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Performing Arts Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Visual and Performing Arts Center Manager Days worked as assigned $15.00 per Hour Provide event ... . Assist staff with technical production, event setup, and facility operations. Education ...

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Performing Arts Assistant information

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How much do performing arts assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for performing arts assistant in the United States is $19.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a performing arts assistant during a production season?

Performing Arts Assistants often support the production process by coordinating rehearsal schedules, assisting with set and prop organization, and facilitating communication between creative and technical teams. They may also help manage backstage operations during performances, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared and that transitions run smoothly. This role requires flexibility and strong organizational skills, as duties can change rapidly based on the needs of the production.

What is the difference between Performing Arts Assistant vs Stage Technician?

AspectPerforming Arts AssistantStage Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer arts-related certificationsTechnical training or certifications in stagecraft or audio-visual technology
Work EnvironmentPerformances, rehearsals, arts venues, educational settingsTheater stages, production sites, backstage areas
Employer & Industry UsageArts organizations, theaters, schools, community groupsTheaters, production companies, event venues
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in performing arts supportTechnical support in theater productions

The Performing Arts Assistant primarily supports performers and manages logistical tasks in arts venues, while the Stage Technician focuses on technical setup, lighting, and sound. Both roles are essential in theater productions but differ in technical responsibilities and daily tasks.

What is a performing arts assistant?

Performing Arts Assistants are professionals who provide administrative, technical, or logistical support to performing arts organizations, such as theaters, dance companies, or music ensembles. Their duties may include helping with event planning, coordinating rehearsals, managing schedules, and assisting with the setup and breakdown of performances. They often work alongside directors, performers, and production staff to ensure that shows and events run smoothly. This role requires excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and a passion for the arts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a performing arts assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Performing Arts Assistant, you generally need strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a background or interest in theater, dance, or music. Familiarity with stage management software, lighting and sound equipment, and scheduling tools is often required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help you support performers and production staff effectively. These skills ensure smooth operations behind the scenes and contribute to the overall success of performances and events.

What cities are hiring for Performing Arts Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Performing Arts Assistant job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Performing Arts jobs?

The most popular types of Performing Arts jobs are:

What states have the most Performing Arts Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Performing Arts Assistant jobs include:

Infographic showing various Performing Arts Assistant job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,672 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Assistant Technical Director, Texas Performing Arts

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

126th of 618 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Technical Director, Texas Performing Arts

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Hiring Department:

Texas Performing Arts

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

Texas Performing Arts at the University of Texas at Austin (TPA) is the nation's largest and most active university-based performing arts center by annual attendance, budget, and number of events. Both an anchor institution in Austin's arts landscape and a nationally significant presenter, TPA operates venues on the University of Texas at Austin campus including Austin's largest theater, Bass Concert Hall. Its presenting includes Broadway in Austin; an international season of dance, theater, and music; and the Texas Welcomes series of national touring artists. Education is at the core of TPA's programs, which serve more than 30,000 K-12 students and the 55,000 students of UT Austin.

Why Join Texas Performing Arts?

UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package, including but not limited to:

  • Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)

  • Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options

  • Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

  • Teachers Retirement System of Texas, a defined benefit retirement plan, with 7.75% employer matching funds

  • Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)

  • Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses

  • For more details, please see: https://hr.utexas.edu/prospective/benefits and https://hr.utexas.edu/current/services/my-total-rewards

Purpose

The Assistant Technical Director works with the Technical Director and Lead Fabricator to manage projects and the daily operations of our Construction Studios as an essential member of the Fabrication Studios team. They will serve as Technical Director for assigned projects as well as support the training and development of students and staff as carpenters and Technical Directors. The Assistant Technical Director also takes on essential operational functions for the Fabrication Studios, including supervising an internal materials store, managing consumables, and leading students and staff in fabrication projects as well as load-in and strikes.

