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Technical Theater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PT Technical Theater Assistant

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$37K - $43K/yr

Responsibilities The part-time Technical Theater Assistant works with the Technical Theater Coordinator to facilitate theatrical productions by maintaining the scene shop, maintaining theatrical ...

PT Technical Theater Assistant

Baltimore, MD ยท On-site

$37K - $43K/yr

The part-time Technical Theater Assistant works with the Technical Theater Coordinator to facilitate theatrical productions by maintaining the scene shop, maintaining theatrical lighting systems and ...

Responsibilities The part-time Technical Theater Assistant works with the Technical Theater Coordinator to facilitate theatrical productions by maintaining the scene shop, maintaining theatrical ...

Theater Technician

Cleveland, OH ยท On-site

$18.53/hr

Assists Theater Technical Director in maintaining organization and cleanliness of theater facility, as required. * Serves on the run crew for theater and special events and operates appropriate ...

Theater Support Technician

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

The Theater Support Technician supports the technical and operational needs of school theater productions and events across middle and upper school campuses. The role assists with assemblies ...

Theater Support Technician

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$35K - $45K/yr

The Theater Support Technician supports the technical and operational needs of school theater productions and events across middle and upper school campuses. The role assists with assemblies ...

Showing results 21-40

Technical Theater information

See salary details

$30K

$156.3K

$206K

How much do technical theater jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical theater in the United States is $156,348.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $205,000.00 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.

More about Technical Theater jobs

What cities are hiring for Technical Theater jobs?

Cities with the most Technical Theater job openings:

What states have the most Technical Theater jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Technical Theater job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $156,348 per year, or $75.2 per hour.

Technical Theater Technician (As Needed)

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

Santa Monica, CA โ€ข On-site

$36.93/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support theater operation rentals and school programs by providing on-site technical, house, and facility support for stage productions and events.

  • Operate and support staging of theatrical lighting, sound, video, and other equipment during rehearsals and performances.

  • Maintain and oversee technical theater equipment, including regular maintenance, inventory, ordering, and safety inspections.


Job description

Salary: $36.93 Hourly
Location : Santa Monica and/or Malibu, CA
Job Type: LIMITED-TERM
Job Number: 521325-27-01
Department: BUSINESS SERVICES
Opening Date: 07/27/2026
BASIC FUNCTION AND QUALIFICATIONS
The purpose of this recruitment is build a pool of limited term Technical Theater Technicians. Limited term employees provide additional support to the district during theater productions and other live events as-needed during both daytime and evening hours throughout the weekdays and weekend.
This recruitment is open on a continuous basis until a sufficient pool of limited term Technical Theater Technicians is developed. This recruitment may close at any time after August 18, 2026.
While the current need for this recruitment is for limited term positions, this recruitment also may be used to fill future vacancies as they become available.
There is no set schedule and event schedules determines daily call times.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under general supervision, support theater operation rentals and school programs; provide on-site technical, house and facility support for stage productions and events.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION:
A high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
EXPERIENCE:
One (1) year of technical theater production experience, including the set-up and operation of sound and lighting equipment.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/INFORMATION:
A valid California driver's license and availability of private transportation or ability to provide transportation between District sites is required. Irregular work hours, including evenings and weekends, are required.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
  • Oversee and provide on-site technical, house and facility support for all events in District theaters and amphitheaters including, but not limited to, Barnum Hall and the Memorial Greek Amphitheatre.
  • Provide professional guidance and assistance to school and rental groups to facilitate and enhance their use of the facilities.
  • Support the staging of theatrical lighting, sound, video and other equipment and/or assets, as required for individual performances.
  • Provide technical oversight, guidance and training to student theatrical crew members in basic theater practices, techniques and work standards.
  • Operate lights, sound and other equipment during rehearsals and production.
  • Acts as Site Representative during large special events and filming rentals at District facilities.
  • Maintain the technical theater equipment at all District sites, including regular maintenance, inventory, ordering and safety inspections.
  • Work closely with District administrative staff to maintain positive, cooperative working relationships in coordinating all uses of facilities and specifically synchronizing and managing campus related events and parking with users of the facilities and prospective filming.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE:
  • Principles and methods, equipment and materials used to deliver event service requirements for a variety of events including concerts, theatrical productions and educational events.
  • Technical, operational and maintenance requirements for theater productions including lighting, sound, projections, rigging and scenery.
  • Stagecraft and stage operations, including rigging, sound, lighting, projections and set construction.
  • Basic electrical, electronics and mechanical principles as applied to stage equipment.
  • Laws and regulations governing public assembly and entertainment facilities including fire and safety laws, CAL OSHA regulations, ADA provisions, health codes and applicable local, state and federal regulations and laws.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Professional & Technical Expertise - Applying technical subject matter to the job
  • Using Technology - Working with electronic hardware and software applications
  • Safety Focus - Showing vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
  • General Physical Ability - Using strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and coordination
  • Customer Focus - Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
  • Teamwork - Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals

