Stage Hand
New Bedford, NJ - USA
Job Summary
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 youll be part of a culture that supports creativity collaboration continuous learning and inclusion. Learn more here:
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 backstageoperations and event execution.
- Safely move organize and position production equipment and materials throughoutthe venue.
- Support stage transitions scene shifts and backstage coordination duringperformances and rehearsals.
- Maintain awareness of backstage traffic overhead work moving equipment andlive 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 productioninfrastructure and equipment.
- Follow direction from Production Management department leads and touringpersonnel efficiently and professionally.
- Maintain flexibility and readiness to support multiple production departments asneeded.
- Identify equipment repair needs safety concerns or inventory shortages andcommunicate them proactively to Production Management.
- Participate in and contribute to a complete reset of the stage backstage FOHbooth pit storage and all production-utilized areas following events including butnot limited to sweeping mopping trash removal cable management equipmentorganization pit and storage area organization and restoring all workspaces tovenue standards.
- Maintain clean organized safe and operationally ready backstage booth stagestorage and technical work areas at all times.
- Assist in preserving the overall cleanliness presentation and functionality ofproduction spaces recognizing that load-outs are not complete until bothequipment 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 ethicduring 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 tosuccessful live productions.
- Promote and uphold a culture of safety at all times.
- Follow OSHA standards venue safety procedures and entertainment industry bestpractices.
- Utilize proper lifting techniques and safe equipment handling procedures.
- Maintain awareness of rigging activity electrical systems moving scenery loadingdock operations and elevated work areas.
- Wear appropriate PPE when required and immediately communicate any safetyconcerns to supervisors or department leads.
- Minimum of 1 year of prior stagehand theatrical live event or production-relatedexperience required.
- Basic working knowledge of backstage operations and live productionenvironments.
- Ability to safely lift and move production equipment and work physically demandingproduction calls.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively within a crewenvironment.
- 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 loudaudio levels moving equipment and fast-paced production activity.
- Experience working in a theater performing arts center concert venue or touringenvironment.
- 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 theaterenvironments.
What Were Looking For
In addition to relevant experience were 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 youll 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 arolling/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.
TO APPLY
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To be considered please submit:
- Your resume
- A brief cover letter expressing your interest in the role
We deeply value working with individuals from a rich mix of backgrounds experiences and perspectives. We believe this diversity strengthens our institution and enriches our community. While weve outlined the qualifications and experience that we think will help someone thrive in this role we also recognize that talent comes in many forms. If your background doesnt perfectly align with every requirement we still encourage you to apply - your unique perspective might be exactly what we need.
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application pre-employment testing or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process please contact or call x122.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The Zeiterion 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. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin veteran or disability status
Required Experience:
Manager