Event Set-Up Staff

American Dream; East Rutherford (NJ); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

American Dream's Dream Live Performing Arts Center is seeking an Event Set-Up Staff (PT) to prepare venues for performances, arrange seating, and reset spaces between events. This hands-on role ensures safe, organized layouts and quick transitions.

You will work with the operations team to set up layouts, stack chairs, and reconfigure the venue for fast turnarounds, while maintaining cleanliness and accessibility standards. Evening/weekend work may be required.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform physical work including lifting, carrying, stacking, and moving chairs repeatedly.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow room layouts and setup instructions.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under time-sensitive conditions.
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
• Experience in event setup, venue operations, theater, arena, or live entertainment environments.
• Familiarity with seated event layouts and high-volume chair setups.
• Experience working in fast-paced, event-driven schedules with quick turnarounds.

Responsibilities

• Set up event spaces according to event layouts, including placing rows of chairs for seated performances.
• Break down seating promptly following events, safely stacking and storing chairs in designated areas.
• Reconfigure the venue between events to support fast turnarounds and next-day readiness.
• Assist with moving, positioning, and storing equipment related to seating and event layouts.
• Ensure seating is aligned, orderly, and compliant with safety and accessibility standards.
• Work efficiently as part of an operations team to meet tight setup and breakdown timelines.
• Perform walkthroughs of the space to confirm cleanliness and readiness after setup or breakdown.
• Identify and report damaged chairs, unsafe conditions, or operational issues to supervisors.
• Maintain back‑of‑house areas, storage rooms, and floor spaces in a neat and organized manner.
• Support additional event operations tasks as assigned based on event needs.

Skills

Physical stamina

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Ability to follow layouts

Evening/weekend/holiday availability

Safety and accessibility compliance

Lifting up to 15 lbs

Job description

The Event Set‑Up Staff (PT) position at the Dream Live Performing Arts Center plays a critical role in preparing the venue for performances and ensuring a seamless transition between events. This hands‑on role is focused on setting up event spaces, placing and removing seating, breaking down and stacking chairs after events, and executing quick turnarounds so the venue is clean, organized, and fully reset for the next day’s programming. Event Hosts help maintain the professional presentation, safety, and operational readiness of the Performing Arts Center.

Key Objective(s):

The main purpose of the Event Set‑Up Staff (PT) at the PAC is:

• To support the PAC team on event-related requests, assist with essential tasks for team members and will be responsible for administrative tasks and troubleshooting prior to, and during events when necessary.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Set up event spaces according to event layouts, including placing rows of chairs for seated performances
• Break down seating promptly following events, safely stacking and storing chairs in designated areas
• Reconfigure the venue between events to support fast turnarounds and next-day readiness
• Assist with moving, positioning, and storing equipment related to seating and event layouts
• Ensure seating is aligned, orderly, and compliant with safety and accessibility standards
• Work efficiently as part of an operations team to meet tight setup and breakdown timelines
• Perform walkthroughs of the space to confirm cleanliness and readiness after setup or breakdown
• Identify and report damaged chairs, unsafe conditions, or operational issues to supervisors
• Maintain back‑of‑house areas, storage rooms, and floor spaces in a neat and organized manner
• Support additional event operations tasks as assigned based on event needs

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to perform physical work including lifting, carrying, stacking, and moving chairs repeatedly
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow room layouts and setup instructions
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently under time‑sensitive conditions
• Dependable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team
• Comfortable working evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods during events
• Previous experience in event setup, venue operations, theater, arena, or live entertainment environments
• Familiarity with seated event layouts and high-volume chair setups
• Experience working in fast‑paced, event‑driven schedules with quick turnarounds

Physical Job Requirements:

• Sit frequently – 80%
• Perform repetitive motion, as with a keyboard – frequently, 80%
• Stand/move about – periodically, 20%
• Kneel/bend – periodically, 10%
• Reach at or above shoulder level – periodically, 10%
• Reach at or below shoulder level – periodically, 10%
• Stoop/squat – periodically, 10%
• Lift up to 15lbs. – periodically, 10%

The PAC at American Dream is an equal‑opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.