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Technical Theater Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Coordinate educational and career pathway initiatives focused on cinema exhibition, projection, technical theater, event production, arts administration, and film programming. * Support ...

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Technical Theater information

See Michigan salary details

$26.1K

$136.3K

$179.5K

How much do technical theater jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical theater in Michigan is $136,272.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,100.00 and $178,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is technical theater?

Technical theater refers to the behind-the-scenes aspects of theater production, including lighting, sound, set design, costumes, props, and stage management. Professionals in technical theater work to create the visual and auditory elements that support the storytelling on stage. Their work is crucial for creating atmosphere, ensuring actors are seen and heard, and bringing the director's vision to life. Careers in technical theater can involve specialized roles such as lighting technician, set designer, sound engineer, and stage manager.

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

To thrive in Technical Theater, you need a solid understanding of stagecraft, lighting, sound, and set construction, often supported by a degree or certificate in theater production or related experience. Familiarity with technical tools like lighting consoles, audio boards, rigging systems, and CAD software is typically required. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and attention to detail help you adapt to fast-paced and dynamic production environments. These competencies are essential for ensuring seamless performances and maintaining safety and efficiency behind the scenes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in technical theater, and how can they be managed?

Technical theater professionals often encounter challenges such as tight production schedules, last-minute changes, and complex technical setups. Managing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, effective communication with directors and crew, and the ability to adapt quickly to unexpected situations. Collaborating closely with designers, stage managers, and performers also helps ensure smooth transitions and successful show runs. Staying organized and maintaining a proactive approach to troubleshooting are key strategies for thriving in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Technical Theater vs Stage Manager?

AspectTechnical TheaterStage Manager
CredentialsRelevant technical certifications, theater trainingOften includes stage management courses, leadership training
Work EnvironmentBehind the scenes, technical areas, equipment setupOn stage, coordinating rehearsals and performances
Industry UsageUsed across theaters, concerts, eventsPrimarily in theater productions
Primary FocusLighting, sound, set design, technical setupCoordination, communication, scheduling

Technical Theater involves managing technical aspects like lighting, sound, and set design, focusing on the technical execution of productions. Stage Managers oversee the entire production process, coordinating rehearsals and performances. Both roles are essential in theater but differ in responsibilities and focus areas.

What are popular job titles related to Technical Theater jobs in Michigan?

For Technical Theater jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Technical Theater jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Technical Theater jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Technical Theater jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Technical Theater job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Theater job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,272 per year, or $65.5 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor - Technical Theatre

Big Rapids, MI • On-site


Ferris State University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 501 - 1,000 employees

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

504th of 627 rated colleges and universities

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Full-time, Part-time

This job post has expired 4 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Adjunct Instructor - Technical Theatre

Apply now Job no: 497204
Work type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing
Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307
Categories: Faculty

Position Title: Adjunct Instructor - Technical Theatre   Location: Big Rapids (Main Campus)   Department:

33500 - Humanities

  Advertised Salary: Minimum of $1,276 per credit hour; if advanced degree held in primary academic discipline the minimum rate increases to $1,375 per credit hour. Salary commensurate with qualifications pursuant to the FNTFO/AFT Agreement   Benefits:

Please see the following link for a list of benefits offered with this position.

Adjunct Faculty

  FLSA: Exempt   Temporary/Continuing:  Temporary   Part-Time/Full-Time: Part-Time   Union Group: Ferris Nontenure-Track Faculty Organization (FNTFO) (AFT)   Term of Position: As Needed   At Will/Just Cause: Just Cause   Summary of Position: The Humanities Department seeks applications for instructors to teach one course per semester in Technical Theatre, in the Fall and/or Spring semesters.
This is a pooled position. One or more applicants may be hired, as needed, to teach classes on a semester-by-semester basis face-to-face and/or online.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities including keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students), and participating in traditional functions which have academic significance (i.e. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time).
For in-person or hybrid teaching positions: Courses are to be taught in person on one of Ferris State University's Campuses. The candidate(s) selected for the position must reside in Michigan after acceptance of employment and will perform duties at a Ferris site.
The anticipated start date of this position is August 2025 or January 2026 at the latest.   Position Type: Faculty - Temporary & Continuing   Required Education: Master's degree in Technical Theater or Theatre or related field.   Required Work Experience: Previous experience teaching Technical Theatre/Design courses at the high school and/or collegiate level   Required Licenses and Certifications:     Physical Demands:
  • Office Environment
  • Bending
  • Carrying
  • Moving
  • Reaching
  • Sitting
  • Twisting
  • Lifting
  • Repetitive movement
  • Standing
  Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered: MFA or terminal degree in Technical Direction/Theatre Design/Management, or related area.
Hands-on experience in Technical Theatre at the high school, community theatre and/or collegiate level.   Essential Duties/Responsibilities: Teach one course per semester in Technical Theatre, in the Fall and/or Spring semesters.
Cultivates an environment of belonging that values, respects, supports, and celebrates individual similarities and differences, allowing students, faculty and staff to thrive authentically.
Support, promote, and develop university student enrollment and retention initiatives.
Any other duties assigned within the position classification area.
Faculty members also have professional responsibilities, which may include but are not limited to keeping regular posted office hours (which are scheduled at times convenient for students) and participation in traditional functions which have academic significance (i.e. reporting initial student participation data and submitting final grades on time). Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.
Faculty may be required to teach off-campus or in an on-line environment.   Marginal Duties/Responsibilities:     Skills and Abilities: Commitment to, experience in, and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
Effective interpersonal skills
Demonstrated successful experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds   Required Documents:
  • Cover Letter
  • Resume
  • Unofficial Transcript 1
  • Teaching Philosophy
  Optional Documents: Unofficial Transcript 2   Special Instructions to Applicants: Unofficial Transcript 1 (REQUIRED): Applicants must attach a copy of an unofficial transcript of a Master's degree in Technical Theater or Theatre or related field. Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.
Unofficial Transcript 2 (OPTIONAL): Attach a copy of unofficial transcript of MFA or terminal degree in Technical Direction/Theatre Design/Management, or related area (if applicable as described in Additional Education/Experiences to be Considered section). Transcript must include Institution name, applicant name, date degree attained, degree awarded. Finalist will be required to submit an official transcript.   Initial Application Review Date:
August 18, 2025   Open Until Position is Filled?: No   Posting Close Date:
August 30, 2026   EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence.  Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University's Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.     Click here to learn more about working at FSU and KCAD.        

Advertised: 01 Aug 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 30 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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