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Backstage Technical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$25.66/hr

About the Position This position performs and assists in backstage technical operations for University Theatre events, including lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and general stage production ...

$25.66/hr

About the Position This position performs and assists in backstage technical operations for University Theatre events, including lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and general stage production ...

Senior Sales Engineer - Backstage

New York, NY · On-site +1

$160K - $228K/yr

Understand the technical aspects of Backstage, including its architecture, APIs, plugins, and integrations. * Assist clients in integrating Backstage into their development environments. * Provide ...

Understand the technical aspects of Backstage, including its architecture, APIs, plugins, and integrations. * Assist clients in integrating Backstage into their development environments. * Provide ...

Build deep expertise in Backstage Portal and Confidence, translating technical value into clear customer outcomes * Tell a compelling story about Spotify's dogfooding approach and how our products ...

Build deep expertise in Backstage Portal and Confidence, translating technical value into clear customer outcomes * Tell a compelling story about Spotify's dogfooding approach and how our products ...

About the Team Backstage was created at Spotify and has grown into a leading SaaS and open source ... Define clear positioning and differentiated messaging for technical B2B audiences * Partner closely ...

About the Team Backstage was created at Spotify and has grown into a leading SaaS and open source ... Define clear positioning and differentiated messaging for technical B2B audiences * Partner closely ...

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Backstage Technical information

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$20

$44

$89

How much do backstage technical jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for backstage technical in the United States is $44.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $50.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Backstage Technical, you need a solid understanding of stagecraft, lighting, sound engineering, and often a technical theatre qualification. Familiarity with lighting consoles, audio mixers, rigging systems, and stage management software is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and seamless technical support for live productions, contributing to smooth and successful performances.

What are some common challenges faced by backstage technical staff during live performances, and how can they be managed?

Backstage technical staff often face challenges such as last-minute equipment malfunctions, tight set change timelines, and effective communication under pressure. To manage these issues, it's important to be well-prepared with thorough pre-show checks, maintain clear communication with the production team via headsets or cues, and develop quick problem-solving skills. Building strong teamwork and staying adaptable ensures smooth transitions and helps minimize disruptions during live events.

What are Backstage Technical roles?

Backstage Technical roles refer to the various positions responsible for the technical aspects of live performances, such as theater, concerts, or events. These roles include jobs like lighting technicians, sound engineers, stagehands, riggers, and set builders. Their primary duties involve setting up, operating, and maintaining equipment, as well as ensuring smooth transitions during performances. Backstage technicians work closely with performers and directors to create the desired atmosphere and effects for a production. Their expertise is vital to the success of any live event.

What is the difference between Backstage Technical vs Stage Technician?

AspectBackstage TechnicalStage Technician
CredentialsTechnical certifications, audio/visual trainingTechnical skills, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentBehind the scenes, technical setups, equipment managementOn stage, setting up and operating stage equipment
Industry UsageFilm, TV, live events, theaterTheater, concerts, live performances

Backstage Technical and Stage Technician roles both involve technical skills and equipment handling. However, Backstage Technical professionals focus more on behind-the-scenes technical setup and management across various entertainment industries, while Stage Technicians are primarily responsible for on-stage setup and operation during performances. Both roles require technical certifications but differ in work environment and specific responsibilities.

More about Backstage Technical jobs
Infographic showing various Backstage Technical job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,814 per year, or $44.6 per hour.
Performing Arts Technician Pool (Hourly)

Performing Arts Technician Pool (Hourly)

California State University

On-site

$25.66/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


California State University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

213th of 532 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Performing Arts Technician Pool (Hourly)

Apply now Job no: 550115
Work type: Staff
Location: East Bay
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Temporary, Part Time, Theatre Arts, On-site (work in-person at business location)

Salary and Benefits

PLEASE NOTE: The starting salary placement depends on qualifications and experience and is anticipated to be in the range of $21.47 per hour to $25.66 per hour (Step 1 - Step 10).

Cal State East Bay offers a broad range of benefits that includes medical, dental, vision, retirement (CalPERS), 401k, 457, 403(b), dependent and health care reimbursement accounts, life insurance, vacation and sick, 14 paid holidays, one personal holiday and tuition fee waiver.
For more information on the benefits program, please visit our benefits website. The CSU Total Compensation Calculator demonstrates the significance of our benefits package.

