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Temp Theatre Writing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX · On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

... temporary part-time staff * Maintains all production equipment, tools, stock goods, and scenery at ... Ability to communicate orally and in writing * Ability to interact with all levels of the ...

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX

$67K - $80K/yr

... temporary part-time staff * Maintains all production equipment, tools, stock goods, and scenery at ... Ability to communicate orally and in writing * Ability to interact with all levels of the ...

Epacenter

Theater Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA

Temporary, Part-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Director of Performing Arts Organizational Overview ... Provide written syllabi and lesson plans * Follow health and safety, risk assessment, youth and ...

Epacenter

Theater Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Temporary, Part-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Director of Performing Arts Organizational Overview ... Provide written syllabi and lesson plans * Follow health and safety, risk assessment, youth and ...

Epacenter

Theater Instructor

East Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Temporary, Part-Time, Non-Exempt Reports To: Director of Performing Arts Organizational Overview ... Provide written syllabi and lesson plans * Follow health and safety, risk assessment, youth and ...

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How much do temp theatre writing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for temp theatre writing in the United States is $38.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.85 and $47.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is temp theatre writing?

Temp theatre writing refers to temporary or short-term positions where writers create scripts, dialogue, or other written materials for theatrical productions. These roles may involve adapting existing works, developing new plays, or assisting with script revisions during a production's development. Temp theatre writers often work on a project basis, collaborating closely with directors and performers to help bring a play or performance to life. The nature of these jobs means they are usually contract-based and can vary in length and scope, depending on the needs of the theatre company or production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temp theatre writer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temp Theatre Writer, you need strong creative writing skills, a deep understanding of dramatic structure, and often some formal education or experience in theatre or playwriting. Familiarity with script formatting software such as Final Draft or Celtx, and knowledge of current theatre trends, are typically expected. Excellent communication, adaptability, and openness to feedback help you collaborate effectively with directors, actors, and production teams. These skills and qualities are essential to producing compelling scripts that resonate with audiences and fit the evolving needs of theatre productions.

How does a temp theatre writer typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a production?

As a Temp Theatre Writer, you will often work closely with directors, dramaturgs, and sometimes actors to refine scripts and adapt material based on feedback during rehearsals. Collaboration usually involves participating in script readings, attending production meetings, and making revisions to ensure the script aligns with the director's vision and practical stage requirements. This dynamic environment requires adaptability, openness to feedback, and strong communication skills, as changes can happen rapidly and often on tight deadlines.

What is the difference between Temp Theatre Writing vs Playwright?

AspectTemp Theatre WritingPlaywright
CredentialsWriting experience, portfolio, possibly a degree in theatre or writingFormal training in playwriting or theatre arts often preferred
Work EnvironmentFreelance, contract-based, temporary projects, often in theatre companies or production housesCan be freelance or staff, working in theatres, production companies, or independently
Industry UsageUsed for short-term projects, workshops, or developmental readingsUsed for creating original plays, often with ongoing or long-term projects

Temp Theatre Writing involves short-term, project-based writing roles for specific productions or workshops, often freelance. Playwrights may work on both short and long-term projects, creating original plays with a focus on developing new works. While both roles require strong writing skills and theatre knowledge, Temp Theatre Writers typically focus on temporary assignments, whereas Playwrights may have ongoing or multiple projects in their portfolio.

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Temp Theatre Writing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temp Theatre Writing job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, 55% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,001 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Theater Technician; Part - Time

Orange, CA • On-site

Chapman University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Chapman Universityexternal

$20 - $25/hr

Part-time

Re-posted yesterday

Chapman University rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Position Information
Position Title Theater Technician; Part - Time Position Type Temporary Job Number SA89424 Full or Part Time part-time 0-19 hours weekly Fair Labor Standard Act Classification Non-Exempt Anticipated Pay Range $20.00 - $25.00 Pay Range Information
Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate's qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.
Position Summary Information
Job Description Summary
Under the supervision of the Production Manager, Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and Master Electrician and Technical Operations leads, the Theatre Technician will provide technical support for production related tasks in the College of Performing Arts.
This is a temporary, on-call position with work scheduled based on operational and production needs.
Responsibilities
  • Scenery construction, load-ins, strikes, and change overs of scenic and lighting elements.
  • Loading, unloading, and moving scenic elements to and from warehouse.
  • Constructing/refurbishing stock scenery components.
  • Hanging, cabling, focusing and troubleshooting lighting equipment and electrical elements.
  • Installation, ringing out, troubleshooting, and strike of audio equipment.
  • Working on run crew as needed to assist.
  • Working with students on a regular basis.
  • Monitor the condition of equipment, perform basic maintenance and keep the scene shop, work areas, and backstage areas clean and safe.
Required Qualifications
Extensive experience (3-5 years) in one, or more, of the following:
  • Construction of scenery and set pieces in accordance with designer plans; including carpentry, welding, work with plastics, fabrics or other materials. Experience in maintaining shop tools and inventory
  • Scenic Artist experience in executing the surface treatments of the scenery based on set designs. Experience in mixing paint to match color, large scale drawing and painting on the floor from a standing position, sculpting, faux finishing, and digital image manipulation
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the methods and techniques in maintaining, installing, and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment used in stage productions, with the ability to apply the knowledge in work
  • Ability to read, interpret, and execute light plots. In addition, experience hanging, cabling, focusing, troubleshooting lighting equipment and basic working knowledge of ETC lighting consoles.
  • Ability to read, interpret, and execute audio plots and paperwork. Experience micing performers with handheld, clipped, and body microphones. Experience using audio mixing desks/consoles. Experience with audio cueing systems such as QLab.
  • Props execution including shopping, renting, gathering, creating, fabricating, repairing.
  • Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
  • Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of the university.
  • Ability to remain calm and respond confidently and promptly to stressful situations.
  • Capacity to solve problems with diplomacy and tact.
  • Ability to use creative thinking and sound judgment in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations.
  • Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workloads, and to carry out duties in a reliable and timely manner.
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills to prioritize projects and resources to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a team based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction.
  • Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience overseeing student crews, whether in a shop setting, general theatre practices, or on a run crew.
  • Looking for a scenic Painter to help with our first show of the season. Also looking for 1 - 2 carpenters and 1 Electrician
Special Instructions to Applicants
At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.
Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics.  All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.
Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. 
The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.
Minimum Number of References 0 Maximum Number of References 0

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