Assistant Head of Rigging - LUZIA

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group; Las Vegas (NV); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is seeking an Assistant Head of Department, Rigging for a Touring Show. The role oversees rigging operations, safety, and collaboration with design teams to maintain artistic integrity across live performances.

The AHOD will supervise rigging technicians and temporary staff, assist with scheduling, maintenance planning, and participate in load-in/load-out and on-site emergency response. Touring internationally is required.

Qualifications

• College diploma in live entertainment, theatre production, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years as a rigger on large-scale productions; aerial/human rigging experience preferred.
• Experience in touring live entertainment is an asset.
• Solid knowledge of rigging equipment, systems, and practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist in safe installation, operation, and maintenance of rigging systems.
• Supervise, train and support rigging technicians and crew; assist onboarding and documentation.
• Act as interim Head of Department when required and help with scheduling and maintenance planning.
• Operate rigging systems during rehearsals and performances and cover show tracks as needed.
• Maintain up-to-date safety logs, cue sheets, inventories, and compliance with safety regulations.

Skills

Rigging

Leadership

Safety

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

English Fluency

Microsoft Office

Education

College diploma in live entertainment/theatre production

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Assistant Head Of Department, Rigging - Touring Show

Acrobatic Rigging

Full-Time position

• Please note that this position requires you to tour internationally full-time and to work in foreign countries. *

We are looking for an Assistant Head of Department (“AHOD”), Rigging to support the rigging operations of one of Cirque du Soleil’s touring shows. Reporting to the Technical Director and working under the supervision of the Head of Department, Rigging, this role assists in the safe installation, operation, and maintenance of all rigging systems while ensuring the integrity of artistic concepts and the highest standards of safety and quality.

The ideal candidate is a skilled and safety-minded rigger with strong technical knowledge, excellent problem-solving abilities, and the adaptability required for a fast-paced touring environment.

The Assistant Head of Department, Rigging will have the opportunity to:

• Support the Head of Department in managing the department during rehearsals, performances, training sessions, set-ups, tear-downs, and city transfers.
• Supervise, train, and support rigging technicians, local crew, and temporary staff; assist with onboarding and documentation.
• Act as interim Head of Department when required.
• Assist with scheduling, maintenance planning, and administrative follow-up.
• Operate rigging systems during rehearsals, performances, and artist training sessions; cover show tracks as required.
• Ensure rigging systems function safely and maintain artistic integrity in collaboration with the Artistic and Design teams.
• Inspect, maintain, and repair rigging systems, including climbing gear, pulley systems, hoists, counterweight systems, and motorized equipment.
• Participate in preventive maintenance programs and ensure inspections are documented accurately.
• Identify equipment defects or breakages and ensure timely repairs or replacements.
• Respond quickly to technical issues or emergencies during live performances.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation including cue sheets, safety logs, inspection reports, inventories, and customs documentation.
• Assist with ordering, tracking, and maintaining rigging supplies and equipment.
• Participate in load-in, set-up, strike, and load-out of rigging and other technical systems.
• Provide expertise and enforce safety standards for all work at height and climbing activities.
• Collaborate with Show Support, designers, and the Technical Director on equipment upgrades, special projects, and integration of new show elements.
• Support contingency planning to ensure uninterrupted operations in the event of equipment or system failures.
• Ensure compliance with Cirque du Soleil protocols, OSHA, and local safety regulations.
• Promote safe working practices in all rigging operations and enforce compliance among crew and local staff.
• Participate in Health & Safety trainings, emergency procedures, and promote Cirque du Soleil’s safety culture.
• Respond appropriately to on-site injuries or emergencies, documenting incidents in line with safety protocols.
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and safe working environment aligned with Cirque du Soleil’s values.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following Qualifications

• Required: Availability to tour internationally full-time and work in foreign countries.
• College diploma in live entertainment, theatre production, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a rigger on large-scale productions; aerial/human rigging experience strongly preferred.
• Touring experience in a live entertainment environment is an asset.
• Solid technical knowledge of rigging equipment, systems, and practices, including climbing gear, pulley systems, hoists, and counterweight systems.
• General knowledge of structural loads, forces, automation interfaces, and motor control systems.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in rigging and mechanical systems.
• Ability to work confidently at height; fall protection or rope access training is an asset.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite; knowledge of AutoCAD or related software is an asset.
• Excellent teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to: crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.