Theatre Production Assistant

Overview

We are thrilled to announce a brand-new paid position in our Dramatic Arts Program at Bishop O’Dowd High School—and it’s designed with growth in mind. We are seeking a Theatre Production Assistant with technical theatre experience and/or college-level coursework who is eager to gain hands-on, real-world production experience in a dynamic educational setting.

Position Title: Theater Production Assistant (Intern)

Department: Theater

Reports To: Meredith Barnidge & Jonathan Angeles

Salary: $20 - $28 per hour, DOE

Schedule: 4 days per week between Monday through Friday between 3pm to 6pm as scheduled, up to a maximum of 540 hours during the school year

Bishop O’Dowd Mission/Charism — Bishop O’Dowd High School is a Catholic college-preparatory community, guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ, that educates its diverse student body to build a more just, joyful and sustainable world.
Charism :
Finding God In All Things Calls Us to:
Community in Diversity Strength of Character Academic Excellence Kinship With Creation Social Justice Joy

The Theater Production Assistant (Intern) supports all theatre and technical aspects of dramatic performances. This role is responsible for assisting with the construction, setup, operation, and maintenance of scenery, lighting, sound, and backstage systems. In addition, the Theater Production Assistant (Intern) helps supervise and mentor high school student crew members, ensuring they receive appropriate guidance in safety procedures, technical skills, and professional backstage conduct.

The position requires strong technical abilities, effective communication, a collaborative work style, and the ability to work efficiently in fast-paced production environments while providing positive and supportive leadership to student participants.

Set Construction & Management

• Construct, move, and repair scenery as needed for rehearsals and performances.
• Install and position backdrops, flats, set furnishing, fly-system rigging, stage platforms, and props.
• Ensure all scenic elements are safely secured and performance-ready.

Lighting & Sound

• Mentor students to set up, operate, and troubleshoot lighting and sound equipment.
• Hang, focus, and maintain lighting instruments.
• Manage microphones, cabling, and audio equipment.

Equipment Operation

• Safely use hand tools, power tools, and technical equipment.
• Operate rigging systems for scenery and lighting.

Backstage Support

• Mentor students to track props before, during, and after performances.
• Support scene changes and transitions throughout live productions.
• Maintain organized, safe, and functional backstage and wings areas.

Maintenance & Inventory

• Perform basic repairs on equipment, tools, and technical systems.
• Maintain cleanliness and functionality of technical areas.
• Track, organize, and inventory supplies and equipment.

Safety & Supervision

• Follow and enforce all safety protocols and industry best practices.
• Monitor the condition and safe use of equipment and work spaces.
• Provide guidance or training to student crews or volunteers as assigned.

Theater Production Assistant (Intern) Typical Duties

• Assist with the installation and operation of lighting, sound, and rigging systems.
• Document work activities, equipment usage, and maintenance needs.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with theatre technology and stagecraft.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and technical equipment safely.
• Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a production team.
• Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under tight deadlines.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50lbs

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Additionally, all personnel may…