Technical Assistant

Oregon Ballet Theatre; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 27,552 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Oregon Ballet Theatre is seeking a Technical Assistant to support warehouse operations, rehearsal activities, main stage productions, touring performances, and special events in a seasonal, part-time role.

The position collaborates with production leadership to perform load-ins, equipment transport, and backstage tasks, with safety and teamwork at the forefront. A high school diploma or GED is required, and experience in theatre or live events is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in theatrical or live event environments preferred.
• Familiarity with common theatrical terminology preferred.
• Experience using basic hand and power tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with warehouse organization, cleaning, inventory, and storage projects.
• Assist with construction, painting, maintenance, and transportation of scenery, props, and production equipment.
• Operate hand and power tools safely under supervision.
• Assist with load-in, setup, operation, and load-out of productions, events, and rehearsals.
• Load, unload, move, and stage production equipment, scenery, costumes, and supplies.
• Support wardrobe, lighting, audio, video, and backstage operations as assigned.

Skills

Warehouse operations

Scenic support

Load-in/load-out

Tool handling

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

The Technical Assistant provides technical, logistical, and production support for Oregon Ballet Theater’s warehouse operations, rehearsal activities, main stage productions, touring performances, and special events. This seasonal, part-time over hire position assists the Director of Production, Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, OBT2 Director, and OBT Artistic Manager with a variety of production-related tasks. Work assignments may vary based on organizational needs and may include warehouse projects, venue load-ins and load-outs, touring support, backstage operations, and general production assistance. The Technical Assistant works collaboratively with staff, performers, venue personnel, and vendors to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and professionally.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Warehouse Operations & Scenic Support
  • Assist with warehouse organization, cleaning, inventory, and storage projects.
  • Assist with the construction, painting, maintenance, and transportation of scenery, props, and production equipment.
  • Operate hand and power tools safely under supervision.
  • Identify damaged equipment or maintenance concerns and notify production management.
  • Assist the production team in meeting production schedules and deadlines.

  Production & Event Support

  • Assist with load-in, setup, operation, and load-out of productions, events, and rehearsals.
  • Load, unload, move, and stage production equipment, scenery, costumes, and supplies.
  • Assist with scenic, lighting, audio, video, wardrobe, and backstage operations as assigned.
  • Operate cargo vans and non-CDL box trucks (up to 26 feet) when authorized.

  Touring & Performance Support

  • Support OBT2 touring activities including packing, transportation, venue setup, rehearsals, performances, and strike.
  • Assist with basic maintenance and operation of production systems and equipment.
  • Support wardrobe operations and performer needs as assigned.

  Safety & Professional Expectations

  • Follow all OBT safety policies and always maintain safe work practices.
  • Maintain professional and courteous interactions with staff, performers, venue personnel, vendors, and patrons.
  • Work collaboratively with supervisors and crew members to accomplish production goals.
  • Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the position.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required, or equivalent timeframe of applicable work experience.
• Experience in theatrical, live event, dance, or performing arts environments preferred.
• Familiarity with common theatrical terminology preferred.
• Experience using basic hand and power tools preferred.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and transport production equipment.
• Ability to:
  • Respond to visual, verbal, and audio cues.
  • Work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  • Adjust pace of work to meet production schedules and deadlines.
  • Follow directions from multiple supervisors and crew leads.
• Performance arts background or dance experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with theatrical lighting, audio, video, projection, QLab, or related production systems is a plus.
• Experience driving cargo vans or non-CDL box trucks is a plus.
• Ability to reliably communicate through email and phone.

Working Conditions & Schedule

Working Conditions

This role requires good physical health as the ability to lift at least 70 pounds in repetition is required.

Work Schedule

This position is an over-hire opportunity, intended to provide supplemental staffing support as needed. Please note that hours are not guaranteed and will vary based on operational demand. The ideal candidate will have a flexible schedule and be available to work a minimum four-hour shift. Assignments may occur on weekdays, evenings, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility and reliability are essential, as assignments may be scheduled on short notice depending on departmental needs.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the day, evenings, and weekends. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Compensation

This seasonal, part-time position pays $20 per hour.

This is an exciting time to work at Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) – the nation’s 20th largest classical ballet company. OBT is the largest professional dance company in Oregon, employing over 300 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today, including our own Artistic Director, Dani Rowe. Our mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in our region.

In addition to our 5-show main stage season, we introduce students to ballet and the importance of lifelong movement through our education and community engagement programs, and we train dancers from three years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the Oregon Ballet Theatre School. Many of our students go on to successful professional careers at companies including the Joffrey, the Dutch National Ballet, and within our own organization.

Our Mission
Oregon Ballet Theatre is dedicated to fostering an enduring appreciation for dance through the pursuit of excellence in performance, training, and community programs.

Our Vision
Oregon Ballet Theatre seeks to inspire the dancer in all of us through the power of movement.

Photo Credits

Soloist Bailey Shaw and Juliette Ochoa in the Tech Rehearsal for Giselle | Photo by Blaine Truitt Covert