Theater Technician Jobs
Theater Technician jobs are open across performing arts venues, live entertainment companies, educational institutions, and production houses, covering specializations in lighting, sound, and rigging at every level from entry-level crew to lead and department head. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Theater Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Theater Technician jobs
Reporting to the Director of Facilities, this part-time, as-needed position is responsible for the technical execution of films, lectures, presentations, concerts and special events in the Museum’s theater or other areas of the campus, including the galleries and garden. This role supports audio-visual, sound, lighting and projection systems to ensure high quality, professional event delivery.
Responsibilities:
- Handle all aspects of audio-visual equipment in the theater, working with Curatorial, Education and External Affairs staff to successfully produce events.
- Collaborate with production teams to plan and execute technical aspects of performances and events.
- Set up and operate technical equipment during performances and events, ensuring that all systems are functioning properly.
- Hang, circuit, focus and patch lighting instruments as needed, and maintain the Standard House Light Plot.
- Provide basic video projector maintenance including cleaning and vacuuming components and filters.
- Test / preview films and media for screenings and presentations.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on technical equipment as needed.
- Perform minor repairs to the facility as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on experience in audio-visual support, theater technology, live event production and computer-based media-oriented programming.
- Proficiency in lighting, analog and digital audio systems, video projection, and the ability to operate and maintain a wide range of technical equipment.
- Ability to use basic hand tools, stage hardware, and manage the integration and troubleshooting of lighting, audio, video, and computer equipment and knowledge of power and electricity.
- Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in technical theater operations.
- Ability to work safely with electrical equipment, and the ability to work safely and comfortably at heights over 10'.
- Familiarity with the ETC EOS family of lighting consoles, both PC and Mac computers, PowerPoint, QLab, and related applications.
- Knowledge of basic theatrical mechanics, hardware, knots, etc.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff and talent.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires moderate physical activity: walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, and operating and working in personnel lifts. Must be able to push, pull, bend, stretch and perform heavy lifting (minimum of 50 lbs.).
Schedule:
On-call work schedule depending on event schedule includes evening and weekend hours, including some weekdays and holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Norton Simon Entities* provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Norton Simon Entities do not unlawfully discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decisionmaking, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, age (forty years of age and over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. The Norton Simon Entities make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees and for religious observances and practices. This policy applies to all areas of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, termination, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.
The Norton Simon Entities are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.
*The Norton Simon Entities are composed of the following: Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena and the Norton Simon Art Foundation. Employment may be with either, or both, of these entities.
Pay: $28.30 - $30.30 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required)
Work Location: In person
Reporting to the Director of Facilities, this part-time, as-needed position is responsible for the technical execution of films, lectures, presentations, concerts and special events in the Museum’s theater or other areas of the campus, including the galleries and garden. This role supports audio-visual, sound, lighting and projection systems to ensure high quality, professional event delivery.
Responsibilities:
- Handle all aspects of audio-visual equipment in the theater, working with Curatorial, Education and External Affairs staff to successfully produce events.
- Collaborate with production teams to plan and execute technical aspects of performances and events.
- Set up and operate technical equipment during performances and events, ensuring that all systems are functioning properly.
- Hang, circuit, focus and patch lighting instruments as needed, and maintain the Standard House Light Plot.
- Provide basic video projector maintenance including cleaning and vacuuming components and filters.
- Test / preview films and media for screenings and presentations.
- Perform routine maintenance and repairs on technical equipment as needed.
- Perform minor repairs to the facility as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of two (2) years of hands-on experience in audio-visual support, theater technology, live event production and computer-based media-oriented programming.
- Proficiency in lighting, analog and digital audio systems, video projection, and the ability to operate and maintain a wide range of technical equipment.
- Ability to use basic hand tools, stage hardware, and manage the integration and troubleshooting of lighting, audio, video, and computer equipment and knowledge of power and electricity.
- Familiarity with safety regulations and best practices in technical theater operations.
- Ability to work safely with electrical equipment, and the ability to work safely and comfortably at heights over 10'.
- Familiarity with the ETC EOS family of lighting consoles, both PC and Mac computers, PowerPoint, QLab, and related applications.
- Knowledge of basic theatrical mechanics, hardware, knots, etc.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with staff and talent.
Physical Requirements:
This position requires moderate physical activity: walking, climbing stairs, climbing ladders, and operating and working in personnel lifts. Must be able to push, pull, bend, stretch and perform heavy lifting (minimum of 50 lbs.).
