Fine Arts Production Specialist

University of South Florida; Florida; On-site; USD 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and life insurance

Retirement plan options

Employee perks and discounts

Job summary

University of South Florida is seeking an Events & Production Assistant to support planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of theatrical productions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and special events on campus.

The role focuses on Front of House and Back of House operations, exceptional customer service, crowd management, safety and accessibility, and collaboration with students, faculty and staff to ensure smooth, professional events and a welcoming environment for patrons.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and one year of customer service, hospitality, theater, event, production, or related experience.
• Experience in Front of House, ushering, stage operations, event production, or backstage operations.
• Knowledge of basic stagecraft, scenery, props, theatrical equipment, or venue operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of theatrical productions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and special events.
• Support Front of House and Back of House operations to ensure safe, organized, and successful events.
• Provide exceptional customer service by welcoming patrons, assisting with wayfinding and seating, scanning tickets, distributing event materials, and responding to audience needs.
• Assist with backstage and production operations, including stage setup, scenery, props, changeovers, load-ins, loadouts, strikes, and venue preparation.
• Operate, maintain, and assist with the safe use of theatrical, production, and event equipment as appropriate to the position and level of experience.
• Support crowd management, patron flow, accessibility needs, and emergency procedures before, during, and after events.
• Provide guidance and support to student employees, ushers, stage crews, and other event staff as assigned.
• Serve as an on-site representative of Events & Production, helping ensure the smooth and professional execution of performances and events.
• Prepare, maintain, and restore public, backstage, studio, and event spaces before and after performances.
• Monitor venues, workspaces, and equipment for safety concerns and communicate or address issues in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with production staff, faculty, students, guest artists, event clients, and other university personnel to meet event and production needs.
• Represent the College in a professional, courteous, and service-oriented manner when interacting with patrons, performers, students, faculty, staff, and event partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Stagecraft basics

Theatrical equipment

Props handling

Job description

• Assist with the planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of theatrical productions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and special events.
• Support Front of House and Back of House operations to ensure safe, organized, and successful events.
• Provide exceptional customer service by welcoming patrons, assisting with wayfinding and seating, scanning tickets, distributing event materials, and responding to audience needs.
• Assist with backstage and production operations, including stage setup, scenery, props, changeovers, load-ins, loadouts, strikes, and venue preparation.
• Operate, maintain, and assist with the safe use of theatrical, production, and event equipment as appropriate to the position and level of experience.
• Support crowd management, patron flow, accessibility needs, and emergency procedures before, during, and after events.
• Provide guidance and support to student employees, ushers, stage crews, and other event staff as assigned.
• Serve as an on-site representative of Events & Production, helping ensure the smooth and professional execution of performances and events.
• Prepare, maintain, and restore public, backstage, studio, and event spaces before and after performances.
• Monitor venues, workspaces, and equipment for safety concerns and communicate or address issues in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with production staff, faculty, students, guest artists, event clients, and other university personnel to meet event and production needs.
• Represent the College in a professional, courteous, and service-oriented manner when interacting with patrons, performers, students, faculty, staff, and event partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning, preparation, coordination, and execution of theatrical productions, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and special events.
• Support Front of House and Back of House operations to ensure safe, organized, and successful events.
• Provide exceptional customer service by welcoming patrons, assisting with wayfinding and seating, scanning tickets, distributing event materials, and responding to audience needs.
• Assist with backstage and production operations, including stage setup, scenery, props, changeovers, load-ins, loadouts, strikes, and venue preparation.
• Operate, maintain, and assist with the safe use of theatrical, production, and event equipment as appropriate to the position and level of experience.
• Support crowd management, patron flow, accessibility needs, and emergency procedures before, during, and after events.
• Provide guidance and support to student employees, ushers, stage crews, and other event staff as assigned.
• Serve as an on-site representative of Events & Production, helping ensure the smooth and professional execution of performances and events.
• Prepare, maintain, and restore public, backstage, studio, and event spaces before and after performances.
• Monitor venues, workspaces, and equipment for safety concerns and communicate or address issues in accordance with established procedures.
• Collaborate with production staff, faculty, students, guest artists, event clients, and other university personnel to meet event and production needs.
• Represent the College in a professional, courteous, and service-oriented manner when interacting with patrons, performers, students, faculty, staff, and event partners.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent and one year of customer service, hospitality, theater, event, production, or related experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a theatrical, performing arts, event, or entertainment environment.
• Experience with Front of House, ushering, stage operations, event production, or backstage operations.
• Knowledge of basic stagecraft, scenery, props, theatrical equipment, or venue operations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and service-oriented when responding to changing event needs.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and flexible schedules as required by event and production schedules.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodations(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodations(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.