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Temporary Theatre Set Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Theatre Technician

Glendale, CA ยท On-site

$5.4K - $5.9K/mo

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... temporary employees, and/or student workers. Work Schedule 40 hours per week, 12 months per year ... set pieces per production designer's specifications; works with the department manager and ...

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Temporary Theatre Set Designer information

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$14

$23

$43

How much do temporary theatre set designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary theatre set designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a temporary theatre set designer do?

A Temporary Theatre Set Designer is responsible for designing and creating the physical scenery and environments for theatrical productions on a short-term or project-specific basis. They collaborate with directors, producers, and other creative team members to ensure that the set aligns with the overall vision of the show. Their work includes developing design concepts, preparing sketches or models, selecting materials, and overseeing the construction and installation of sets. Temporary positions may be filled to cover busy production seasons, specific shows, or to provide specialized expertise for a limited period.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a temporary theatre set designer?

To thrive as a Temporary Theatre Set Designer, you need strong artistic ability, spatial awareness, and a background in theatre design or a related field, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with stagecraft and construction materials, is typically required. Exceptional creativity, time management, and the ability to collaborate under pressure are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for delivering visually compelling and practical set designs within tight timelines and dynamic production environments.

What are common challenges faced by a temporary theatre set designer when joining a new production team?

As a Temporary Theatre Set Designer, one of the main challenges is quickly adapting to the established workflow and creative vision of a new production team. You'll need to rapidly build rapport with directors, stage managers, and technical crews, often with limited time to get up to speed on the project's artistic direction and logistical constraints. Balancing creative input while respecting tight budgets and production schedules is essential. Flexibility and strong communication skills are key to effectively collaborating and ensuring your designs align with the overall goals of the show.

What is the difference between Temporary Theatre Set Designer vs Scenic Artist?

AspectTemporary Theatre Set DesignerScenic Artist
CredentialsDesign degree, theater production experienceArt or scenic painting background, technical skills
Work EnvironmentTheater productions, rehearsal spacesPaint shops, theater sets, on-site during installation
Industry UsageDesigning and planning set layoutsPainting and finishing set elements

The Temporary Theatre Set Designer focuses on creating the overall visual concept and layout of the set, working closely with directors and production teams. Scenic Artists, on the other hand, specialize in painting and finishing the physical set pieces. Both roles are essential in theater production, often collaborating but with distinct responsibilities.

How much do temporary theatre set designers get paid?

Temporary theatre set designers typically earn between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the production. Rates can vary based on the project's scope and whether the designer is freelance or employed through an agency.

How to get into a temporary theatre set designer role with no experience?

To enter a temporary theatre set designer role with no experience, focus on developing basic skills in set design, drafting, and construction through online courses or workshops. Building a portfolio with small projects or assisting experienced designers can also help demonstrate your interest and potential to employers.
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Infographic showing various Temporary Theatre Set Designer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Theater Arts Technical Designer (Temporary)

Ohlone College

Fremont, CA โ€ข On-site

$31.54 - $40.25/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Theater Arts Technical Designer (Temporary) at Ohlone College Share on X Print Application Deadline 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Date Posted 3/3/2026 Contact Human Resources (510) 659-6088 Number of Openings 1 Salary Pay Range 31.54 - 40.25 Per Hour Length of Work Year See Job Description Employment Type Full and Part Time Job Description / Essential Elements: Print Theater Arts Technical Designer (Temporary) Ohlone College Salary: $31.54 - $40.25 Hourly Job Type: Temporary Division: Kinesiology, Athletics, and Performing Arts Opening Date: 01/15/2026 Location: Fremont Campus Job Number: 202300174 Department: Kinesiology, Athletics, and Performing Arts Bargaining Unit: N/A Ideal Candidate StatementUnder the direction of the Administrator, draft, design and construct theatre materials and props for performances and events; set up, modify and maintain sound and light equipment; maintain safety standards in operation of stage equipment; train and provide work direction to student workers.This is a temporary substitute position, limited to a maximum of 165 working days within a fiscal year. Duties and Responsibilities Draft, design and construct theatre materials and props for performances and events as assigned; Prepares and modifies working plans and drawings for specific situations; Provide technical design, installation and maintenance of sound and light equipment for productions; Prepare equipment setting including lighting, sound system and stage sets to maximize effectiveness of the qualify in technical facilitation of performance(s); Assist in the coordination of productions with event representatives in order to prepare and meet specifications of technical aspects to meet staging requirements; Train and provide work direction, assignments and schedules to student workers in preparation and for assistance with productions; Inspect and maintain equipment and assure safety standards are met in the operation of stage equipment; Demonstrate the correct use of stage equipment to faculty, staff, students and operators; Provide technical guidance and input into the technical operation and confer with users for technical requirements and recommend alternatives as needed; Perform minor maintenance on lighting and sound systems and power/hand tools to ensure sage and proper operation of equipment; Research, discuss and recommend new equipment and other purchases for productions and submit to appropriate personnel; Prepare and maintain a variety of reports and records such as performance reports, safety forms, schedules and other relevant documents; Operate office equipment, software and other theatre equipment as assigned Demonstrate sensitivity to and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic,cultural, disability and ethnic backgrounds of the Colleges' students, faculty, staff andcommunity; Effectively engage and support historically disproportionately impacted groups by addressing issues of equity and improving culturally responsive service-oriented practices. Perform other related duties as assigned.Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge: Methods, equipment and materials used in stage and set design and construction

