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Backstage Theatre Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$14.25 - $19/hr

Support the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting, sound, and projection equipment. * Assist with backstage operations, scene changes, and technical rehearsals. * Help keep theatre facilities ...

Lead Theatre Technician

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$42K - $55K/yr

Working backstage during performance, assisting with costume changes * Relaying costume repair and ... Assists Theatre Technical Director in maintaining organization and cleanliness of theatre facility ...

Showing results 41-60

Backstage Theatre information

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$12

$23

$44

How much do backstage theatre jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for backstage theatre in the United States is $23.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Backstage Theatre vs Stage Manager?

AspectBackstage TheatreStage Manager
Primary RoleSupports technical and production aspects behind the scenesCoordinates all aspects of a production, including cast, crew, and scheduling
CredentialsTechnical theater training, technical certificationsTheater management or production experience, often with technical knowledge
Work EnvironmentTheater backstage, technical areasStage, backstage, and production offices
Industry UsageUsed in theater, live performances, and production companiesCommonly used in theater, musicals, and live shows

While both roles are essential in theater productions, Backstage Theatre focuses on supporting technical and behind-the-scenes tasks, whereas a Stage Manager oversees the entire production process, coordinating performers and crew to ensure smooth performances.

What is a backstage theatre job?

Backstage theatre jobs refer to roles behind the scenes that support the production of a play or performance. These jobs include positions like stage manager, lighting technician, sound operator, set designer, costume designer, and props master. People in these roles work together to ensure that all technical and logistical aspects of a show run smoothly. They are essential for making sure actors, sets, and technical elements are in place and that the performance is seamless for the audience.

What are the most common challenges faced by backstage theatre crew, and how can they be managed effectively?

Backstage theatre crew often encounter challenges such as tight time constraints during scene changes, coordinating with multiple departments, and troubleshooting technical issues under pressure. Effective communication and clear planning are key to managing these demands, as is maintaining flexibility to adapt to last-minute changes. Building strong teamwork and regularly rehearsing transitions can help ensure smooth performances and reduce stress during live shows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backstage theatre technician?

To thrive as a Backstage Theatre Technician, you need a solid understanding of stagecraft, lighting, sound, and set construction, often backed by technical theatre training or related experience. Familiarity with light and sound boards, rigging equipment, and safety protocols is commonly required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills help you adapt quickly to changing cues and tight schedules. These abilities ensure smooth, safe, and professional theatre productions that meet artistic and technical standards.
More about Backstage Theatre jobs
What cities are hiring for Backstage Theatre jobs? Cities with the most Backstage Theatre job openings:
What states have the most Backstage Theatre jobs? States with the most job openings for Backstage Theatre jobs include:
Infographic showing various Backstage Theatre job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 48% Full Time, 47% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,917 per year, or $23.5 per hour.

Theater Technician: Designer/Engineer

Babson College

Wellesley, MA • On-site

$31.70/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

THE OPPORTUNITY
BabsonARTS presents a wide range of programming that includes theater, dance, music, film, literary and visual arts. Theater technicians cover various roles dependent on their experience including but not limited to leading load-in/load-out and/or lighting hang/focus; lighting design; audio playback and mixing; equipment repair/maintenance; show calling; stage management; supervising use of the facility according to established procedures and systems under the direction of the Production Operations Manager. Technicians are responsible for managing backstage and technical operations while consistently maintaining the safety and professional standards of the Sorenson Center for the Arts for specific events as scheduled and may serve as the on-site technical representative as needed.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
  • Operate and supervise the safe and efficient use of the facility and its specialized theatrical equipment
  • Depending on qualifications and needs of a particular event, provide lighting design, audio engineering, video operation, show calling, or stage management to support and provide general production advice for execution of the event
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues
  • Liaise with clients, producers, and stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of their event/production
  • Perform and oversee limited set construction, painting, rigging, and other theatrical craft activities as needed
  • Organize, manage, work with, and train students with a wide variety of backgrounds in a hands-on learning environment
  • Lead routine maintenance of theatrical facilities and equipment
  • Maintain Babson College and Sorenson Center for the Arts policies and procedures
  • Timely response to scheduling outreach
  • Supervise stagehands, assistants, and student staff as it pertains to the role held on any given production
  • Assume additional responsibilities as required.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE
  • Theater Technician: Stagehand

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED
  • Ideal candidates will have strong expertise in at least one department of theater technology, along with an ability/openness to work in other departments as requested
  • Ability to read, execute, and update documentation such as plots, signal flow, lightwright files, and run-of-show files as it pertains to your primary department of expertise
  • Experience leading small teams and/or serving as a supervisor of a theater space/venue
  • Candidates must be detail-oriented, punctual, have a positive attitude and strong communication skills, and be comfortable in a position of authority in emergency situations
  • 3 years of professional theatrical production experience in the arts and entertainment industry
  • Demonstrated understanding and proficiency of current theatrical production standards and their safe execution
  • Comfortable working with various genres in the performing arts: theater, music, dance, film, mixed media, talking head presentations on the arts, readings, etc
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a wide range of programming
  • Ability to adapt and work collaboratively with others
  • Excellent oral, interpersonal communication, and problem solving skills
  • Ability to work effectively and inclusively with diverse constituencies in an academic setting where arts-related activities are not the focus of study
  • Possess a calm and approachable manner with and a proactive and self-motivated spirit
  • Ability to create an environment where direct reports have the freedom and security to take initiative; deal with complexities with resilience, resourcefulness, and optimism; and appreciate open mindedness, creativity, and agility in thought and tactics.
  • Ability to embrace ideas and changes created by all community members.
  • Ability to work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks; and effectively act on new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought-after results.
  • Ability to anticipate and effectively handles change; demonstrate willingness to try new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.
  • Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Google Drive/Docs and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook/Calendar).

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK
All Babson College faculty and staff authorized to work on campus must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including any appropriate boosters. Proof of vaccination upon hire is required or within 21 days of becoming eligible for a booster. Contact Human Resources for medical accommodation or religious exemption requests.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE
  • Experience with basic flyrail operation
  • Previous experience working in a college/university environment with students preferred

This is a non-exempt position with an hourly rate of $31.70. This position includes paid sick leave where required by law. Eligibility, accrual, and usage will follow applicable state and local regulations.
All questions or concerns about this posting should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at hr@babson.edu.

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About Babson College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Babson College is the premier institution for business education taught through an entrepreneurial lens. Since 1919, Babson has been providing learners with essential business skills combined with the liberal arts knowledge needed to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. This mindset transforms our students into entrepreneurial leaders making an impact around the world. Babson graduates bring entrepreneurial thinking and leadership skills to a variety of industries and businesses, from startups to nonprofits. Our students are highly pursued upon graduation because Babson prepares them to be sharp, driven, agile leaders who strive to be innovative and generate long-lasting solutions.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Babson Park, MA, US

Year founded

1919

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