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Volunteer Stage Hand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Walton Arts Center

Local Stage Crew

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$18/hr

... workforce, volunteers and Board. Our organizations' dedication to promoting diversity ... Experience using basic hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, drills...etc. is preferred * Reliable ...

Walton Arts Center

Local Stage Crew

Fayetteville, AR · On-site

$18/hr

... workforce, volunteers and Board. Our organizations' dedication to promoting diversity ... Experience using basic hand tools such as wrenches, pliers, drills...etc. is preferred * Reliable ...

Rutgers University

$18/hr

Qualified candidates will have live technical theater and stage hand experience, or experience with ... Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred ...

The Woodruff Arts Center

Stage Technician

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Requires thorough knowledge of concert production and stagecraft, including operation of hand tools ... Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with clients, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and ...

Woodruff Arts Center

Stage Technician

Atlanta, GA

Requires thorough knowledge of concert production and stagecraft, including operation of hand tools ... Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with clients, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and ...

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Volunteer Stage Hand information

See salary details

$10

$19

$27

How much do volunteer stage hand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer stage hand in the United States is $19.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to get hired as a stage hand?

To get hired as a stage hand, gain experience through volunteering or entry-level positions, and develop skills in set-up, lighting, and sound equipment. Familiarity with tools and safety procedures, along with a flexible schedule, can improve your chances of employment in live event environments.

What are volunteer stage hands?

Volunteer stage hands are individuals who assist in the setup, operation, and breakdown of stage equipment and scenery during live performances or events, typically on an unpaid basis. Their responsibilities often include moving props, setting up lighting and sound equipment, and ensuring the smooth transition between scenes. Volunteer stage hands work closely with stage managers, directors, and technical crews to help deliver seamless productions. This role is ideal for those interested in gaining backstage experience and learning about the technical aspects of theater or live events.

What is the difference between Volunteer Stage Hand vs Volunteer Lighting Technician?

AspectVolunteer Stage HandVolunteer Lighting Technician
CredentialsNo formal certifications typically requiredBasic knowledge of lighting equipment; certifications are uncommon but helpful
Work EnvironmentOn-stage and backstage during events or performancesBehind the scenes, focusing on lighting setup and operation
Employer & Industry UsageEvent venues, theaters, festivalsTheaters, concert venues, production companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level event support rolesCompared for technical support roles in productions

Volunteer Stage Hands assist with general setup, teardown, and support during events, while Volunteer Lighting Technicians focus specifically on lighting setup and operation. Both roles are essential in live productions but differ in technical complexity and focus area.

Is it hard to become a stagehand?

Becoming a volunteer stage hand generally requires minimal formal training and is accessible to most people interested in live event production. Gaining basic knowledge of equipment and safety procedures, along with hands-on experience, can help improve skills and job prospects. The role often involves physical work and irregular hours but does not typically require advanced certifications.

What are the typical responsibilities and collaboration expectations for a volunteer stage hand during a live performance?

As a volunteer stage hand, your main responsibilities include assisting with set changes, moving props and equipment, and ensuring that all backstage areas remain organized and safe during live performances. You will work closely with the stage manager, technical crew, and performers to ensure smooth transitions between scenes and to quickly address any unexpected issues. Collaboration and good communication are key, as you'll often need to respond to cues and coordinate with others under tight time constraints. This role offers a unique opportunity to learn about live production and to build teamwork skills in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Stage Hand, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Stage Hand, you need basic knowledge of stagecraft, manual dexterity, and a willingness to learn, with no formal qualifications typically required. Familiarity with common stage equipment, rigging tools, and basic safety protocols is often expected. Reliability, strong teamwork, and the ability to follow directions quickly are essential soft skills that set candidates apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient backstage operations during live performances.

What are the duties of a stage hand?

A stage hand is responsible for setting up, maintaining, and dismantling stage equipment, including lighting, sound, and scenery. They assist with load-in and load-out, operate equipment during performances, and ensure safety protocols are followed in the backstage environment. Strong physical stamina, knowledge of tools, and teamwork are essential for this role.

What qualifications do you need to be a stagehand?

To be a volunteer stagehand, no formal qualifications are typically required, but basic physical fitness, the ability to follow safety protocols, and familiarity with stage equipment are helpful. Some positions may require knowledge of tools or lighting and sound systems, and good teamwork skills are important for coordinating with other crew members.
More about Volunteer Stage Hand jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Stage Hand jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Stage Hand job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Stage Hand jobs? The most popular types of Stage Hand jobs are:
What states have the most Volunteer Stage Hand jobs? States with the most job openings for Volunteer Stage Hand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Stage Hand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Stage Hand jobs are:
Volunteer Stage Hand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Stage Hand job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,374 per year, or $19.9 per hour.
Sites Stage and Lighting Coach

