1

Backstage Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Event Support & Logistics Assist with load-in/load-out and backstage operations for college performances, touring productions, business events, and community rentals; includes occasional heavy ...

Understand a musical backstage process to provide production support assisting with behind the ... Musical Assistant Stipend: $1,725 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Assists with the management of the ...

Security Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... * Assist with guest and employee ingress, checking IDs, and enforcing credential checks for backstage and artist areas. * Monitor guest behavior, ensuring safe crowd management and addressing ...

Security Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... * Assist with guest and employee ingress, checking IDs, and enforcing credential checks for backstage and artist areas. * Monitor guest behavior, ensuring safe crowd management and addressing ...

Security Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$18 - $23.50/hr

... * Assist with guest and employee ingress, checking IDs, and enforcing credential checks for backstage and artist areas. * Monitor guest behavior, ensuring safe crowd management and addressing ...

Security

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20/hr

... * Assist with guest and employee ingress, checking IDs, and enforcing credential checks for backstage and artist areas. * Monitor guest behavior, ensuring safe crowd management and addressing ...

Additional Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To: * Assist with employee and guest ingress, greet and direct crowds, check IDs, and enforce credential checks for backstage and artist areas

Additional Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To: * Assist with employee and guest ingress, greet and direct crowds, check IDs, and enforce credential checks for backstage and artist areas

Additional Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To: * Assist with employee and guest ingress, greet and direct crowds, check IDs, and enforce credential checks for backstage and artist areas

next page

Showing results 1-20

Backstage Assistant information

What is a backstage assistant?

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 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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Backstage jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Backstage jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Backstage Assistant jobs in Illinois?

For Backstage Assistant jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Backstage Assistant jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Backstage Assistant jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Backstage Assistant jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Backstage Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Backstage Assistant job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Backstage Technician

The College of Lake County

Grayslake, IL • On-site

$26.71/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


College Of Lake County rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?
The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.
Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance).
Position Title:
Backstage Technician
Job Summary:
The College of Lake County is looking for a part time, Backstage Technician to join the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts (JLC). The JLC Backstage Technician is primarily responsible for performing designated tasks assigned by the JLC Production Manager or assigned crew lead when preparing for, working during and/or striking after a performance in the JLC. The Backstage Technician is a union position and is represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local #2
Job Description:
Job Responsibilities
  • Event Support & Logistics
    Assist with load-in/load-out and backstage operations for college performances, touring productions, business events, and community rentals; includes occasional heavy lifting and standing for extended periods.
  • Technical Equipment Handling
    Set up, operate, and dismantle stage lighting and audio systems, including computerized and analog consoles, ensuring smooth technical execution of events.
  • Rigging & Safety Operations
    Perform basic theatrical rigging and fly rail tasks; work safely at heights (e.g., catwalks, loading bridges, lifts/ladders) in accordance with college safety protocols.
  • Stage Setup & Maintenance
    Prepare stage elements such as risers, orchestra shells, music stands, chairs, and temporary dance flooring to meet performance specifications.
  • Performance Execution
    Operate lighting consoles, audio consoles, fly system and follow spotlights during live events; provide general stagehand support and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements
  • Education & Experience
    High school diploma or equivalent required; minimum two years of backstage support experience in professional performance environments preferred. Strong hands-on experience in both Front of House and monitor mixing preferred.
  • Physical & Technical Skills
    Ability to occasionally lift heavy objects., squat, and bend frequently; proficient in using basic hand and power tools (e.g., c-wrenches, socket wrenches, drills).
  • Technology & Communication
    Competent in operating computers and software relevant to technical production; proficient written and verbal communication skills. Expertise in engineering front of house and monitor operations in live sound environment
  • Work Ethic & Collaboration
    Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with attention to detail; proven effectiveness in working with diverse individuals and maintaining professional relationships.
  • Availability & Reliability
    Actual hours vary based on show schedule and need. May work over 8 hours a day, plus evenings and weekends, depending on the needs of the college/event schedule. Daytime weekday availability is a plus. Adherence to college attendance and punctuality standards is expected.

Work Schedule:
Work schedules are determined based on production needs.
Pay: $26.71/hour
Full-Time/Part-Time:
Part time
Total Hours Per Week:
0
Position Type:
Staff
Job Family:
Classified
Posting Date:
08/24/2026
Expected Start Date:
09/28/2026
Compensation Grade:
Backstage Technician
Location:
Grayslake Campus
Department:
JM - Production - Backstage Technician Department
EEO Statement:
College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law.

What College Of Lake County employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom