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

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

Compensation: $21.00/hourly

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. They work under the supervision of the Production Managers and Stage Managers. Because of the nature of the live event, they may be required to assist in any event related items 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 the production staff during load-out to ensure that event space is returned to the railroad appropriately
• Become familiar with railroad safety rules
• Works with the entire event team to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and rewarding environment for all staff
• Other duties as assigned

Education, Skill & Work Experience Requirements

• Experience with special events and theatrical events
• Valid US driver’s license and able 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 as well as 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

What’s in it for you?

• Join the cast and crew of a one-of-a-kind Broadway-stye 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 

Working on THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride is unlike anything you will ever do.  This immersive experience is entirely unique to Rail Events Productions.  The challenge of producing a full-length production on a moving train is one of the most rewarding experiences as an artist or technician.  With a total cast, crew and front-of-house employees of 60-75 people onsite every day and the possibility of over 2,000 guests, our days can be chaotic. With such a fast-paced environment, the team at Rail Events Productions takes care to properly support and teach everyone the best ways to accomplish their jobs.  We strive to build a space where employees are safe and encouraged to grow throughout their time with the company. 

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