Stagehand

CSU, Chico Research Foundation; Chico (CA); On-site; USD 23,419 - 30,307; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Job summary

Chico State Enterprises in Chico, CA seeks a part-time stagehand to support technical directors, lighting, audio, and sets for theater productions and events. Hours vary by show and may include mornings, evenings, and holidays; on-site work only.

Duties include loading in/out, equipment setup, cable running, inventory maintenance, and collaboration with video, audio, carpentry, and front‑of‑house staff. Training is provided; remote work is not offered.

Qualifications

• An interest in learning about theater operations including lighting, audio, video, stage management, etc.
• Ability to focus, follow directions, and learn quickly.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication to resolve conflicts and relay information calmly and professionally.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work under pressure.
• Capability to lift, bend, move equipment, stand for extended periods, and work in elevated spaces.

Responsibilities

• Support technical directors, lighting technicians, audio engineers, and production managers with shows and events.
• Load in/out shows, transport equipment, and assist with props and sets.
• Set up stage equipment, run cables, and learn to read stage plots.
• Collaborate with video, audio, and carpentry teams and assist with post-production tasks.

Skills

Theater operations interest

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Under pressure

Physical stamina

Job description

Summer Hours
7:00a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Monday–Thursday

Mailing Address
Chico State Enterprises
25 Main Street, Suite 203
Chico, CA 95928-5388

STATUS: Part-Time / Non-Benefitted / Hourly / Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $17.00 - $22.00 per hour

DEPARTMENT: University Public Engagement

RESIDENCY: Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H-1B Visas).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The stagehand's primary responsibility is to support the technical directors, lighting technicians, audio engineers, production managers, and traveling tour managers with all theater, performing arts venue, and show-related tasks and duties. Work hours are scheduled as needed and vary depending on show requirements, schedules, and theater maintenance needs. Work may be required up to seven days per week and often includes early mornings, late evenings, and occasional holidays. Due to the nature of the business, work schedules are not very flexible. The position is not eligible for remote work.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Duties assigned will vary significantly depending on the employee’s level of experience working in theater or performing arts venues. Most training is provided on the job and is highly hands‑on.

General list of stagehand duties includes:

• Loading in and loading out shows, concerts, dance performances, musical productions, and other events.
  • Physically loading and unloading equipment from trucks, trailers, tour buses, and other vehicles.
  • Transporting, rolling, carrying, and handling instruments, supplies, equipment and props.
  • Requires excellent teamwork and working closely with artists and tour/band personnel.
• Setting up stage equipment, including audio, lighting, video, instruments, and props.
• Running cables, testing equipment, and learning to read and interpret stage plots to assist with efficient set up.
• Assisting with the assembly and disassembly of stage props and sets.
• Sweeping and mopping stage floors before performances.
• Learning to operate power tools and other theater equipment safely.
• Learning to safely and properly use Genie lifts, use tall ladders, and access equipment stored at elevated heights.
• Performing routine maintenance on theater equipment under the supervision of technical directors.
• Cleaning, organizing, and maintaining inventory of instruments and equipment.
• Collaborating with other production departments, including video, audio, communications, carpentry, and front‑of‑house staff.
• Assisting with all aspects of post‑production, including load‑out, cleanup, and equipment storage.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An interest in learning about theater operations, including lighting, audio, video, stage management, and related disciplines.
• The ability to focus, listen, follow directions, and learn quickly.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• The ability to communicate calmly, effectively, and professionally to resolve conflicts, to ask informed questions, and to relay information to others.
• The ability to work under pressure, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet deadlines.
• The ability to lift, bend, move equipment, stand for extended periods, and work in small spaces and at elevated heights.

BENEFITS:

• Sick leave (up to 5 days/year)

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Chico State Enterprises provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. It is Chico State Enterprises’ policy to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees must provide proof of identity and authorization to work.