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Festival Rigging Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

... rigging, electrics, sound, properties, or theatrical design. Basic knowledge of creating and maintaining festival plots for both sound and light. Strong speaking, writing & communication skills with ...

Event Crew

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$22/hr

... festivals, and corporate events throughout the DMV area. We work with some of the biggest ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Event Crew

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$22/hr

... festivals, and corporate events throughout the DMV area. We work with some of the biggest ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Event Crew

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$22/hr

... festivals, and corporate events throughout the DMV area. We work with some of the biggest ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Festival Rigging information

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

To thrive as a Festival Rigger, you need strong knowledge of rigging principles, safety standards, and experience with stage construction, typically supported by relevant certifications such as Entertainment Rigging or OSHA training. Familiarity with technical equipment like hoists, trussing systems, and load calculation software is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring safety and coordinating with production teams. These skills and qualifications are vital for safely installing and maintaining complex structures in dynamic festival environments.

What are some common challenges faced by festival rigging professionals during large-scale events?

Festival rigging professionals often encounter challenges such as working within tight timeframes, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring strict safety compliance in dynamic environments. Collaborating closely with lighting, sound, and staging teams is essential to coordinate equipment setup and modifications. Staying organized and communicating effectively with the broader production crew help address issues quickly and keep the event running smoothly. Understanding the venue's unique layout and being prepared to troubleshoot on the fly are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Festival Rigging vs Stage Rigging?

AspectFestival RiggingStage Rigging
CredentialsRigging certifications, OSHA trainingRigging certifications, OSHA training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor festival sites, temporary setupsIndoor theaters, concert halls, permanent venues
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, festivalsTheater companies, concert venues
Common Search/ComparisonFestival Rigging vs Stage Rigging

Festival rigging and stage rigging share similar skills and certifications, but festival rigging focuses on outdoor, temporary setups for festivals, while stage rigging involves indoor, permanent or semi-permanent venues. Both roles require safety certifications and involve working with rigging equipment, but their environments and specific applications differ.

What is festival rigging?

Festival rigging refers to the process of installing, securing, and managing the equipment used to suspend lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements at festivals. Rigging professionals ensure that all overhead structures are safely and securely set up according to strict safety standards. This includes designing rigging plots, calculating load weights, and operating hoists or trusses. Their work is crucial for both the safety of the performers and attendees, as well as the success of the overall event production.
What are popular job titles related to Festival Rigging jobs in Virginia? For Festival Rigging jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Festival Rigging jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Festival Rigging jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Festival Rigging jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Festival Rigging job openings:
Infographic showing various Festival Rigging job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!
Full-Time, Entertainment Rigging Specialist
Busch Gardens Williamsburg
What you get to do:
  • Supports the theming & technical teams in the upgrade of existing park shows, events, festivals, and attractions.
  • Maintains project liaison status to communicate scheduling of timelines, guest impact, site visits, and additional department project involvement.
  • Contributes to continuous Entertainment development and evolution by researching and presenting new technological enhancement options.
  • Develop install, implementation, and strike schedules for combined in-house and contracted services with deadline accountability.
  • Maintains a flow of purchasing by monitoring issuances of purchase orders, collection of vendor clearance paperwork, and proper invoicing.
  • Provides a high level of professional expertise in the areas of technical stagecraft, theatrical rigging, special effects, lighting, scenery, theming, and technical design.
  • Plays a critical role as our link to outside show producers, consultants, and contractors.
  • Ensures that our operation is compliant with corporate safety industry standards as well as federal, state, and local statutes related to safety and the environment.
  • Assists with scope development, budget creation, bid process, vendor selection, equipment purchase, and installation supervision.
  • Design review of lighting, audio, video, special effects, safety rigging, and show control systems.
  • Provides project updates to the park management team.
  • Occasionally may assist other locations/areas throughout the park as needed.
  • Supervises labor hours for specific work units from 20 to 80 hours per week based on project needs. Supervises and maintains cleanliness and safety standards of equipment including theatrical rigging and infrastructure as it relates to the project install.
  • Other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:
  • Must be at least 18 year of age
  • Pocess a valid driver's license
  • Thorough knowledge of technical theater including rigging, theater safety, audio, lighting, video, and digital media, special effects, theatrical scenery, and all other elements of stagecraft
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational, planning, and communication skills and have the ability to work independently in a self-directed manner
  • Computer skills including MS Word, Excel, and internal purchasing systems.
  • AutoCAD drafting experience preferred.
  • Comfortable to learn and to operate a high reach, and forklift and work at heights up to 90 feet
  • Able to occasionally lift/move greater than 25 pounds (but less than 50) unassisted
  • Able to handle multiple tasks and work on several projects simultaneously in a fast-paced work environment
  • Strong leadership abilities and skills in planning, organization, implementation, and follow-through
  • Able to work outdoors in various weather conditions including cold and rain
  • Able to work weekends, holidays, early morning, and late evenings

What else is important:
  • Minimum of a two-year degree from community college, vocational training, or technical trade school.
  • Four-year college degree in Theater or related discipline preferred.
  • A minimum of three years theatrical or theme park experience.
  • A minimum of two years in a leadership role related to live event productions: technical theater operations, concert, and festival and/or event production.
  • Two years of Project Management or Coordination preferred.
  • Proven knowledge of technical discipline preferred.

Compensation: 15.00 USD
The perks of the position:
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.