The Role
Stagehands support live theater and event productions by setting up, operating, transitioning, striking, and organizing staging, lighting, audio, video, rigging, scenic elements, and backstage infrastructure. They safely move equipment, assist touring crews, maintain production spaces, identify safety or equipment issues, and complete post-event resets. The role requires prior hands-on experience, physical capability, teamwork, flexibility, and availability for irregular schedules including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Summary Generated by Built In
Department: Production
Reports To: Production Manager
Employment Type: Per-Diem, Nonexempt
Location: New Bedford, MA | On-Site
Salary Range: $21 per hour
Posting Date: April 10, 2026
About The Zeiterion
The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.org
Position Summary
The Zeiterion (“The Z”) is seeking experienced, reliable, and motivated Stagehands/Stage Crew Members to join our production team on a rolling basis. This open listing seeks qualified professionals with prior hands-on experience in live entertainment environments who can support a wide variety of performances and events, including concerts, theatrical productions, dance, comedy, film, and community programming.
This is not an entry-level position for individuals without practical experience; candidates should demonstrate a foundational proficiency in backstage operations and a working understanding of live event production practices. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute immediately to a fast-paced, professional production environment.
Stagehands play a critical role in the execution of live events by assisting with the setup, operation, and breakdown of staging, lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements. This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the highest production standards.
Key Responsibilities
Production Support & Stage Operations
What We’re Looking For
In addition to relevant experience, we’re looking for a colleague who:
Our Workplace Culture
As part of your onboarding, you’ll be welcomed into a culture that reflects our values:
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Z is a collaborative work environment, and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams.
The Zeiterion is on an active, and ongoing, journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices, and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community, social justice, and equity
Employment Details
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
Equal Opportunity
The Z is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees including, but not limited to, a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats and on our stage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief summary of relevant experience. Applicants should highlight specific production experience and any areas of technical specialization.
Qualified candidates will be added to our stagehand pool and contacted as opportunities arise.
Reports To: Production Manager
Employment Type: Per-Diem, Nonexempt
Location: New Bedford, MA | On-Site
Salary Range: $21 per hour
Posting Date: April 10, 2026
About The Zeiterion
The Zeiterion (The Z) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to steward our historic theater as a gathering place for performing arts experiences where learning, connection, and creative expression thrive. Our work is guided by five core values: Imagination, Connection, Equity, Transparency, and Discovery. These values inform how we deliver on our mission and how we work together every day.
We are committed to cultivating a workplace where all individuals feel respected, valued, and are encouraged to contribute. As a team member, you’ll be part of a culture that supports creativity, collaboration, continuous learning, and inclusion. Learn more here: https://www.zeiterion.org
Position Summary
The Zeiterion (“The Z”) is seeking experienced, reliable, and motivated Stagehands/Stage Crew Members to join our production team on a rolling basis. This open listing seeks qualified professionals with prior hands-on experience in live entertainment environments who can support a wide variety of performances and events, including concerts, theatrical productions, dance, comedy, film, and community programming.
This is not an entry-level position for individuals without practical experience; candidates should demonstrate a foundational proficiency in backstage operations and a working understanding of live event production practices. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute immediately to a fast-paced, professional production environment.
Stagehands play a critical role in the execution of live events by assisting with the setup, operation, and breakdown of staging, lighting, audio, video, and scenic elements. This role requires a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining the highest production standards.
Key Responsibilities
Production Support & Stage Operations
- Assist with all aspects of production setup, rehearsals, performances, strikes, loadins, and load-outs.
- Support the assembly, movement, and breakdown of:
- Staging systems and stage extensions
- Outer dock and loading area builds
- Scenic and production elements
- Lighting, audio, video, and rigging equipment
- Soft goods, risers, drapery, and related infrastructure
- Assist touring crews, production staff, and venue leadership with backstage operations and event execution.
- Safely move, organize, and position production equipment and materials throughout the venue.
- Support stage transitions, scene shifts, and backstage coordination during performances and rehearsals.
- Maintain awareness of backstage traffic, overhead work, moving equipment, and live production activity at all times.
- Demonstrate safe and proper handling of theatrical and live event equipment.
- Assist with cabling, setup, strike, storage, and organization of production infrastructure and equipment.
- Follow direction from Production Management, department leads, and touring personnel efficiently and professionally.
- Maintain flexibility and readiness to support multiple production departments as needed.
- Identify equipment repair needs, safety concerns, or inventory shortages and communicate them proactively to Production Management.
- Participate in and contribute to a complete reset of the stage, backstage, FOH booth, pit storage, and all production-utilized areas following events, including but not limited to sweeping, mopping, trash removal, cable management, equipment organization, pit and storage area organization, and restoring all workspaces to venue standards.
- Maintain clean, organized, safe, and operationally ready backstage, booth, stage, storage, and technical work areas at all times.
