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Stage Designer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

IPL (Indiana)

Senior CAD Designer

Arlington, VA

$83K - $99K/yr

Project work will be focused on creating site plans, layouts for early-stage designs and single line diagrams. This position is currently a flexible work location with the potential for in-person ...

Range

Product Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

Range is building AI-powered wealth management solutions and is seeking a Product Designer who can ... The company is currently Growth Stage.

RedPeg Marketing

Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K/yr

Graphic Designer Location: Alexandria, VA Title: Graphic Designer Reports to: Senior Graphic ... Design large-format assets including signage, vehicle wraps, scenic graphics, stage artwork ...

RedPeg Marketing

Graphic Designer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$60K/yr

Graphic Designer Location: Alexandria, VA Title: Graphic Designer Reports to: Senior Graphic ... Design large-format assets including signage, vehicle wraps, scenic graphics, stage artwork ...

Network Building + Consulting

Designer I

Richmond, VA · On-site

From early stage project planning to engineering and construction, we bring the brightest and most ... Meet Our Leadership Team The Designer I is a hybrid position that will support the project teams ...

Huntington Ingalls Industries

DESIGNER 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

... stage of your career. Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices ...

Hyphen Connect Limited

We are partnered with an early-stage startup on a mission to build a decentralized identity (DeID) protocol. We are seeking a Founding Product Designer to lead the design efforts and establish our ...

Range

Product Designer

Mclean, VA · On-site

At this stage, every IC designer at Range can operate as a 10x IC. There is very little stopping you from building. It's about doing what's right for the customer and iterating quickly. You'll use AI ...

HII

DESIGNER 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

... stage of your career. Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices ...

Huntington Ingalls Industries

DESIGNER 3

Newport News, VA · On-site

$70K - $88K/yr

... stage of your career. Working at HII is more than a job - it's an opportunity to build a future. We offer comprehensive benefits including: medical, prescription drug, dental and vision plan choices ...

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All JobsStage Designer JobsStage Designer Jobs in Virginia

Stage Designer information

See Virginia salary details

$35.2K

$82.4K

$109.1K

How much do stage designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for stage designer in Virginia is $82,435.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,500.00 and $108,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 or assistant roles, developing skills in drawing, computer-aided design (CAD), and understanding theatrical production are essential for building a career in stage design.

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.

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Stage Designer jobs in Virginia? For Stage Designer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Stage Designer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Stage Designer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Stage Designer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Stage Designer job openings:
Stage Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Stage Designer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,435 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Stage Manager, UVA Drama (Staff Wage)

University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Part-time

Posted 12 days ago

University Of Virginia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

208th of 617 rated colleges and universities

Job description

UVA Drama seeks a highly organized, collaborative, and detail-oriented Stage Manager for the production of Have You Now or Have You Ever . The Stage Manager serves as a key member of the production team, facilitating communication between the director, designers, cast, and crew while ensuring rehearsals and performances run safely, efficiently, and professionally.
The successful candidate will manage daily rehearsal and performance operations, maintain production documentation, coordinate backstage activities, and call technical rehearsals and performances.
Dates and Schedule
Production Period
  • Prep Week Begins: August 25
  • Production End Date: November 7

Required Availability
  • Rehearsals beginning second week of classes August 31 (all weekday rehearsals begin after 6pm)
  • Technical Rehearsals: October 21-24
  • Dress Rehearsals: October 26-28
  • Performances: October 29-30 and November 4-7

Candidates must be available for all rehearsals, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performance dates.
Essential Responsibilities
  • Attend production meetings and take notes to be distributed after each meeting
  • Create and maintain rehearsal reports, performance reports, schedules, contact sheets, and production paperwork.
  • Coordinate rehearsal spaces and ensure required rehearsal props and materials are available.
  • Record blocking, cues, and production changes during rehearsals.
  • Manage backstage operations during technical rehearsals and performances.
  • Call lighting, sound, projection, and other production cues during performances.
  • Maintain a safe and organized working environment for cast and crew.
  • Communicate production needs and concerns promptly to faculty, staff, and student collaborators.
  • Assist with performance preparation, run-of-show management, and strike activities as assigned.

Qualifications
Required:
  • Previous stage management experience in theatre, dance, live events, or related productions.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups of artists, technicians, students, and staff.
  • Ability to remain calm and professional in fast-paced environments.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Preferred:
  • Experience calling cues during live performances.
  • Familiarity with theatrical production processes and backstage operations.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office and production management tools.

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to navigate rehearsal and performance spaces, including backstage areas.
  • Ability to sit, stand, walk, and communicate for extended periods during rehearsals and performances.
  • Ability to lift and move light production materials as needed.

Compensation: $18.00 - $25.00 per hour
Future Opportunities
There is potential for the selected candidate to continue working with UVA Drama beyond this production in roles such as:
  • Stage Manager
  • Assistant Stage Manager
  • Stagehand
  • Board Operator
  • Event Production Support

Future assignments will be based on departmental needs, scheduling availability, and performance in the role.
This is a wage position which is not eligible for leave or other benefits and is limited to 1500 hours of work in a year. For more information, refer to the Wage Employment link: http://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/HRM-029 .
To apply, please submit an application online at https://jobs.virginia.edu and attach a current CV/Resume and Cover Letter . Search on requisition number: R0085519 .
Internal applicants may search and apply for jobs on the UVA Internal Careers website .
The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Education: High School diploma or equivalent required
Experience: 3+ years relevant experience required
Licensure: None
The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment .

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About University of Virginia

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well-prepared to shape the future of the nation.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlottesville, VA, US

Year founded

1819

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