Encore A–Z

Production Assistant

5 min read

Production Assistant

At a Glance

Position Overview

The Production Assistant (PA) provides essential support to the production team while learning how a theatrical production actually comes together. This entry-level position is designed for young artists who want to explore behind-the-scenes theater work and develop foundational production skills.

The PA introduces young artists to the collaborative nature of theater — teaching that every contribution matters, and that supporting others’ work is as valuable as being in the spotlight. See Production Hierarchy for how the SM/ASM/PA pathway works.

Key Responsibilities

General Production Support

  • Assist the creative team with daily needs and tasks.
  • Help with rehearsal setup and cleanup.
  • Support props and costume organization.
  • Assist with administrative tasks as needed.
  • Run errands for production team members.

Rehearsal Support

  • Help distribute scripts, music, and rehearsal materials.
  • Assist with moving furniture and set pieces.
  • Support younger cast members during breaks.
  • Help maintain a clean and organized rehearsal space.
  • Assist with crowd management during large group scenes.

Technical Support

  • Help with basic technical setup and cleanup.
  • Assist with prop placement and organization.
  • Support costume and makeup organization.
  • Help with backstage preparation during tech rehearsals.
  • Assist with strike and cleanup after performances.

Communication Support

  • Help relay messages between departments.
  • Assist with basic data entry and filing.
  • Support the creation of production materials.
  • Help with sign-in procedures and attendance tracking.

Qualifications

Essential

  • Eagerness to learn and help others.
  • Willingness to take on various tasks.
  • Basic organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow directions.
  • Positive attitude and team spirit.

Preferred

  • Prior experience in an Encore production (as a performer or in another role).
  • Familiarity with the rehearsal-room environment.

Personal Qualities

  • Reliability — shows up, on time, ready to help.
  • Curiosity — interested in exploring theater beyond performing.
  • Positive Attitude — brings energy that lifts the room.
  • Initiative — sees what needs doing and does it without being asked.

Working Conditions

  • Commitment: Per production. Rehearsal nights and tech week; performance attendance per the Stage Manager.
  • Schedule: Evenings and weekends for rehearsals; intensive during tech week.
  • Environment: Rehearsal rooms, backstage, theater venue.
  • Reports to: Stage Manager (primary) and Assistant Stage Manager (day-to-day).
  • Compensation: Volunteer / young-artist entry role. May earn class tuition credit per Encore policy.

Educational Outcomes

Through this role, young artists develop:

  • Basic understanding of theater production processes.
  • Teamwork and collaboration skills.
  • Reliability and work ethic.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Problem-solving and adaptability.
  • Appreciation for all aspects of theater creation.

For more on the young-artist mentorship philosophy, see Rehearsal Culture and the Encore Young Artist Mentorship Program section there.

Growth Pathway

The Production Assistant role is the entry step in Encore’s stage management pathway. Young artists who excel here can advance to Assistant Stage Manager in a future production, and eventually to Stage Manager.

By Phase

Inception

Welcome to the Encore fam! Be sure to complete your onboarding items below — we look forward to building an incredible show that builds life skills through stage skills for young artists.

Onboarding

  • Complete child safety training.
  • Submit background check.
  • Submit W-9 (if applicable per Encore policy).
  • Sign and return young-artist agreement.
  • Complete onboarding process.

Initial Production Work

See 1 - Inception for the phase overview.

Pre-Production

  • Light involvement. Begin familiarizing yourself with the script.

See 2 - Pre-Production for the phase overview.

Casting

  • Support audition logistics: signage, sign-in flow, materials distribution.

See 3 - Casting for the phase overview.

Rehearsals

  • Help with rehearsal setup and cleanup.
  • Distribute scripts, music, and rehearsal materials.
  • Support props and costume organization.
  • Assist with moving furniture and set pieces.
  • Support younger cast members during breaks.
  • Help maintain a clean, organized rehearsal space.

See 4 - Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Pre-Tech

See 5 - Pre-Tech for the phase overview.

Technical Rehearsals

  • Help with basic technical setup and cleanup.
  • Assist with prop placement and organization.
  • Support costume and makeup organization.
  • Help with backstage preparation during tech rehearsals.
  • Help with sign-in procedures and attendance tracking.

See 6 - Technical Rehearsals for the phase overview.

Performance

  • Support backstage operations during every performance per the Stage Manager’s direction.
  • Help relay messages between departments.
  • Support crowd management during large group scenes.

See 7 - Performance for the phase overview.

Post-Production

  • Assist with strike and cleanup after performances.
  • Help archive production materials.
  • Reflect on the production; document what you learned.

See 8 - Post-Production for the phase overview.

Status: Working · Portal: Team · Last reviewed: 2026-05-12 · Owner: Rhett

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