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Freelance Stagehand Jobs in Ridgefield, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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Freelance Stagehand information

See Ridgefield, NJ salary details

$10

$20

$27

How much do freelance stagehand jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance stagehand in Ridgefield, NJ is $20.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $22.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance stagehand?

Freelance stagehands are skilled professionals who work on a contract or per-event basis to assist with the setup, operation, and breakdown of equipment for live events such as concerts, theater productions, conferences, and festivals. Their responsibilities may include assembling and dismantling staging, lighting, and audio equipment, as well as moving props and scenery. Unlike full-time stagehands, freelancers are typically hired by production companies or venues for specific events, offering flexibility in their work schedule and variety in the types of events they support.

Is a freelance stagehand entry-level?

Freelance stagehands can be entry-level or experienced, depending on the complexity of the events and the skills required. Entry-level stagehands typically learn on the job, gaining experience with equipment like lighting and sound systems, and may need basic certifications or training. Many freelance opportunities are available for those starting out, but higher-paying or specialized roles often require prior experience.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a freelance stagehand?

To thrive as a Freelance Stagehand, you need a solid understanding of stage setup, lighting, audio, and rigging, often acquired through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with tools like power drills, lighting consoles, and safety equipment, as well as OSHA or ETCP certifications, is highly valued. Strong teamwork, reliability, and effective communication set standout stagehands apart in demanding live event environments. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure efficient, safe, and professional production setups for concerts, theater, and events.

What are common challenges freelance stagehands face when working on different productions?

Freelance stagehands often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to new venues, teams, and production requirements, as each show or event may have unique equipment, schedules, and protocols. Effective communication and flexibility are essential, as tasks can range from setting up lighting and audio to assisting with scenery changes, often under tight timelines. Additionally, managing irregular work hours and periods of downtime between gigs is common, so building strong industry connections and proactively seeking opportunities can help sustain a steady workflow.

Is a freelance stagehand a hard job?

A freelance stagehand job can be physically demanding and requires working irregular hours, including nights and weekends. It involves setting up, operating, and dismantling equipment in often fast-paced environments, requiring physical strength, technical skills, and adaptability. The job's difficulty varies based on the event size and complexity, but it generally demands resilience and attention to safety protocols.

What is the difference between Freelance Stagehand vs Freelance Lighting Technician?

AspectFreelance StagehandFreelance Lighting Technician
CredentialsNone mandatory, some technical knowledgeTechnical certifications or training often required
Work EnvironmentOn-site at events, theaters, concertsOn-site at events, theaters, concerts, with focus on lighting setup
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, theaters, touring showsEvent production companies, theaters, touring shows

Freelance Stagehands and Freelance Lighting Technicians both work in live event environments, often at the same venues. The main difference lies in their skills and responsibilities: stagehands handle general setup, load-in/load-out, and equipment movement, while lighting technicians focus on installing, operating, and maintaining lighting systems. Both roles require technical knowledge, but lighting technicians often need specialized certifications. Understanding these differences helps clients find the right freelancer for their event needs.

What cities near Ridgefield, NJ are hiring for Freelance Stagehand jobs? Cities near Ridgefield, NJ with the most Freelance Stagehand job openings:
Freelance Stagehand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Stagehand job openings in Ridgefield, NJ as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,882 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Tilles Center Freelance Stagehand

Long Island University

Brookville, NY • On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Long Island University rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

595th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Details
Job Type
Staff
Salary Range
$22-27 per hour
Start Date
As soon as possible
FLSA Status
Non-exempt
Application Deadline
Oct 01, 2026
Contact
Please submit an online application
Job Description
Position Summary:
The Tilles Center Freelance Stage Hand assists in multiple capacities in an effort to mount events and productions at Tilles Center.
Key Responsibilities:
  • The stage crew performs a wide variety of jobs all of which are related to whatever event is booked at the time.
  • As an active member of the crew, you will assist in the setup (Load In) and Breakdown (Load Out) of performances,
  • preparing the theater for upcoming events (Changeover),
  • prepare the lighting plot (light hang),
  • as well as a variety of other maintenance and show tasks that are required to maintain and run an operational and safe theater.
  • The crew are responsible for all events in multiple venues and spaces throughout the campus.

Education Requirements :
  • High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Q ualification Re quirements:
  • Backstage theater experience preferred.

Working Conditions:
  • Generally indoors, in the theaters, auditoriums and backstage spaces at Tilles Center.
  • Loading and unloading of trucks is conducted outdoors, in the parking lots adjacent to the Tilles Center stages.

Material and Equipment:
  • Basic hand and power tools (screwdriver, wrench). Hand trucks, dollies, ladders, theatrical lighting, sound equipment. Ability to lift 50+ lbs.

About LIU Post
LIU Post campus is a scenic, historic, and scholarly campus that offers a small-school environment with the access and resources of a major metropolitan university. The University's 350+ acre campus is located on the estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, 27 miles east of New York City on Long Island's Gold Coast. The campus houses the Lewyt College of Veterinary Medicine, the first professional School of Accountancy, an AACSB-accredited Business School, and an award-winning theater program. LIU is home to the world-renowned Tilles Center for the Performing Arts and the Shark Stadium, where supporters gather to cheer on the Sharks' Division I athletic program.
LIU is an equal opportunity employer. LIU is committed to extending equal opportunity in employment to all qualified candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our academic community. LIU encourages applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital or parental status, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, veteran or military status, age, disability or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal laws. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the United States.

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