Schedule:
On-call work schedule depending on event schedule includes evening and weekend hours, including some weekdays and holidays.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Norton Simon Entities* provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Norton Simon Entities do not unlawfully discriminate or tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decisionmaking, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, age (forty years of age and over), sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. The Norton Simon Entities make reasonable accommodations for disabled applicants and employees and for religious observances and practices. This policy applies to all areas of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, termination, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, transfer, and social and recreational programs.
The Norton Simon Entities are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion in its workforce.
*The Norton Simon Entities are composed of the following: Norton Simon Museum of Art at Pasadena and the Norton Simon Art Foundation. Employment may be with either, or both, of these entities.
Pay: $28.30 - $30.30 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Retirement plan
Ability to Commute:
- Pasadena, CA 91105 (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 19 Theater Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Theater Technician JobsTheater Technician Job Market
Who's Hiring
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in theater technician jobs.
- Experience operating lighting consoles, soundboards, or rigging systems in a live production environment
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, light plots, and stage diagrams
- ETCP certification in rigging or theatrical electrical work preferred or required
- Proficiency with industry software such as Vectorworks, QLab, or ETC Eos family consoles
- Physical ability to lift heavy equipment, work at heights, and stand for extended periods
- Associate or bachelor's degree in technical theater, theatrical production, or a related field
Tips for Your Theater Technician Job Search
List your gear by manufacturer and model
Hiring managers scan resumes for specific consoles, fixtures, and software. Name the exact equipment you've operated, like a particular lighting board or digital audio workstation, so your application matches what the production is running in their booth.
Tailor applications to venue type
A regional theater, a touring production, and a university performing arts center each expect different things from a theater technician. Read the job description closely and match your language to their operation, whether that's repertory changeovers, load-in logistics, or academic lab support.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists theater technician openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Get your ETCP certification documented
If you hold an Entertainment Technician Certification Program credential in rigging or electrical, put the certification number and renewal date on your resume. Many venues require it for fly systems and high-voltage work, and listing it removes a gatekeeping question before the interview.
Prepare a cue sheet or plot sample for interviews
Bring a redacted light plot, a system block diagram, or a cue sheet from a past production when you interview. It gives the technical director something concrete to ask about and proves you can read and produce professional documentation, not just talk about it.
Follow up with a note referencing the production calendar
After an interview, reference the venue's upcoming season or a specific show you discussed. It signals you've done your homework on their programming and that your availability lines up with their production schedule, which matters more in this field than a generic thank-you.
Theater Technician Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most theater technicians?
City University of New York, Cinema Cafe, and Audio Advice are hiring the most theater technicians right now, with openings concentrated in California, New York, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Demand is typically strongest in markets with active touring venues, resident theater companies, and university performing arts programs.
How many theater technician jobs are remote?
About 0% of theater technician openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, with most of those concentrated in pre-production, design, and production management roles rather than hands-on technical work. Positions involving physical installation, operation, and maintenance of stage equipment are almost always on-site.
How do you become a theater technician?
Start by building hands-on experience through community theater, school productions, or volunteer crewing at local venues. Study the technical disciplines you want to specialize in, whether lighting, sound, rigging, or scenic work. Pursue an ETCP certification in your area of focus. Build a portfolio of plots, diagrams, and production documentation to show employers what you've actually run.
How do you get hired as a theater technician with little experience?
Focus on entry-level crew and run-of-show positions at smaller regional theaters, university venues, or community performing arts centers, where on-the-job training is more common. Volunteer to work load-ins and strikes to build your credit list. Knowing even one piece of equipment at an intermediate level, such as a specific lighting console or rigging hardware, makes you more hirable than a generalist with no hands-on time.
What does the theater technician interview process look like?
Most theater technician interviews start with a conversation about your production history and the specific equipment you've operated. A technical director may ask you to walk through a hypothetical problem, like troubleshooting a dimmer fault or reading a plot. Some venues hold a working interview or short practical assessment during a rehearsal or load-in before making an offer.
Where can I find and apply to theater technician jobs?
You can find and apply to theater technician jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from performing arts venues, production companies, educational institutions, and live entertainment organizations across the United States. Find roles that match your specialization and experience level and apply directly to each listing.
See All 19 Theater Technician Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Theater Technician Jobs