Classification

Performing Arts Technician I 

About Cal State East Bay

Cal State East Bay's beautiful main campus is located in the Hayward hills with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay shoreline. Situated above the city of Hayward, the campus offers an ideal setting for teaching and learning and yet easy access to the many cities along the bay. The University has a satellite campus in Concord, a professional development center in Oakland and a significant presence online. Founded in 1957, Cal State East Bay is one of 23 universities of the California State University system (CSU). Cal State East Bay is recognized as a regionally engaged and globally oriented university with a strong commitment to academic innovation, student success, engaged and service learning, diversity, and sustainability.

About the Position

This position performs and assists in backstage technical operations for University Theatre events, including lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and general stage production support. Aids in mounting departmental productions and servicing external events by constructing and setting up technical systems such as scenery, props, and effects. Supports backstage and shop operations, helps train and guide student assistants in the safe and proper use of equipment and materials, and ensures facilities and equipment are maintained. Performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Supervise and Assist

  • Supervise and assist in backstage technical work for University Theatre events, including stage lighting, sound, rigging and light carpentry.  
  • Assist with mounting technical aspects of department productions or assists with servicing events of outside users, includes construction of show items and/or setting up stage technical systems - might deal with scenery, costumes, lights, sound, props, painting, effects, rigging, makeup, setup, strike, stage managing, and other similar production operations.

Backstage Support

  • Provides support for backstage shop and stage operations by meeting regularly and coordinating with shop and stage supervisors to plan, schedule work, and assist in shop operations and with ongoing production and maintenance activities.

Lead Work Assistance 

  • Assists with providing lead work direction to students and student assistants in shops or on stage, which includes but is not limited to assisting in proper use of equipment, tools, and materials and assists in maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Maintains stock, equipment, and facilities and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Entry to the first level within this classification requires one to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production.
  • This background normally would be achieved through professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience.

Required Qualifications

  • A valid driver's license.
  • Experience with safely using hazardous materials found in backstage shops.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Knowledge of and skills to properly and safely use stage lighting, live/pre-recorded sound, stage rigging, machinery, tools, equipment, and materials of one or more backstage shops, stage, and technical theatre support areas.
  • Skill and ability to safely and securely open and close one or more backstage shops and work spaces after cleaning and checking that broken equipment is marked for repair or maintenance.
  • Ability to take instruction for work to be completed and then develop a plan for doing the work assigned.
  • Ability to complete work on time with a group of students and without considerable additional supervision.
  • Ability to serve courteously and helpfully, especially with students, audiences, and event renters.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

  • BA in Theatre Arts or a related field is preferred and/or four years work in one or more stage technology fields.

Condition(s) of Employment

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including LiveScan, as appropriate), that may include, but is not limited to: criminal records check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certificates, credit history, professional references and/or verification of work history is required for employment.  Cal State East Bay will issue a conditional offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Unsatisfactory results may also affect the continued employment of current Cal State East Bay employees who were conditionally offered the position.
All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate. LiveScan is conducted through the University Police Department.

EEO Statement

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal State, East Bay provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. The CSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California's  Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU's Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Other Information

All California State University campuses, including Cal State East Bay, are smoke and tobacco-free.  For more information, please visit our website here.
In compliance with state and federal crime awareness and campus security legislation, including The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the Cal State East Bay Annual Campus Security Report is available here. 

Sponsorship

Cal State East Bay is not a sponsoring agency for Staff or Management positions and we are not an E-Verify employer.

Mandated Reporter

The incumbent in this position may be considered a mandated reporter under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and will be required to comply with requirements set forth in the CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Advertised: October 27, 2025 (9:00 AM) Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

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About California State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

California State University, Fresno is one of 23 campuses in the California State University System. The University's mission is to boldly educate and empower students for success through our values of Discovery, Diversity and Distinction. The current student population is more than 25,000, including a large percentage of students with diverse and culturally rich backgrounds. The University serves the San Joaquin Valley while maintaining deep involvement with the state, nation, and across the globe.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Long Beach, CA, US