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Theatrical Rigger Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Event Crew

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

... The Theatre @ MGM National Harbor, Eagle Bank Arena and various hotels in & around DC. Work ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Event Crew

Washington, DC · On-site

$22/hr

... The Theatre @ MGM National Harbor, Eagle Bank Arena and various hotels in & around DC. Work ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

... The Theatre @ MGM National Harbor, Eagle Bank Arena and various hotels in & around DC. Work ... structures, rigging, and rapidly changing conditions. Communication may occur through spoken ...

Showing results 21-25

Theatrical Rigger information

See Washington, DC salary details

$16

$29

$41

How much do theatrical rigger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatrical rigger in Washington, DC is $29.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.06 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a theatrical rigger?

Theatrical riggers are specialized professionals who are responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining the rigging systems used in theaters and other performance venues. They handle the ropes, cables, pulleys, and other equipment necessary to safely move scenery, lighting, curtains, and sometimes even performers during live productions. Their work ensures that stage elements can be moved smoothly and securely, contributing to both the artistic and safety aspects of a production. Theatrical riggers must have a strong understanding of physics, safety protocols, and the technical requirements of stagecraft.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatrical rigger, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theatrical Rigger, you need a solid understanding of rigging principles, safety regulations, and stage mechanics, often supported by relevant training or certification such as ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program). Familiarity with chain hoists, truss systems, load calculation software, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safe and efficient installation and movement of scenic elements, contributing to successful and risk-free live productions.

What are some common challenges theatrical riggers face during live productions, and how are they typically addressed?

Theatrical riggers often encounter challenges such as working in tight or elevated spaces, adapting to last-minute changes in set design, and ensuring all rigging is both safe and efficient under time constraints. These challenges are typically addressed through thorough pre-show planning, regular safety inspections, and close collaboration with stage managers, lighting technicians, and other crew members. Strong communication and adaptability are essential, as unexpected adjustments may need to be made quickly to keep the production running smoothly.

What is the difference between Theatrical Rigger vs Stagehand?

AspectTheatrical RiggerStagehand
CredentialsCertifications in rigging, safety trainingGeneral labor or event setup training
Work EnvironmentTheatrical venues, theaters, concert hallsEvent venues, theaters, live shows
Industry UsageSpecialized in rigging and safety for scenery and lightingAssists with setup, teardown, and general stage tasks

While both roles work in live event settings, Theatrical Riggers focus on installing and maintaining rigging systems safely, requiring specialized certifications. Stagehands perform broader stage setup and support tasks, often with less specialized rigging training. Understanding these differences helps clarify job expectations and required skills in the entertainment industry.

How to become a theatrical rigger?

To become a theatrical rigger, individuals typically need to gain experience in stagecraft or rigging, often starting with entry-level positions or apprenticeships. Relevant skills include knowledge of rigging equipment, safety procedures, and working at heights, with certifications such as OSHA or industry-specific training being beneficial. Building a strong understanding of theatrical production and safety standards is essential for advancement in this field.

What are popular job titles related to Theatrical Rigger jobs in Washington, DC?

For Theatrical Rigger jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Theatrical Rigger jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Theatrical Rigger jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Theatrical Rigger job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,108 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Senior Manager of Events & Sales

Museum of the Bible

Washington, DC

$85K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Date: 8/18/2026
Job Title: Senior Manager of Events amp; Sales
Division / Department: Development / Revenue Events
FLSA: Exempt
Schedule: Full Time, to include evenings and weekends*
Reporting Manager: Associate Director of Events and Sales
Direct Reports: Events Technical Manager and the Associate Events Manager
Travel: N/A
Salary: $85,000 to $90,000, Depending on Experience*
Salary adjusted to local market rates*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Museum of the Bible is seeking a rare kind of operator: someone equally at home architecting systems, leading a team through live events, and troubleshooting AV production on-site. This is a role built for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategy, execution, and hands-on leadership, a true integrator who can turn vision into infrastructure, and infrastructure into flawless events.
As Senior Manager of Events amp; Sales, you will serve as the operational backbone of our Events amp; Sales division, reporting directly to the Associate Director of Events amp; Sales. You'll own the systems that make our team scalable, lead the people who make our events extraordinary, and personally ensure our AV production meets the standard our guests expect.
This is a chance to build something that’s already producing, with room to grow: to shape the systems, standards, and culture of one of the most distinctive events venues in the country. You'll work alongside a mission-driven team, support globally significant guests, and have real ownership over how our operations scale for the future.
DUTIES amp; RESPONSIBILITIES
Systems amp; Process Architecture
  • Use, held design and integrate the Momentus and Salesforce platforms to serve as the operational backbone of our events and sales
  • Design, document, and continuously improve SOPs across sales, events execution, and service delivery
  • Lead special projects including pricing strategy, service packages, and marketing product development
  • Own day-to-day operations, office management, and inventory systems
Events amp; Sales Leadership
  • Provide leadership, management, and accountability to a team of Events Specialists
  • Strategize lead generation and outreach to strengthen our events sales pipeline
  • Drive selling initiatives that grow revenue across the events sales portfolio
AV Technical Oversight
  • Lead AV technical support and coordination for major events
  • Provide AV assistance and troubleshooting for complex events
  • Directly manage and professionally develop the AV Tech team: building technical proficiency, production standards, and long-term career growth
  • Manage relationships with the AV Tech team to ensure seamless production standards
What Sets You Apart
We're looking for someone who doesn't just check boxes but brings a rare combination of capabilities:
  • A systems thinker who finds genuine satisfaction in building order out of complexity
  • A people leader who can inspire accountability without micromanaging
  • A talent developer who genuinely invests in growing others: leading Events Specialists; coaching and directly managing AV Techs toward greater skill, confidence, and career growth
  • A calm operator who can walk into a live event, diagnose an AV issue, and solve it without losing composure
  • A strategist with experience developing or optimizing an event management platform (Momentus amp; Salesforce experience strongly preferred)
  • A closer with a track record of strategic sales outreach and revenue growth
5+ years of experience spanning events management, operations, or business systems, ideally with some AV or production exposure
QUALIFICATIONS amp; REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge:
  • Education Qualifications B.A. Business, Events Management, Theater Production or related field experience strongly preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in live event technical environment
  • Previous supervisory and training experience
Skills:
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills along with strong analytical skills
  • Superb customer service skills when communicating and working with VIPs, guests, talent and talent management, supervisors, technical staff, peers, volunteers, team members, press, and vendors.
  • Proficient computer skills
Abilities:
  • Working knowledge of lighting, rigging, live and streaming telecasts, audio and video technology, projections, 3D Mapping and their related operational skills.
  • Experience with and working knowledge of the following A/V systems and equipment strongly preferred: Lighting (grandMA2 ultra-light, ETC), Show control systems (Medialon), Audio mixing, DSP, recording, and amplification (Yamaha QL5, QSC Q-Sys, Meyer, JBL, Tannoy), Video playback, recording, switching, and distribution (Crestron, Alcorn McBride, Watchout, Seventh Sense), Video monitor and projection equipment (LG, Christie, Panasonic, Planar).
  • Working knowledge of IT networking principles and hardware (CAT6/6A, Fiber Optic).
  • Demonstrated knowledge of safety procedures and required certifications.
  • Ability to understand contracts of all levels of complexity relating to concert and stage productions.
  • Knowledge of back of house facility maintenance
  • Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
  • Must stay calm under pressure and troubleshoot when issues arise.