What education and experience requirements are there for basic backstage theatre/entertainment jobs (ie. prop assistant, set assistant, PA, set painter, etc.)?
No offense to any of those jobs -- I'm currently in a remedial school and not very confident about graduating, let alone any type of college. Not exactly in the spot to pay for certifications either. Do I need a diploma or training to compete for those jobs, or do I have a chance at a local theater/low-budget production? Is volunteering at a local theater worth my time currently, or should I just focus on school?
7 answers
Michelle’s Answer
I am actually thrilled to know that you are interested in a career in technical theatre. I understand your circumstance and will gear my advice to your specific thoughts.
Yes, definitely you should concentrate on education - no doubt about it. First allow me to clarify about tech. There are no "assistants" really, and you should set your sights on being in the limelight (excuse the pun) as a Set Construction professional because all the jobs you've mentioned fit into being a person who builds sets. That would be the career. You would make or arrange for props, build and paint sets. That is for Theatre. There are Production Assistant jobs in television and Film, as well as 1st and 2nd Assistant Director and Producer. Those are the careers. If you do not want to go that far in the field, you can help out local theatres in your community by painting sets and doing odd jobs that they would need you to do but in most instances, it would be volunteer work you'd be doing.
If you want to go into it professionally, you will need education, training as well as experience. The absolute best way to get the competitive edge for that would be to go to college for a degree in Theatre (or Film if you want to work in Film). This career needs a focused, supportive, specific and detailed education, so you will learn everything you need to know. It's not like you work in theatre because you like it, there are many facets to it and one needs to understand how everything comes together. Technical theatre entails a lot and you will not learn it by volunteering, although volunteering is nice, helpful and you'd meet new people. It's not enough to learn everything or compete in the professional world, though.
The path that you should take for a professional career is Community College for an Associates Degree in Theatre then go to a State University for your Bachelors Degree in Theatre. There are numerous supports at college, so do not worry about your academic history. Many people will be helping you along and you will also be helping your fellow students, too. College will present opportunities to you so that you can begin to acquire experience and build a resume.
This is what I want you to do: try to pass your classes and get your high school diploma. If that doesn't happen, look into taking the GED (general equivalency diploma). Call the community colleges near you that offer a Theatre Major Program and ask the college staff if they offer GED while you are enrolled.
Whatever job you apply for in theatre for paid employment, you're going to need experience, training and documented qualifications which means at least a Bachelors Degree. To work in film, you'll need to go to Film School. I know. Watching a play or film looks like it is very easy but a large group of professionals came together and worked hard to make the final project, so it's very important to get the academic experience, knowledge and networking opportunity.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best in making a decision for a career !
Patrick’s Answer
Breck’s Answer
I went to school (college) for a Theatre Arts degree but, I ended up becoming a professional costume designer due to many, many years in sewing - first as a kid and then as seamstress in high school and finally I basically took over the costume shop in my college and winged it with what I knew until I found mentors at various summer stock and regional theatres.
As to 'book learning', what I did learn in my higher education are the tools I have now for doing research and field work. I count it as invaluable.
Most of the other tech people I worked with did the same. Yes, some needed certifications and licenses (electric and lighting come to mind). But in all seriousness, pushing yourself to do the hard work and wanting to do the hard work is the key.
Once you have a few volunteer jobs on your resume and a few decent references, look for local summer stock opportunities near you. Apply and go through the interview process. Even if you don't get a paying job the first time out, you will learn boatloads.
I am 68, I worked on Broadway, off-Broadway, regional theatres. For two years straight I did not have a permanent address because I was taking contracts all up and down the east coast. It isn't always easy, the pay can be wretched, but it's a great way to build your bones if you can't afford a college education.
Good luck!
Breck recommends the following next steps:
Dr’s Answer
First off, It’s an exciting field, and there are so many ways to break in, even without a traditional academic path.
So, Michelle gave some amazing advice, especially about the value of education if you want to make this a long-term professional career. A degree in Theatre or Film can definitely open doors, especially for more advanced positions. Plus, college offers hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and access to internships that can give you a competitive edge. If you’re worried about school, don’t stress because many community colleges have support systems, and you can always explore options like a GED if needed.
But here’s the good news, 👀 you don’t necessarily need a degree to get started, especially in local or low-budget productions. A lot of people break into the industry by volunteering or taking entry-level roles and working their way up. It’s a field where practical skills and experience matter just as much as formal education, so getting your foot in the door through hands-on work can be a powerful first step. But this does come with patience and time.
Now here are a few ways you can dive in right now, I am just gonna give you the options and the ups and downs so it can be easier for you to decide.
1. About that Volunteering option you are still trying to think about, well, Volunteering is a great, low-pressure way to learn the ropes. You’ll pick up practical skills, like set painting, prop handling, or stage management, and meet people who can guide you. Many professionals started by volunteering and used those connections to land paid gigs later.
Upside: Great for building experience and your resume.
Downside: Usually unpaid, but the knowledge is invaluable.
2. Look for Apprenticeships or Internships. So, Some theaters and production companies offer entry-level programs where you can train on the job. These can be a direct path to paid roles without needing a degree.
Upside: Hands-on learning with professional mentorship.
Downside: Some programs are competitive and may pay very little or nothing at first.
3. Reach Out to Local Film or Theatre Groups. Like Indie filmmakers and community theater groups are always looking for help with sets, props, and production work. Social media (like Facebook groups) or community boards are great places to find these opportunities.
Upside: Flexible, with lots of ways to try different tasks.
Downside: May not offer consistent work or professional-level training.
