essential for smooth production operations, but their specific duties and environments differ slightly.

What are Backstage Assistants?

Backstage Assistants are essential team members who help ensure that performances, fashion shows, concerts, or other live events run smoothly behind the scenes. Their responsibilities often include organizing costumes and props, assisting performers with quick changes, managing equipment, and communicating with stage managers. They play a crucial role in maintaining order and timing backstage, helping to solve problems quickly as they arise. Their work is mostly unseen by the audience but is vital to the success of any live production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backstage Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backstage Assistant, you need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, often supported by experience in theater production or stage management. Familiarity with stage equipment, communication systems like headsets, and basic safety protocols is typically required. Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities help you stand out in this fast-paced environment. These skills ensure smooth show operations, quick resolution of issues, and effective coordination among crew members during live performances.
What are the most commonly searched types of Backstage jobs in California? The most popular types of Backstage jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Backstage Assistant jobs in California? For Backstage Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backstage Assistant jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backstage Assistant jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backstage Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Backstage Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Backstage Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Venue Backstage Security

Venue Backstage Security

Livenation

Riverside, CA • On-site

$26/hr

Part-time

Posted 28 days ago


Live Nation rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 51 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Summary:

WHO ARE WE?

Live Nation Entertainment is the world's leading live entertainment company, comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. Ticketmaster is the global leader in event ticketing with over 620 million tickets sold annually and approximately 10,000 clients worldwide. Live Nation Concerts is the largest provider of live entertainment in the world promoting more than 50,000 events annually for nearly 7,000 artists in 40+ countries. These businesses allow Live Nation Media & Sponsorship to create strategic music marketing programs that connect more than 1,200 sponsors with the 145 million fans that attend Live Nation Entertainment events each year. For additional information, visitwww.livenationentertainment.com.

WHO ARE YOU?

Passionate and motivated. Driven, with an entrepreneurial spirit. Resourceful, innovative, forward thinking and committed. At Live Nation Entertainment, our people embrace these qualities, so if this sounds like you then please read on!

THE JOB

The Backstage Security Ops is responsible for maintaining a safe, secure, and professional backstage environment at a Live Nation concert venue. This role supports artists, touring personnel, production staff, and venue operations by enforcing credential access, monitoring restricted areas, and responding to incidents in a calm and professional manner. The position requires flexibility, strong communication skills, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced live event environment.

WHAT THIS ROLE WILL DO

  • Enforce backstage, stage, and artist-only access control using credentials, laminates, and wristbands
  • Monitor backstage areas including dressing rooms, production spaces, hallways, and stage-adjacent access points
  • Support artist and crew movement in coordination with Production, Stage Management, and Tour Security
  • Assist with tour vehicle parking and backstage lot setup per Production-approved plans
  • Identify, prevent, and address unauthorized access or security concerns
  • Utilize verbal de-escalation techniques as the primary response to conflicts or disruptions
  • Respond to incidents, medical situations, and safety concerns and escalate appropriately
  • Complete accurate incident reports and post-show documentation as required
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding artist activity and backstage operations
  • Perform other security-related duties as assigned by Venue Security Management
  • Other duties as assigned

WHAT THIS PERSON WILL BRING

  • Minimum 18 years of age
  • Current valid CA Guard card or security license required.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure situations
  • Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
  • Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and extended shifts
  • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods

Must have high school diploma or equivalent.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in English.
  • An understanding of the rule of law and the relevant penal codes.
  • Ability to represent the Security Department in an exemplary manner.
  • Ability to effectively perform in crises and work under pressure without the loss of composure.
  • Ability to memorize, recollect, and quickly retrieve relevant information.
  • Ability to interact effectively and calmly with angry or emotional patrons and employees during intensely aggravated circumstances.
  • Ability to walk, stand, lift at least 45 lbs., reach, pull, push, grasp and drag.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience in live events, concerts, or backstage security
  • Familiarity with touring production environments
  • Experience with access control, credentialing systems, or artist movement
  • Customer-service-oriented mindset with strong situational awareness
  • Bilingual abilities a plus

Work Environment

  • Fast-paced live entertainment venue
  • Exposure to loud noise, crowds, and low-light environments
  • Indoor and outdoor backstage areas
  • Variable schedules based on show requirements

Physical Demands

  • Prolonged standing and walking
  • Climbing stairs and navigating tight backstage spaces
  • Ability to visually monitor access points and respond quickly to incidents

Employment Details

  • Position Type: Part-Time / Event-Based
  • Classification: Non-Union
  • Pay Rate: $24-$26 per hour (based on role and experience)
  • Overtime and meal periods in accordance with California labor laws

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We aspire to build teams that reflect and support the fans and artists we serve. Every day we aim to promote environments where everyone can be themselves, contribute fully, and thrive within our company and at our events. As a growing business we will encourage you to develop your professional and personal aspirations, enjoy new experiences, and learn from the talented people you will be working with.


Live Nation strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of age (40 and over), ancestry, color, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), family and medical care leave or the denial of family and medical care leave, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), marital status, domestic partner status, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, military and veteran status, political affiliation, national origin (including language use restrictions), citizenship, race, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), gender, gender identity, and gender expression, sexual orientation, intersectionality,or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law, rule, ordinance or regulation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act and consistent with other similar and / or applicable laws in other areas.

We also afford equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability. For this reason, Live Nation will make reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant consistent with its legal obligations to do so, including reasonable accommodations related to pregnancy in accordance with applicable local, state and / or federal law. As part of its commitment to make reasonable accommodations, Live Nation also wishes to participate in a timely, good faith, interactive process with a disabled applicant to determine effective reasonable accommodations, if any, which can be made in response to a request for accommodations. Applicants are invited to identify reasonable accommodations that can be made to assist them to perform the essential functions of the position they seek. Any applicant who requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job should contact a Human Resources Representative to request the opportunity to participate in a timely interactive process. Live Nation will also provide reasonable religious accommodations on a case-by-case basis.

HIRING PRACTICES
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Live Nation recruitment policies are designed to place the most highly qualified persons available in a timely and efficient manner. Live Nation may pursue all avenues available, including promotion from within, employee referrals, outside advertising, employment agencies, internet recruiting, job fairs, college recruiting and search firms.

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The expected compensation for this position is:

$20.00 USD - $25.00 USD Hourly

** Pay is based on a number of factors including market location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

Live Nation Entertainment will never request payment or equipment purchases as part of the hiring process. Recruiters will only contact candidates from official Live Nation or affiliated brand email domains.


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