Types and uses of lighting, sound, and other theatre equipment. Basic electrical theory, sound and lighting effects. Carpentry, painting and other skills required in set construction.

Theatre technology and practices. Health and safety laws, rules, regulations and District policies and procedures.Skills: Effectively collaborate and coordinate with others to produce and event; Interpret plans, designs, and specifications; Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action; Prioritize and schedule work for self and others; Plan and organize various technologies:Ability: Safely operate hand and power tools; Communicate effectively orally and in writing; Establish and maintain cooperative work relationships with others; Assemble and dismantle set stages; Implement basic training techniques. Minimum QualificationsAny combination equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in theater production or related field AND one (1) year of experience in related field

AND Must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices Required Application Materials Resume/Curriculum Vitae. A list of three (3) professional references including name, position, organization, phone number, email, and relationship to the applicant.Salary PlacementInitial salary placement will be $31.54-$34.75 per hour and is determined by the education, experience, and qualifications the candidate brings to the position, internal equity, and the hiring department's fiscal resources.District StatementFounded in 1967, Ohlone College is named in honor of the early Ohlone People who inhabited the San Francisco Bay Area. Ohlone College is committed to providing a high-quality education to serve our diverse population of over 15,000 students per year

Ohlone College is nationally recognized for our Deaf Studies and Interpreter Preparation programs, and is widely known for our nursing, health sciences, liberal arts, biomedical science, and smart manufacturing programs. As a learning community, we embrace and champion inclusivity, integrity, student expression, global citizenship, and continuous improvement.Ohlone College is one of the top-ranked community colleges in California, serving the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. Our campuses in Fremont and Newark are centrally located in the East Bay between San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose

This region is known as a hub of innovation and economic activity, and home to some of the most advanced manufacturing, biomedical research, and clean energy companies in California, including Tesla, Meta, Seagate, and Lam Research.The main campus in Fremont is located near Interstate 680 at the base of Mission Peak, just south of the historic Mission San Jose, and is the primary gateway to year-round hiking, biking, and hang gliding in the Mission Peak Regional Preserve. The Newark Center for Health Sciences and Technology is located near Interstate 880 in a hub of new residential and commercial development. The two campuses are connected by shuttle to each other and the Warm Springs BART station, which offers convenient access to public transit throughout the Bay Area.Vision StatementOhlone College will be known for inclusiveness, innovation, integrity, engagement, and exceptional student success.Mission StatementOhlone College offers high quality educational and career pathways and personal enrichment courses to serve the diverse needs of all students and the community

Ohlone provides excellent instruction and support services, awards associate degrees and certificates, and promotes university transfer in an inclusive, equitable, and multicultural environment where student learning and achievement are paramount. Ohlone fosters innovation, encourages student expression, and promotes ethical behavior and global citizenship.EEO StatementThe District is strongly committed to the principles of equal opportunity and to hiring qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our community. The District encourages a diverse pool of applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age (40 or over), medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, disability, military and veteran status, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related medical condition or any other protected basis in any of its policies, practices, or procedures

The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants. If you have a disability and are in need of special services, equipment, or facilities in order to apply or interview for this opening, please call the Human Resources office at: (510) 659-6088.Conditions of EmploymentOffers of employment are contingent upon Governing Board approval. Employment with Ohlone Community College is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements

All new employees are required to submit official transcripts, proof of freedom from tuberculosis. In addition, you will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the federal "Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986." Pre-employment tests and/or medical examinations may be required. Ohlone Community College does not sponsor H1B visas

Employees must sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance and submit fingerprints for CA Department of Justice clearance. Employees must be California residents on their date of hire and for the duration of their employment with Ohlone Community College District.Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986Applicants selected for positions will be required to provide identification and employment eligibility as outlined in the federal Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986. *The District reserves the right to modify, rescind, or re-advertise this recruitment at any time* To apply, please visit https://apptrkr.com/6968981 Copyright 2025 Jobelephant.com Inc

All rights reserved. https://www.jobelephant.com/ jeid-448fa507ff69ac4bb35f4db722a6e738 Requirements / Qualifications For more information on Requirements/Qualifications, please contact the employer. Comments and Other Information For more information on Comments and Other Information, please contact the employer

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