- Assist in preserving the overall cleanliness, presentation, and functionality of production spaces, recognizing that load-outs are not complete until both equipment and work areas have been fully restored and reset.
- Contribute positively to a collaborative and respectful backstage environment.
- Demonstrate professionalism, punctuality, adaptability, and a strong work ethic during all production calls.
- Communicate clearly and work effectively as part of a team in fast-paced live event
- settings.
- Show initiative, situational awareness, and a willingness to learn new skills and
- production processes.
- Uphold the values of safety, accountability, and mutual support that are essential to successful live productions.
- Promote and uphold a culture of safety at all times.
- Follow OSHA standards, venue safety procedures, and entertainment industry best practices.
- Utilize proper lifting techniques and safe equipment handling procedures.
- Maintain awareness of rigging activity, electrical systems, moving scenery, loading dock operations, and elevated work areas.
- Wear appropriate PPE when required and immediately communicate any safety concerns to supervisors or department leads.
- Minimum of 1 year of prior stagehand, theatrical, live event, or production-related experience required.
- Basic working knowledge of backstage operations and live production environments.
- Ability to safely lift and move production equipment and work physically demanding production calls.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a crew environment.
- Ability to take direction, adapt quickly, and remain calm under pressure.
- Comfortable working evenings, weekends, holidays, and irregular event schedules.
- Ability to work in active backstage environments that may include heights, loud audio levels, moving equipment, and fast-paced production activity.
- Experience working in a theater, performing arts center, concert venue, or touring environment.
- Familiarity with basic lighting, audio, rigging, or staging equipment and workflows.
- Forklift, aerial lift, OSHA, or first aid certifications are a plus.
- Interest in continuing to grow within live event production and technical theater environments.
What We’re Looking For
In addition to relevant experience, we’re looking for a colleague who:
- Brings a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and openness
- Communicates with clarity, honesty, and care
- Thrives in a collaborative, relationship-centered team
- Shares our commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-racism
- Is excited to learn, grow, and imagine new ways forward
Our Workplace Culture
As part of your onboarding, you’ll be welcomed into a culture that reflects our values:
- Imagination – We encourage creative problem-solving and fresh ideas from every level of the organization.
- Connection – We work with empathy and respect, building strong relationships across teams.
- Equity – We actively address inequities in our systems and strive for inclusive representation in all we do.
- Transparency – We communicate openly, share information proactively, and make decisions with integrity.
- Discovery – We support risk-taking and learning from mistakes as essential parts of growth.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The Z is a collaborative work environment, and employees are expected to be open and willing to collaborate across departments and teams.
The Zeiterion is on an active, and ongoing, journey to be anti-racist organization - advancing anti-racist policies and practices, and fostering and sustaining a culture that values community, social justice, and equity
Employment Details
- This is a rolling/open call position; candidates will be contacted as shifts and opportunities become available
- Employment may be part-time, per diem, or event-based depending on production needs
- Compensation is commensurate with experience and in accordance with venue policies
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
- Work is primarily performed backstage, onstage, and in loading dock areas
- Fast-paced, high-energy environment with frequent time constraints
- Must be comfortable working at heights, in low-light conditions, and around moving equipment
- Professionalism and respect when interacting with artists, touring personnel, and colleagues is essential
Equal Opportunity
The Z is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate equity and are committed to creating an inclusive, thriving environment for all employees including, but not limited to, a culture of antiracism in which we build policies, procedures, and a safe space for people from all backgrounds to feel safe and seen in our employ, in our seats and on our stage.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a resume and a brief summary of relevant experience. Applicants should highlight specific production experience and any areas of technical specialization.
Qualified candidates will be added to our stagehand pool and contacted as opportunities arise.
Skills Required
- At least 1 year of stagehand, theatrical, live event, or production-related experience
- Basic working knowledge of backstage operations and live production environments
- Ability to safely lift and move production equipment and perform physically demanding production calls
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a crew
- Ability to take direction, adapt quickly, and remain calm under pressure
- Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and irregular event schedules
- Ability to work around heights, loud audio levels, moving equipment, and fast-paced backstage activity
- Experience in a theater, performing arts center, concert venue, or touring environment
- Familiarity with basic lighting, audio, rigging, or staging equipment and workflows
- Forklift, aerial lift, OSHA, or first aid certification
- Interest in continuing to grow within live event production and technical theater
Am I A Good Fit?
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.
Success! Refresh the page to see how your skills align with this role.
The Company
What We Do
The Zeiterion, also known as The Z, is a nonprofit performing arts center in downtown New Bedford, Massachusetts. It stewards a historic theater as a gathering place for live performances and arts experiences that foster learning, connection, and creative expression. Its programming spans musicals, plays, rock, symphony, comedy, dance, films, and educational initiatives, serving as a major cultural institution for the SouthCoast region.