4. Learn On Your Own. Okay so, You can find tons of free resources online about set design, prop-making, and production work. Websites like YouTube offer tutorials on everything from building stage pieces to managing a set.
Upside: Self-paced and free.
Downside: No hands-on mentorship, but you can apply what you learn when volunteering.
5. Consider a Technical Certificate. Connor, if college feels overwhelming, trade schools sometimes offer short technical courses (in things like carpentry, electrical work, or scenic painting) that directly apply to set construction and design. Some programs even have scholarships. So it's worth checking out if you do want to.
Upside: Specific, job-ready skills in a shorter time frame.
Downside: Can still cost money, but often less than a full degree.
Connor, If you’re open to education—explore a community college program (especially one with a Theatre or Film department).
But, If you’re eager to work—look for production jobs at local event spaces, community theaters, or indie films.
So, you can break into this field without a degree but gaining experience is key. Keep an open mind, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start small. Eveyy step leads you somewhere closer!
Connor if you want to pursue a professional career in backstage theatre or entertainment, the best path is to balance both education and hands-on experience in my opinion. Because both together will open doors in the industry for you easily. You dont have to choose one over the other, in fact, doing both will give you a major advantage.
So, Why Continue School?
Getting a high school diploma (or GED) is essential because most formal jobs in technical theatre (especially unionized or large productions) will require at least that.
For a Further education, like a community college Theatre or Film program, will give you advanced skills, credibility, and access to internships or apprenticeships.
The reason this is important is because there will be:
Higher-paying roles (like Stage Manager or Technical Director) usually require formal training.
Union jobs (in IATSE—the stagehand union) typically require qualifications and experience.
More career options—education allows you to pivot to film, TV, or other creative fields.
So, Why Volunteering?
Basically volunteering gives you real-world experience and connections which are both huge in this industry. Many backstage professionals started by volunteering or working on small productions and used those experiences to land paid gigs.
The reason this is important it's because it gives you:
Practical skills—Nothing beats hands-on learning in set construction, props, and stage work.
Better Networking—Building relationships with industry pros can lead to job offers and mentorship.
Helps in your Resume building—Experience from local theater work looks great when applying for jobs or schools.
If you do choose you can just:
Stay involved, but part-time—Balance volunteering with school commitments.
Take on specific projects—If time is limited, ask to work on short-term productions.
Its not a must to do both but I am just letting you know that hardwork always pays off, yes it will be tough at the beginning but you will find out which you want to do over time as well. Also if you want you can just focus on the school and then do your volunteering after you graduate.
🎯 Best Strategy
1. Prioritize School but Stay Involved –
2. Explore Dual Pathways
3. Look for Paid Internships or
4. Consider Trade Skills – if you like!
🗓️ Connor if you it is time you are fighting off then just:
Prioritize graduating or getting a GED—that’s the baseline for professional careers.
Keep volunteering part-time—even just a few hours a week keeps your foot in the door.
And try to look for apprenticeships because they combine work and training without requiring a degree.
By doing both, you will stay flexible and will be building skills now while preparing for bigger, better-paying jobs in the future. You don't need to give up one for the other—a mix of education and experience is the winning combo! If you are up for it ofcourse!
You got this, Connor, never think about the 'give up' because right now achieving your ambitions is your goal! 😉 If you have more questions, ask away. The stage (or set) is yours always! 😎 Good luck!
Dr recommends the following next steps:

Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
always on the clock, stressed out and enjoying every minute of it. Break a leg champ!

Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
Allow me to be blunt. As a South Bronx kid who joined the USMC before I graduated from H.S., I too felt like you. Fortunately, the United States Marine Corps took me "As Is" and taught me that no matter what I do in life, I will always need training, yes, even in failure, one must be trained to not learn the lessons required to survive in life. My young friend, there is no substitute for consistent and persistent training.
I am 67 years young now, and I have been extremely successful with just a GED under my belt, which I passed by one measly point while attending a Vietnam Veterans program at my local community college in NY. Oh, don't get me wrong, I have been to a number of great colleges and universities, but never really bought into the brainwashing which went along with the subject matter. At times it was more brain pan deletion than actual subject matter addition. So be careful what you study and who you learn it from.
So from a "Street Kid to Wall Street Guy" approach, you will, heart and determination to go that route, will determine the journey's success.
You must maintain a sense of adventure, asking questions no one would dare ask, speak to the people you admire in the industry as an equal and get recognized. My time in television and video started in working first class NYC night clubs as bartender, dance instructor, party manager. It came one by one. Have fun and enjoy the adventure.
This eventually led me to show business and stand-up comedy production which were tough, tough, tough businesses, but very enjoyable at times even when we felt the bottom dropping out. Eventually I learned the stidio, editing, direction and formed my 2nd production company. Your heart must focus on your ultimate plan but recognize that not everyone with a degree has your type of heart or the drive to be the best at what you wanted to do. You must own it.
In my 40 years of learning via doing, I acquired a treasure chest of training credentials and experience which is at a master's level, so don't worry about the future. The fact that you even asked this question and have responses from successful people, shows each one of us "Yes! Here's A Kid With Heart! He Will Go Far!" speak to the people you admire in the industry and get recognized. My time in television and video started in working first class NYC night clubs as bartender, dance instructor, party manager.
I entered some steps that will help you get to the first floor, out of the basement of uncertainty. If you fall, make sure you fall forward.
Your Friend
Tony Pacheco
The "River of Success" Leadership Team"
Take the River of Success to an Ocean of Opportunity!"
Steward "Tony" recommends the following next steps:
Douglas’s Answer
Hopefully this helps.
Sincerely,
Mr Wilson