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Backstage Assistant Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Marquee Arts

House Technician

Ann Arbor, MI

$35.33/hr

Oversee safe and efficient backstage and on-stage operations * Execute lighting, audio, and video ... Ensure stage, rigging, and carpentry elements are safe and functional * Assist with sourcing and ...

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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 Michigan? The most popular types of Backstage jobs in Michigan are:
What are popular job titles related to Backstage Assistant jobs in Michigan? For Backstage Assistant jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backstage Assistant jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Backstage Assistant jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Backstage Assistant jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Backstage Assistant job openings:
Backstage Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Backstage Assistant job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

House Technician

Marquee Arts

Ann Arbor, MI

$35.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Michigan Theater and State Theater | A New Era of Production and Innovation

The Michigan Theater (opened in 1928) and the State Theater (opened in 1942) are two of Ann Arbor’s most iconic cultural landmarks and the core of Marquee Arts. As the organization moves from a rental-house model toward producing approximately 35 live shows each year, both theaters are poised for an exciting transformation. Each venue has its own history, personality, and devoted audience—but together they anchor a renewed vision for live events, film, community programming, and creative expression.


To support this next chapter, Marquee Arts seeks a House Technician to join our team as we move into the theater’s next century.


Position Overview

The House Technician is a key member of the live events and production team at the Michigan and State Theaters. This role exists to bring experiences to life on our stages, supporting concerts, comedy, film events, and community programming.

Working in close partnership with the Technical Director, this position ensures that every event is executed safely, efficiently, and at a high level of quality while contributing to a collaborative and solutions-oriented culture focused on audience experience.


What Success Looks Like

  • Events run smoothly, safely, and on time
  • Artists, partners, and clients feel supported and confident
  • Equipment and spaces are maintained proactively
  • Communication is clear and solutions-focused
  • The team is prepared, adaptable, and ready to execute


Key Responsibilities:


Core Responsibilities

  • Event Execution and Production
  • Serve as a lead or supporting technician for live events from load-in through strike
  • Oversee safe and efficient backstage and on-stage operations
  • Execute lighting, audio, and video needs
  • Troubleshoot technical challenges in real time


Technical Operations and Maintenance

  • Maintain and improve lighting, sound, and production equipment
  • Support upgrades and modernization of technical systems
  • Ensure stage, rigging, and carpentry elements are safe and functional
  • Assist with sourcing and managing equipment, props, and scenic elements


Planning and Collaboration

  • Work with the Technical Director to prepare for upcoming events
  • Participate in production meetings
  • Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and execution


Culture and Team Contribution

  • Take ownership of outcomes and responsibilities
  • Contribute to a positive and respectful work environment
  • Remain open to feedback and continuous improvement
  • Support and mentor team members as needed


Working Conditions:

  • A full-time, regular hourly position. Guaranteed minimum hours of 1,326.
  • Overtime must be approved in advance and will be compensated at time and a half for hours beyond eight in a day.
  • Schedule is based on event calendar and production needs.
  • Reasonable work hours and meal breaks are expected and supported.
  • Production days will have a minimum of 6 to 8 hours.
  • Office equipment and required software will be provided.


Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This role also regularly requires reaching, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolding, and walking and standing for extended periods of time. Extended computer use is required. The employee will regularly lift, push, pull and/or move items that weigh up to 75 pounds.


Qualifications and Experience:

  • A minimum of 2-3 years of experience operating lighting and audio consoles in a live concert environment.
  • Expertise in AV systems, lighting, sound, staging, and rigging.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure.
  • Ability to focus on both the performance and audience equally.
  • A team player who can communicate clearly and take initiative.
  • A professional interest in building and improving systems.
  • A technician that can think like a producer.


Additional Eligibility Qualifications: An active and good standing membership with IATSE 395. (Can participate in the membership process upon hire if currently not a member)


Compensation and Benefits Information:

  • This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position
  • Pay Rate: $35.33
  • Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time-off: Holidays, Vacation and Health Leave, Annuity Plan, Training Trust Plan, Free Movie Admission & Concessions/Merchandise Discount