Sites Stage and Lighting Coach

Crossroads Church

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

About Crossroads
Crossroads Church is a growing multi-site, interdenominational church. Our sites are currently located in Ohio and Kentucky, with plans to expand to additional cities. We also have an online presence that serves thousands of people who aren't located near one of our physical sites.
We believe the story of Jesus' redemption is the greatest story ever told, and that's why we embrace creativity, adventure, authenticity, and tenacity to share this story with the world.
Our desire is to model our staff and church community after the church in Revelation, where people of all nations, tribes, and tongues are worshiping and working together. We're not there yet, but it's what we're working toward with every hire and every person who walks through our doors.
Job Summary
The Sites Stage and Lighting Coach serves as the primary coach, trainer, and quality control leader for Stage and Lighting Directors across all Crossroads sites. Rather than directly managing site technicians, this role partners closely with Site Experience Producers to develop, support, and strengthen Stage and Lighting Directors in both technical excellence and leadership effectiveness.
This role functions as the subject matter expert in lighting and stage production, helping establish standards, best practices, training systems, and consistent execution across all Crossroads environments and experiences. The Sites Stage and Lighting Coach provides hands-on coaching, evaluates production quality, develops volunteers and staff, and supports technical systems and workflows that help teams execute excellent weekend and special event experiences.
The Sites Stage and Lighting Coach collaborates closely with Producers, Worship Leaders, Volunteer Coordinators, and the Central Experience Team to ensure that creative vision is executed consistently and with excellence across all sites.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Serve as the primary coach and trainer for Site Stage and Lighting Directors across all Crossroads sites.
  • Partner closely with Site Experience Producers to support the development, health, and effectiveness of Stage and Lighting Directors.
  • Establish and maintain lighting and stage production standards, workflows, and best practices across sites.
  • Provide regular coaching, feedback, and skill development for Stage and Lighting Directors.
  • Conduct group and individual training sessions focused on technical growth, troubleshooting, systems knowledge, and execution consistency.
  • Evaluate production quality across sites and provide actionable feedback to improve execution and consistency.
  • Support Producers and site teams during rehearsals, run-throughs, weekends, and special events as needed.
  • Assist in troubleshooting technical systems and resolving production issues quickly and effectively.
  • Help identify areas for improvement in programming, transitions, cueing, communication, and stage execution.
  • Train and develop technical volunteers in lighting and stage production systems and workflows.
  • Maintain and support lighting systems, hardware, software, and related production infrastructure.
  • Participate in production meetings, planning conversations, and creative reviews to ensure alignment across teams.
  • Contribute to central production projects, upgrades, installs, and special events as needed.
  • Support additional production environments including video shoots, recordings, camps, student ministry events, and other Crossroads experiences.

Education Requirements
  • High School Diploma and equivalent work experience
  • College Degree preferred

Experience/Skills Requirements
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong coaching, training, and interpersonal leadership skills
  • Self-motivated and able to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
  • Organized, disciplined, and detail-oriented
  • Extensive working knowledge of live lighting systems and theatrical production environments
  • Extensive experience troubleshooting and supporting live production systems in fast-paced environments
  • Ability to work collaboratively with Producers and cross-functional teams
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Driven and independent worker with a commitment to excellence
  • Ability to lead through influence, coaching, and relationship-building rather than direct management

Proficiency in several of the following:
  • Mac OS X
  • MA Lighting
  • ProPresenter
  • ProVideoPlayer
  • Absen LED
  • IP Communications
  • Signal flow and routing
  • Broadcast engineering

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to walk up to 5 miles, standing, climbing, lifting, pulling, and/or pushing, carrying, reaching, stooping, and crouching as duties required.
  • Must be able to lift up 25 to 50 lbs.

Scheduling/Travel Requirements
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including weekdays, weekends, and high-impact Crossroads events
  • Must be willing and able to travel between Crossroads sites as needed

Crossroads Staff Qualities
Qualities all staff teammates should exhibit:
  • Mission Oriented: Committed to the Crossroads mission and expectations in the staff "I Promise" document, including using the Bible as the ultimate standard of truth, practicing spiritual disciplines, tithing, and pursuing personal purity.
  • Availability: Expected to work outside of "normal" schedule for All Hands on Deck high-impact events (Holy Week/Easter, Super Bowl, Christmas, others as needed), participate in all-staff meetings, day of solitude, offsites, etc.
  • Authenticity: Communicates clearly, directly, and honestly, even under stress, and does so with a sustained positive attitude and demeanor.
  • Personal Leadership: Envisions, energizes, and enables others to operate at full potential.
  • Collaborative Self-starter: Thrives as an individual contributor and works well on a team.
  • Proactive Problem Solver: Takes initiative to understand departmental objectives, adapts to changing and fluid environments, and proactively solves problems.
  • Humility: Puts others above self and takes ownership of mistakes.
  • Learner: Desires growth and learning from others.
  • Flexibility: Able to quickly shift between projects as organizational direction and needs change, able to successfully balance competing priorities.

Crossroads Church is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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