NOTE: The statements listed above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this classification, and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications required of personnel so classified. Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
SUPERVISION AND WORKING CONDITIONS
SUPERVISION:
General supervision is received from higher level management within Facility Use. No supervision is exercised.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed both inside and outside in seasonal climate and weather conditions. Slippery surfaces, high elevations, cramped position, moving objects, oily conditions, dust, odors; high voltage, chemicals, noise and paint fumes may be encountered. Physical demands including standing, bending, stooping, crawling, lifting up to fifty (50) pounds climbing ladders and flights of stairs, walking and sitting.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands include climbing ladders and working from heights; standing for extended periods of time; heavy physical labor; visual and auditory acuity to maintain safety standards; dexterity of hands and fingers to safely and efficiently operate specialized tools and equipment; kneeling or crouching; bending at the waist; reaching overhead; above the shoulders and horizontally; hearing and speaking sufficient to exchange information.
HAZARDS:
Working on ladders or scaffolding at heights; working in a cramped or restrictive work area; working around and with machinery having moving parts; exposure to flying debris or nails.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
To be considered for an employment opportunity with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, it is necessary for you to complete an official District Application and Supplemental Questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application. The application is part of the examination process and is part of your total evaluation of qualifications for employment.
THE EXAMINATION PROCESS:
For those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications, the examination process will consist of any one or more of the following: Training and Experience Evaluation, Written Test, Performance Test, and/or Structured Interview. Additional information pertaining to the examination process will be emailed to those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications.
EXAMINATION PROTESTS:
Protest of any part of the examination process must be in writing and received in the office of the Director of Classified Personnel no later than five (5) working days from the date you were notified of examination results. All notifications are sent electronically via email. Any protest must include rationale to support the protest and must be based on illegal discrimination, abuse of discretion, or procedure/process error. We are not responsible for any incoming mail that is lost or misdirected after it has been entrusted to the US Postal Service.
ACCOMMODATION FOR DISABLED:
If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these examination procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing at the time you submit your application.
ESTABLISHMENT OF ELIGIBILITY LIST:
This examination process shall be open to all qualified applicants and shall result in one integrated eligibility list. All eligibility lists shall be established in accordance with Personnel Commission rules and shall be established for a period one (1) year, unless otherwise noted, or until there are fewer than three (3) ranks of eligible candidates who are available. Candidates are placed on the eligibility list in rank order according to their final examination score. Final examination scores will not change, but ranking may change as other candidates are added or removed from the list.
ADVANCED STEP PLACEMENT:
Generally, new employees start at the first step on the appointed salary schedule. When filling a permanent vacancy, a new employee may request a higher salary placement based on having training and experience that greatly exceeds the minimum qualifications. An employee may submit a formal request for advanced step consideration on or after the first day of employment. Education transcripts, training certificates, and additional references may be requested for verification purposes.
HOW YOU WILL HEAR FROM US:
All correspondence and notifications regarding this recruitment will be sent to the email address you provide. It is your responsibility to review, follow instructions, and respond to information in a timely manner; as if it was a function of your job.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR
JOB APPLICANTS
ACCOMODATION FOR DISABLED: If you have a disability that may require an accommodation in any of these selection procedures, please notify the Personnel Commission in writing and attach your request to the completed application packet.
PREFERENCE POINTS: Seniority credit, based on length of service, is added to the final passing score of permanent employees. Veteran's credits are added for entry level examinations as follows: 5 points for non-disabled veterans; 10 points for disabled veterans. "Veteran" is defined as serving at least 30 days active duty during war or qualifying armed conflict. A DD-214 must be presented on or before date of the examination.
ELIGIBILITY LIST: Candidates who pass the examination will be placed in rank order on the eligibility list. Final selection will be made from the top three available ranks only. When a promotional and open eligibility list is established, the promotional list will be used first. Eligibility lists are usually established for one calendar year.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: All potential employees must provide evidence of their identity and authorization to work in the United States before they will be hired. State law requires employees to provide proof that they have had a recent negative tuberculosis test result. All new employees are fingerprinted and conviction records, if any, are checked.
SALARIES, MERIT INCREASES & ADVANCED STEP PLACEMENT: Salaries generally begin on the first step of the appropriate salary range. Permanent employees receive an increase after six months of continuous satisfactory service and equal raises based on merit at subsequent one year intervals for a total of five increases. Relevant experience and/or education in excess of entry requirements may permit employment at other than the first step. If employed at a higher step, salary increases are granted annually until reaching the end of the salary range.
BENEFITS: Permanent employees will receive paid holidays, sick leave, vacation and longevity benefits per bargaining unit contract or Personnel Commission Merit Rules. The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits to full-time employees and their families, which includes major medical and dental. (Permanent employees who work less than full-time, but a minimum of four (4) hours will contribute an amount proportionate to the number of assigned hours for major medical and dental.) Employees belong to the Public Employees' Retirement System to which the District makes contributions approximately equal to those deducted from the employee's pay.
Assuring Equal Opportunities through the Merit System since 1938.
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
PERSONNEL COMMISSION
1717 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District does not discriminate based on actual or perceived sex, age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, gender, mental and/or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, and a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
(Revised April 2008)
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PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT: The information you provide on this application will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications. Please be accurate, truthful, and thorough in your responses as your application is part of the selection process. Referring to your application/resume, listing "see resume", or incomplete responses will NOT qualify as a response to any question and may result in DISQUALIFICATION.Your experience, education, training, and certification must be listed on your application in order to be considered. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from this examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
  • I confirm that I have read, understand, and accept the above terms

02
I understand that the current need of this recruitment is for limited-term positions which are called on an as-needed basis and are not eligible for benefits. Limited-term employees must meet the minimum qualifications of the classification and continued employment as a limited-term employee may require the passing of all job-related exam parts associated with this recruitment. Future employment in a regular, permanent assignment requires being placed within the top 3 ranks of an eligibility list.
  • I confirm that I have read, understand, and accept the above terms.

03
Please select the option that best describes your current situation below:
  • I am currently available to acc