Stage Technician
Comprehensive Sites
Careeronestop: Audio and Video Equipment TechnicianProviding a comprehensive occupation description and related tools, this site connects you to a career video, knowledge and skills needed, and educational and training resources for audio and equipment technicians. You will also find information on salary and growth potential for this career path. Feel free to select the state you are interested in working in for more specific information on job outlook and income in your selected location.
Princeton Review: Stage TechnicianA day in the life of a stage technician is described for you at this comprehensive source of career information. Following information on the quality of life you can expect, you will also find related links to useful college major selections, possible graduate programs, internships available, and a career search tool.
Theatrecrafts.comHoping to be a leading source of practical information for technical theatre techniques, this page includes links to audiovisual resources, theatrical effects information, a glossary of technical theatre terms, a home page just for lighting, and other connections to make-up, marketing details, props, rigging, and other sub-specialties of the theater and stage tech.
Occupational Titles
Theatre Technician
Theatre Craftsperson
Television/Film Production Assistant
Scenic Designer
Technical Director
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: Stage Technician College MajorsClick on “radio and television,” or “theatre” to link to the college majors that might be good choices for you if you are interested in becoming a stage technician. Once you select a major, click on “schools offering the major” at the left of the page to connect to a large A to Z listing of possible colleges.
U.S. News: America’s Best Colleges 2008, Theatre/Theatre Arts ManagementVarious theatre programs across the U.S. offer specializations in visual arts management and theatre technology. Click on any one of these top-rated schools to access their academic departments and help narrow down your search.
Salary Levels
Indeed.com: Theatre Technician SalariesThe average salaries of theatre technician professionals are posted at this site, along with a graph depicting the average salaries of jobs with related titles. Click on any job link to find further information on that specific profession. You can also narrow down your search by entering a specific city.
Professional Organizations
Entertainment Services and Technology AssociationSupporting the entertainment technology industry, this site offers information on its membership programs that include key industry information, cost-savings plans, educational opportunities, and obtaining certification in technical standards.
International Association of Theatrical Stage EmployeesThis organization is dedicated to supporting the talents of lighting and stage craftspeople in the entertainment industry and has links to a local union directory and links, as well as news and event information, details on scholarships, and the official bulletin of the organization. This is the union for stage technicians, and its worth knowing that some employers will only hire union members.
Theatre Communication GroupIf you want to learn all you can about American Theater, this may be a good site for you. A variety of online publications can be accessed from this page, as well as information on grants for individual career development, such as traveling grants, and an assortment of tools for the theater professional and student. The site also has a comprehensive online compendium of member theatres and their productions dating back to 1995.
United States Institute of Theater TechnologyThis organization is involved with many activities of interest to theater professionals, such as creating standards throughout the industry and hosting exhibitions in the United States and abroad. Fellowships and grants are available in support of young members’ creative design and technology.
Job Opportunity Sources
BackstageJobs.comBehind the scene jobs in the entertainment industry are the focus of this job board, which includes last minute listings, internships, tours, and jobs by city. You can also narrow the search by type of technical work, such as electrics, sets, props, costumes, sound, or management. The positions at this site are recent and continuously updated.
ShowBizJobs.comA professional network of entertainment employers, this site maintains a list for job seekers that can be searched by keyword, job type, and salary. Simply select “tech/operations” in the job category search, and browse by company, posting date, and specific theatre tech sub-industry. You can also post your resume for potential employers to view.
Licensing & Certification
Entertainment Services and Technology Association: Certification ProgramPart of the main organization website, this page offers information on becoming a certified technician through an alliance of several organizations in the entertainment industry. Learn more about testing, and find out how to become certified at this page.
Publications
CenterpieceA publication of the Theatre Communications Group, this online newsletter offers those employed as theatre staff a look behind the scenes in development, marketing, education, and research issues in American Theatre.
Online Forums & Blogs
International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees: Local SitesIn addition to a list of local unions for stage and technical employees, this site may lead visitors to online forums and local blogs in the industry
Career Videos
CollegeGrad.com: Arts, Audio-Video Technology and CommunicationsWorking in the arts and communication at the creative and technical level is described in this video, including various clients, jobs, creative services, budget, and needed skills in the industry.
