1

Live Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer- Facility (L.A. LIVE)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

LIVE theatre, broadcast facilities for ESPN, along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space. Developed by Los Angeles-based AEG, L.A. LIVE is considered to be the nation's most ...

Engineer- Facility (L.A. LIVE)

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

LIVE theatre, broadcast facilities for ESPN, along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space. Developed by Los Angeles-based AEG, L.A. LIVE is considered to be the nation's most ...

Showing results 21-40

Live Theater information

See salary details

$11

$24

$41

How much do live theater jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for live theater in the United States is $24.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $26.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are live theater jobs?

Live theater jobs encompass a wide range of roles involved in the production and presentation of stage performances. These roles include actors, directors, stage managers, set and costume designers, lighting and sound technicians, and front-of-house staff. Each position plays a crucial part in bringing a theatrical production to life, from the creative process to the technical execution and audience experience. Many theaters also hire administrative and marketing professionals to help promote shows and manage operations. Live theater offers opportunities for both creative and technical professionals to collaborate and contribute to the performing arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in live theater?

To succeed in live theater, you need strong performance or technical abilities, a relevant educational background (such as a degree in theater or performing arts), and practical stage experience. Familiarity with lighting and sound equipment, stage management software, or set design tools is often required, depending on your specific role. Collaboration, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for working harmoniously with cast and crew. These competencies ensure seamless productions, high-quality performances, and the ability to handle the dynamic challenges of live shows.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in live theater productions?

Professionals in live theater often face challenges such as tight rehearsal schedules, last-minute script or technical changes, and the need to adapt quickly during live performances. Collaboration across departments—such as stage management, lighting, sound, and costume—is crucial to ensure a seamless show. Additionally, working evenings and weekends is typical, as performances usually take place outside standard business hours. The environment is fast-paced and requires strong communication skills and flexibility to respond to unexpected issues during live events.

What is the difference between Live Theater vs Stage Manager?

AspectLive TheaterStage Manager
Primary RolePerforming arts production involving actors and live audienceOverseeing production logistics, coordinating backstage activities
Work EnvironmentTheater stage, backstage, rehearsal spacesTheater, backstage, production offices
Required SkillsActing, voice projection, stage presenceOrganization, communication, problem-solving
Industry UsagePerformers in theater productionsProduction team member in theater

Live Theater involves actors performing on stage for audiences, focusing on acting and stage presence. A Stage Manager coordinates the production, managing logistics and backstage activities. While both roles are essential in theater, Live Theater emphasizes performance, whereas Stage Managers focus on production management and organization.

What cities are hiring for Live Theater jobs?

Cities with the most Live Theater job openings:

What states have the most Live Theater jobs?

States with the most job openings for Live Theater jobs include:

Infographic showing various Live Theater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,266 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Camera Operator (Livestream & Live Production) - LA

Upright Citizens Brigade

Los Angeles, CA

$25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Company Description

The Upright Citizens Brigade is home for all things comedy. Whether you're interested in writing, performing, becoming a stronger public speaker, or just love seeing comedy, UCB has you covered! Our highly trained faculty represents the best writers and performers working in comedy today. The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre was founded by Matt Besser, Amy Poehler, Ian Roberts, and Matt Walsh in 1999 and operates Theaters and Training Centers in New York & Los Angeles with Austin and Pittsburgh on its way.

Job Description

The Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre is seeking experienced freelance Camera Operators to join our production team in Los Angeles and New York. This role is vital to the success of our digital initiatives, capturing high-energy live comedy for real-time livestreams and high-quality archival footage.

Operators will work within a multi-cam environment to deliver dynamic visual storytelling that translates the live theater experience to a digital audience.

Role Details

  • Employment Type: Freelance / Contract

  • Location: Los Angeles, CA 

  • Schedule: Variable; requires evening and weekend availability for show coverage

  • Reporting to: Executive Director / Venue Coordinator

  • $25/hr

Key Responsibilities

  • Live Camera Operation: Operate the Panasonic AG-CX350 as a handheld / mobile camera during live comedy performances, staying nimble and responsive from the first set to the final bow.

  • Active Listening to apply contextual composition while following fast-paced improvisational and scripted comedy.

  • Collaborative Live-Switching: Work in coordination with both the Tech Booth Operator and Live-switcher to provide usable, high-quality shots for real-time cutting and streaming to platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

  • Assist in the deployment of specialized camera rigs, including camera setups for audience capture or unique show-specific needs like top-down kitchen rigs.

  • Technical Maintenance: Ensure the theater cameras and associated gear are calibrated and ready for use prior to showtime.

Qualifications
  • Proven track record of operating cameras in a live event environment (comedy, theater, or music preferred).

  • Technical fluency with professional HD cameras and live-switching workflows.

  • A strong understanding of comedic timing and framing to anticipate performer movement and punchlines.

  • Adaptability: Ability to stay focused and professional in a high-pressure, live-to-air environment with minimal oversight.

  • Excellent communication skills for working alongside Technical Operators, Technical Leads, Event Staff, and performers.

Additional Information

Preferred Experience

  • Familiarity with the Panasonic AG-CX350 - our primary freemoving camera for live performances. Experience with this model is a plus, but not required.

  • Experience troubleshooting HDMI wireless transmission issues in live settings.

  • 1+ year of on-set camera operation with solid command of core videography fundamentals (ISO, f-stop, shutter speed, etc.).

  • Familiarity with OBS and/or other livestreaming protocols for YouTube and other digital platforms.

To Apply

Please submit:

  • Resume

  • Demo reel or links to live production work

    • Note: File uploads limited to 2 MB per file. If you have larger files, please share a link to a digital storage folder in your application/CV

  • Available start date

- UCB is an equal opportunity employer.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.