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Stage Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stage Technician

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Designs, fabricates, installs and maintains technical and mechanical systems that are required for ... Supervises and trains stage employees. Minimum Qualifications * High school diploma or equivalent.

Quality Stage Developer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$46.75 - $61.25/hr

Resource will be responsible for designing and configuring IBM's Quality Stage tool set according to the business rules and requirements defined.. Additional Information All your information will be ...

Senior Revit Designer

Holland, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

These assets enable architectural space planning, visualization, and early-stage fit testing for A ... The Senior Revit Designer partners closely with Market Experience, A&D Strategy, and Product ...

New

Senior Revit Designer

Holland, MI · On-site

$97K - $103K/yr

These assets enable architectural space planning, visualization, and early-stage fit testing for A ... The Senior Revit Designer partners closely with Market Experience, A&D Strategy, and Product ...

Senior Revit Designer

Holland, MI

$97K - $103K/yr

These assets enable architectural space planning, visualization, and early-stage fit testing for A ... The Senior Revit Designer partners closely with Market Experience, A&D Strategy, and Product ...

The ideal candidate will be comfortable working in ambiguous, early-stage design environments and ... designs Develop interactive prototypes to communicate design concepts and validate ideas ...

Jack Morton is hiring a Graphic Designer to join our Creative team. You're a visual storyteller ... Generate conceptual AI imagery for decks, activations, and early-stage concepts * Work across the ...

Color & Material Designer

Dearborn, MI · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Our Color & Material Designer creates, curates, and delivers Color, Material and Finish (CMF ... Experience leveraging generative AI tools to accelerate early-stage design ideation. * Demonstrated ...

Senior UX Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Senior UX Designer will serve as a champion for users, leading the transformation of intricate ... into every stage of the product development lifecycle, from initial discovery through final ...

Senior UX Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Senior UX Designer will serve as a champion for users, leading the transformation of intricate ... into every stage of the product development lifecycle, from initial discovery through final ...

Senior UX Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

The Senior UX Designer will serve as a champion for users, leading the transformation of intricate ... into every stage of the product development lifecycle, from initial discovery through final ...

New

Wardrobe Manager

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$52K - $58K/yr

Coordinate backstage schedule and wardrobe paperwork with shop manager, costume designer, stage management and wig/makeup personnel. Communicate wardrobe notes with the designer and shop manager.

Receptionist

Livonia, MI · On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

NYX LLC designs, develops, and manufactures interior, under-hood, and technology solutions for the ... Stage 5: Hired

This is designed to prepare you to become a Reliant employee, as well as ready you to raise financial support. Note: Once you begin a questionnaire within a stage, you will need to complete that ...

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Showing results 1-20

Stage Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$30.9K

$72.5K

$95.9K

How much do stage designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for stage designer in Michigan is $72,471.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,600.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a stage designer do?

A stage designer, also known as a set designer, is responsible for creating the visual environment of a theater production, concert, or event. They design sets, props, and sometimes lighting to help bring the director’s vision to life and enhance the storytelling. Stage designers collaborate closely with directors, costume designers, and lighting designers to ensure all visual elements work together. Their work includes sketching ideas, building models, selecting materials, and overseeing the construction and installation of sets.

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

To thrive as a Stage Designer, you need a solid background in set design, spatial awareness, visual arts, and often a degree in theater design or a related field. Familiarity with design software like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of stagecraft and lighting systems, is typically required. Creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and strong communication skills set outstanding stage designers apart. These skills ensure effective realization of artistic visions, smooth coordination with production teams, and the creation of impactful stage environments.

What are some common challenges stage designers face when working on live productions?

Stage Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing creative vision with budgetary or technical constraints, adapting designs to different venues, and collaborating with directors and other departments like lighting, sound, and costumes. Meeting tight deadlines and making real-time adjustments during rehearsals are also common aspects of the role. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are crucial to navigate these challenges and deliver visually compelling and practical stage environments.

What is the difference between Stage Designer vs Set Designer?

AspectStage DesignerSet Designer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in theater, design, or related fieldOften requires a degree in theater, architecture, or interior design
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on live theater, concerts, and performancesWorks on film, television, and theatrical productions
Industry UsageCommonly used in theater and live performance industriesCommonly used in film, TV, and stage productions

While both Stage Designer and Set Designer create visual environments, the Stage Designer focuses on designing the overall stage layout for live performances, ensuring functionality and aesthetic appeal. The Set Designer, on the other hand, primarily designs the physical scenery and backgrounds for theater, film, or TV productions. Their roles often overlap, but their specific focus and work environments differ.

How do you become a stage designer?

To become a stage designer, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in theater design, set design, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, building a portfolio, and developing skills in drafting, painting, and computer-aided design (CAD) are essential steps in establishing a career in stage design.

What are popular job titles related to Stage Designer jobs in Michigan?

For Stage Designer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Stage Designer jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Stage Designer jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Stage Designer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Stage Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Stage Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,471 per year, or $34.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago


Western Michigan University rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

487th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Details
Posting Summary
College
VP Business And Finance-DIV
Executive Area
VP Business And Finance
Department
Miller Auditorium
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
S1691P
Job Type
Full Time, Regular
Pay Type
Nonexempt/Hourly
Pay Grade
E
Campus Location
WMU-Kalamazoo - Main Campus
Salary Range
Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
1
General Summary
Provides technical support for stage productions.
Major Duties
  • Maintains the operating condition of all equipment and systems that are required for the production of professional theatrical, musical and other events.
  • Designs, fabricates, installs and maintains technical and mechanical systems that are required for the productions of auditorium events.
  • Maintains effective communication with auditorium staff, University personnel and individual production crews. Provides customer service.
  • Assures strict compliance with all safety regulations, requirements and standards.
  • Supervises and trains stage employees.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Five years' relevant experience.
  • Ability to work irregular shifts and extended hours, including weekends and holidays.

Desired Qualifications
  • Demonstrate expertise in professional sound systems, audio programming, and live event audio operations.
  • Configure, manage, and troubleshoot Dante networking environments, QLab show control software, and Blackmagic Design video equipment.
  • Design, maintain, and support WiFi networks, audio/video network infrastructure, and VLAN configurations.
  • Operate and program Yamaha CL5 digital sound consoles for live productions and events.
  • Set up, maintain, and troubleshoot wireless microphone systems, in-ear monitor systems, hearing assistance devices, and descriptive audio systems.
  • Manage and maintain acoustic treatment systems, including sound-absorbing curtain installations and related venue acoustics equipment.
  • Operate, maintain, and optimize professional audio and audiovisual systems to deliver exceptional audience experiences.
  • Apply advanced technical knowledge of audio, video, projection, and sound reinforcement systems to support diverse event requirements.
  • Mix front-of-house (FOH) and monitor audio for concert bands, orchestras, theatrical performances, and non-union touring productions.
  • Integrate house-owned and rental equipment seamlessly while maintaining exceptional organization, inventory control, and operational efficiency.
  • Adapt and configure venue audio, video, and projection systems to meet the unique needs of school, community, corporate, and touring events.
  • Serve as Head House Audio Engineer for Broadway touring productions, acting as the primary liaison for touring audio teams and ensuring successful execution of all audio-related requirements.

Special Instructions to Applicants
  • External applicants should use the WMU - Application.
  • Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application.

Additional Position Information
  • Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at: https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation
  • Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to: https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff

Physical requirements and working conditions
  • Heavy work frequently working in difficult work positions or with physical demands such as continuously lifting or moving materials greater than 50 pounds.
  • Work is performed in an environment with exposure to somewhat disagreeable or hazardous conditions.

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