Responsibilities

1. Production:

  • Serve as Technical Director on productions as assigned. Specify and purchase products and services necessary. Create estimates and track purchases and labor on assigned projects. Attend production meetings and technical rehearsals as needed.

  • Execute scenic and special effects elements on productions and projects as assigned.

  • Serve as Technical Designer and draft construction drawings for fabrication projects outside of the Academic Production season as assigned.

2. Management:

  • Manage Fabrication Studios Internal Materials Store including purchasing, sales, and inventory tracking.

  • Delegate and supervise fabrication, maintenance, installation and striking of production elements in venues, and planning tasks to students and employees in the Fabrication Studios.

  • Allocate and monitor Fabrication Studios hardware and consumables budget; proactively ensure consumables are replenished when necessary.

  • Maintain Fabrication Studios equipment including hand tools, bench tools, metalworking equipment, and digital fabrication tools.

  • Maintain and manage project management software for Fabrication Studios

  • Safely load and drive university vehicles.

3. Teaching and Mentorship:

  • Participate in hands-on technical and skill instruction in scenic construction and technical direction, including serving as instructor of record for relevant courses as assigned.

  • Supervise and evaluate Teaching Assistants as assigned.

  • Propose, plan, and participate in course residencies, guest lectures, workshops, and tours.

  • Orient and direct daily activities of hourly hires in the construction studio.

  • Investigate, assess, and participate in professional development opportunities and share or implement new learning within the Fabrication Studios.

4. Consistently advance Texas Performing Arts' goals of expansive and innovative programming, educational impact, and world class facilities & experiences across all defined responsibilities and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Diploma (High School) or GED.

  • A strong background in theatrical drafting, production planning, budgeting, scenic carpentry, welding, rigging, and general theatrical practices.

  • Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment in which priorities can change rapidly while facilitating efficient problem solving, creative thinking, and collaboration.

  • Extensive experience with Vectorworks or other CAD drafting programs.

  • Experience with CNC routers.

  • Strong desire to work with students of many skill levels in learning scenic fabrication techniques and processes

  • Demonstrated experience supervising the work of others.

  • Valid Driver's License

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and work at heights

  • Have demonstrated competencies in:

    • Collaboration

    • Cost Estimation

    • Delegation

    • Effective Communication (written and spoken)

    • Flexibility and Adaptability

    • Problem Solving

Preferred Qualifications
  • M. F. A. in Technical Direction and two years of professional experience in technical direction in a recognized professional performing-arts company OR a B. F. A in Technical Theatre with five years of professional experience in technical direction in a recognized professional performing-arts company OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Demonstrated experience working in an academic setting with students.

  • Teaching experience at the post secondary level.

  • Experience using digital fabrication tools including but not limited to: 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters.

  • Knowledge of task management applications such as Trello and Slack

  • Experience driving a variety of vehicles including a 16' box truck.

  • ETCP rigging certification

  • Supervisory experience with professional stagehand crews

  • Experience with ShopBot

Salary Range
  • $65,000+ depending on qualification and experience

Working Conditions
  • This position is based in Austin, Texas and requires residence in the greater Austin area.

  • Work in and around shop environment with debris and loud noise. Personal Protective Equipment provided.

  • Work safely with ladders, catwalks, scaffolds, grids, and aerial work platforms.

  • Work in and around theatrical performance environment.

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation.

  • Walking to multiple buildings on campus.

  • Use of manual dexterity.

  • Climbing stairs and ladders

  • Pushing, pulling, lifting, and moving up to 50 lbs.

Work Shift
  • Evening, weekend, and holiday work, including "on-call" times, are required in connection with performances and events. Working shifts may include extended daily hours in connection with performances and events. Work will exceed 40 hours per week at peak times. A compensatory time program is provided.

Required Materials
  • Cover letter detailing interest in and qualifications for this specific opportunity. Please include a link to online samples of work.

  • Resume/CV

  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.References will not be contacted without prior approval of the candidate.

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.


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