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Backstage Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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 popular job titles related to Backstage Assistant jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Backstage Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Backstage Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Backstage Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

First Opportunity Program: Stagedoor Attendant (variable hour)

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Oregon Metro
1 - 5K employees

$21.79/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Position Summary This is a First Opportunity recruitment, we are only accepting applications from residents who live within the First Opportunity Target Area (FOTA) and meet the qualifying annual household income limit. For more information please visitwww.oregonmetro.gov/fota. Hello, we're Metro

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. As the fifth-largest performing arts center in the nation, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts is where creativity meets community.

With over one million patrons walking through our doors each year, our theaters and concert halls come alive with music, dance, theater, and world-class lectures. We are currently seeking Variable Hour Stagedoor Attendants to serve as the welcoming face of Portland'5 while safeguarding access to our venues and backstage areas. In this role, you will greet staff, artists, vendors, and crew members with warmth, professionalism, and exceptional customer service while monitoring and controlling access points throughout the facility.

Success in this position requires the ability to build rapport and communicate respectfully while consistently enforcing security protocols, including verifying identification, confirming crew lists, and denying access when authorization cannot be established. The ideal candidate is confident, tactful, and composed, able to navigate challenging situations with diplomacy while protecting our people, performers, and facilities. Through a combination of attentiveness, sound judgment, and positive customer interactions, you will play a critical role in maintaining a secure environment and preventing unauthorized access to vulnerable areas of the venue.

As the Stagedoor Attendant you will Greet and assist staff, visitors, and vendors entering the facility-providing clear directions and excellent customer service. Monitor stage doors and control access to ensure only authorized individuals enter the premises. Open and secure the building at designated times to maintain a safe environment.

Observe and respond to suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts. Operate communication tools such as phones and radios; relay information to house managers, supervisors, or other team members as needed. Handle front desk tasks, including answering phones, responding to emails, and assisting with basic administrative needs.

Use computers and digital systems to track keys, manage logs (lost and found, shipping/receiving, parking permits), and operate surveillance and alarm systems. Communicate clearly during emergencies, including coordination with 911 personnel when necessary. Stay proactive during slower periods by organizing materials, completing checklists, updating logs, or assisting other departments when appropriate.

Attributes for success Skilled in monitoring security systems and managing facility access with attention to detail. Comfortable engaging with a wide range of people and creating positive interactions. Approachable and easy to communicate with, both in casual and high-volume settings.

Proficient in basic computer tasks, including email, logging data, and using digital surveillance or access systems. Brings an enthusiastic, can-do attitude to every shift and team interaction. Able to remain calm and think clearly in emergency or high-pressure situations.

Demonstrates a sincere interest in helping others and contributing to a welcoming environment. Self-motivated and proactive during downtime, with the ability to identify and complete tasks independently. Naturally service-oriented, with a strong commitment to providing excellent guest experiences.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region.

Metro's goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community. L earn more about Metro's Diversity Action Plan TO QUALIFY We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.

Minimum qualifications High school diploma or GED; AND Minimum of six (6) months of experience in customer service, reception or security work; OR Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities. Shift and schedule You'll have the flexibility to submit your availability each month. Shifts are assigned based on operational demands and special events, with preference given to candidates who are available to work evenings and weekends.

Flexibility during peak business hours is highly valued and can provide additional scheduling opportunities. If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years. Like to have qualifications You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify.

However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position. Experience performing similar work in a large, event driven venue; theater, stadium or event center Flexibility to work on an on-call basis Strong interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to engage positively with diverse populations.

Proficiency with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) SCREENING AND EVALUATION The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

A completed online application Responses to supplemental questions The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change. Initial review of minimum qualifications In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates Consideration of top candidates/interviews Testing/assessments (if applicable) Reference check Background records check for finalist candidate COMPENSATION AND REPRESENTATION The pay rate for this position is $21.79 per hour

This position is eligible for overtime and is represented by IATSE Local B-20. It is classified as a Stagedoor Attendant. Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions.

View the classification description. Questions. Recruiter: Megan Warneke Email: megan.warneke@oregonmetro.gov Additional Information Equal employment opportunity All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law

Non-discrimination in hiring decisions Metro is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local civil rights laws. Metro employment decisions - including recruitment, screening, interviewing, selection, promotion, compensation, and separation - must not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected class. Accommodation Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process.

Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. Veterans' preference Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework Positions designated as "hybrid telework," meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. How to Apply For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro's "How to apply" page.

Government Jobs For assistance with your account or to reset your password please visit GovernmentJobs "Help and Support" page. Metro Led by an elected council, this unique government gives all residents of greater Portland a voice in shaping the future and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. We find solutions for our area's garbage and recycling that protect clean air and water; help plan land use and development to provide jobs and safe transportation; manage local venues that provide a connection to arts and culture and help keep the economy growing; protect 17,000 acres of parks and natural areas, and run the Oregon Zoo, to keep nature close to home.

As part of the Metro family, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Metro brings people together to shape the future of our area and provides parks, venues, services, and tools at a regional scale. Portland'5 Centers for the Arts and Metro As the fifth-largest performing arts center in the nation, Portland'5 Centers for the Arts takes care of treasured public theaters and concert halls that bring music, theater, dance and lecture performances to greater Portland.

Portland'5's roughly 73 employees host more than one million patrons each year.