Production Assistant - THE POLAR EXPRESS Train Ride, Whippany, NJ

American Heritage Companies; Whippany (NJ); On-site; USD 23,866 - 33,992; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Catered meals for 5-show days

Comp tickets for friends and family

End-of-season bonus

Job summary

Rail Events Productions in Whippany, NJ is seeking a Production Assistant to support the Production Managers across all event aspects, including cast, crew, food service, ticketing, transportation, load-in and load-out. This temporary, hourly role works under Production and Stage Managers in a live Broadway-style train setting.

The position requires experience in special and theatrical events, a valid US driver’s license, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work evenings, weekends,

Qualifications

• Experience with special events and theatrical events.
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to drive a mini‑van or passenger van.
• Experience handling petty cash and writing expense reports.
• Ability to work with production staff as a team member in a changing environment.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist REP management during load‑in and load‑out with daily production needs.
• Act as runner to shop for supplies.
• Drive actors to/from remote performance site.
• Help ensure event space is returned to railroad after load‑out.
• Adhere to railroad safety rules and support a positive staff environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Event production experience

Driver's license

Job description

Job Details

Location: Whippany, NJ 07981

Position Type: Temporary
Salary Range: $21.00 per hour

Shift: Day
Job Title: Production Assistant – The Polar Express™ Train Ride

Division/Department: Rail Events Productions/Crew
Reports To: Production Management

Type of Position: Non-Exempt/Hourly
Employee Classification: Temporary

Job Summary

The Production Assistant is responsible for assisting the Production Managers in all aspects of the event including cast, crew, food service, ticketing, transportation, load‑in, load‑out and communication with both train operations and other third‑party contractors. The role is performed under the supervision of Production Managers and Stage Managers. Because of the live nature of the event, the assistant may support any event‑related item as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist REP management team during load‑in and load‑out with day‑to‑day production needs
• Act as runner to shop for supplies
• Drive actors to/from remote performance site
• Work with production staff during load‑out to ensure that event space is returned to the railroad appropriately
• Become familiar with railroad safety rules
• Work with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff
• Perform other duties as assigned

Educational, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Experience with special events and theatrical events
• Valid US driver’s license and ability to drive a mini‑van or passenger van
• Experience handling petty cash and writing expense reports
• Ability to work alongside the production staff as a team member in an ever‑changing environment
• Ability to work independently with self‑motivation and attention to detail and excellent organizational skills
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate, recognize and solve practical problems and resolve issues
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in written form
• Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross‑functional teams that can include seasonal employees

Work Environment

• Majority of time spent in an event setting
• Varied schedules requiring evenings, weekends, overtime, and holidays
• Able to stand for prolonged periods of time
• Varying temperatures and weather conditions; both indoor and outdoor
• Able to stand and walk on uneven or unsteady surfaces aboard a moving train
• Time spent in and around active railroad yard

Benefits

• Join the cast and crew of a one‑of‑a‑kind Broadway‑style performance on a moving train
• Amazing opportunity for folks beginning their theater career
• Serve others and create a world of make‑believe and magic
• Competitive pay and a chance to build upon your theater network and make lifelong connections
• Enrich and positively impact the experience for all – big and small
• Be part of an inclusive team in a supportive environment with high expectations for self and your fellow teammates
• Catered meals for 5‑show days
• Comp tickets for your friends and family
• Potential for end‑of‑season bonus

Rail Events Productions, an American Heritage Railways subsidiary, is an Equal Opportunity Employer.