{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"257cb3ffda8e600c18e975d0","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/257cb3ffda8e600c18e975d0","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/257cb3ffda8e600c18e975d0","title":"Program Assistant","description":"About Backlight Productions\nBacklight Productions is a nonprofit theater arts organization dedicated to creating meaningful performance opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).\nThrough professional-quality theatrical productions, creative expression, and community engagement, Backlight Productions helps participants build confidence, friendships, independence, and life skills while showcasing their talents to audiences throughout the community.\nPosition Summary\nBacklight Productions is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and energetic Program Assistant to support participants during rehearsals, performances, and special events.\nThis role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with individuals with disabilities and who can provide a structured, encouraging, and supportive presence in both classroom and performance environments.\nThe Program Assistant will help participants remain engaged, navigate behavioral and emotional challenges, assist with transitions and backstage activities, and contribute to a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.\nEssential Responsibilities\nSupport participants during rehearsals, performances, and events.\nAssist with behavior management, positive redirection, and de-escalation when needed.\nBuild positive relationships with participants, families, instructors, directors, and volunteers.\nHelp maintain a safe, welcoming, structured, and inclusive environment.\nAssist participants with transitions between activities, rehearsal spaces, backstage areas, and performance settings.\nSupport directors, instructors, and volunteers during rehearsals and performances.\nProvide backstage assistance during productions, including participant readiness, movement, cues, and general support.\nHelp with setup, cleanup, organization, and basic logistics for rehearsal and performance spaces.\nMonitor participant engagement and communicate concerns appropriately to program leadership.\nMaintain professionalism, patience, confidentiality, and respect for participant dignity.\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience working with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).\nExperience in behavioral support, special education, direct support, social work, recreation therapy, counseling, caregiving, or a related field.\nExperience using de-escalation techniques, positive behavior supports, and calm redirection.\nAbility to establish clear boundaries while maintaining a warm and supportive approach.\nStrong communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills.\nAbility to work independently and as part of a team.\nTheater, performing arts, education, youth/adult development, or recreational program experience is a plus, but not required.\nComfortable supporting participants in active, sometimes fast-moving rehearsal and performance environments.\nSchedule and Availability\nThree weekday rehearsals per week, approximately 12 hours total weekly for rehearsal support. *omitting scheduled breaks throughout the season & w/ potential for additional hours substituting in other classes\nAvailability for performances, show weeks, and special events, typically evenings and weekends.\nFlexibility during production periods is strongly preferred.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to stand and move for extended periods during rehearsals and performances.\nAbility to move throughout rehearsal, backstage, and theater spaces.\nAbility to assist participants as needed during activities, transitions, and performance preparation.\nAbility to lift up to 25 pounds.\nWhy Join Backlight Productions?\nThis is more than a support role. You will help adults with disabilities discover confidence, express creativity, develop friendships, and experience the excitement of performing on stage. Your work will contribute directly to an inclusive environment where every participant has the opportunity to shine.\nEqual Opportunity Statement\nBacklight Productions is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.\nPay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour\nExperience:\nworking with individuals with disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)\nAbility to Commute:\nBrentwood, TN 37027 (Required)\nWork Location: In person","company":"Backlightproductions","rawCompany":"backlightproductions","city":"Franklin","state":"TN","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-08-10T15:10:44.131Z","occupations":[{"code":"25-9043.00","title":"Teaching Assistants, Special Education","slug":"teaching-assistants-special-education"},{"code":"27-4015.00","title":"Lighting Technicians","slug":"lighting-technicians"},{"code":"51-9198.00","title":"Helpers--Production Workers","slug":"helpers-production-workers"}],"industries":[{"code":"711110","title":"Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters","slug":"theater-companies-and-dinner-theaters"},{"code":"711190","title":"Other Performing Arts Companies","slug":"other-performing-arts-companies"},{"code":"711310","title":"Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities","slug":"promoters-of-performing-arts-sports-and-similar-events-with-facilities"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Program Assistant","description":"About Backlight Productions\nBacklight Productions is a nonprofit theater arts organization dedicated to creating meaningful performance opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).\nThrough professional-quality theatrical productions, creative expression, and community engagement, Backlight Productions helps participants build confidence, friendships, independence, and life skills while showcasing their talents to audiences throughout the community.\nPosition Summary\nBacklight Productions is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and energetic Program Assistant to support participants during rehearsals, performances, and special events.\nThis role is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with individuals with disabilities and who can provide a structured, encouraging, and supportive presence in both classroom and performance environments.\nThe Program Assistant will help participants remain engaged, navigate behavioral and emotional challenges, assist with transitions and backstage activities, and contribute to a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.\nEssential Responsibilities\nSupport participants during rehearsals, performances, and events.\nAssist with behavior management, positive redirection, and de-escalation when needed.\nBuild positive relationships with participants, families, instructors, directors, and volunteers.\nHelp maintain a safe, welcoming, structured, and inclusive environment.\nAssist participants with transitions between activities, rehearsal spaces, backstage areas, and performance settings.\nSupport directors, instructors, and volunteers during rehearsals and performances.\nProvide backstage assistance during productions, including participant readiness, movement, cues, and general support.\nHelp with setup, cleanup, organization, and basic logistics for rehearsal and performance spaces.\nMonitor participant engagement and communicate concerns appropriately to program leadership.\nMaintain professionalism, patience, confidentiality, and respect for participant dignity.\nPreferred Qualifications\nExperience working with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).\nExperience in behavioral support, special education, direct support, social work, recreation therapy, counseling, caregiving, or a related field.\nExperience using de-escalation techniques, positive behavior supports, and calm redirection.\nAbility to establish clear boundaries while maintaining a warm and supportive approach.\nStrong communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills.\nAbility to work independently and as part of a team.\nTheater, performing arts, education, youth/adult development, or recreational program experience is a plus, but not required.\nComfortable supporting participants in active, sometimes fast-moving rehearsal and performance environments.\nSchedule and Availability\nThree weekday rehearsals per week, approximately 12 hours total weekly for rehearsal support. *omitting scheduled breaks throughout the season & w/ potential for additional hours substituting in other classes\nAvailability for performances, show weeks, and special events, typically evenings and weekends.\nFlexibility during production periods is strongly preferred.\nPhysical Requirements\nAbility to stand and move for extended periods during rehearsals and performances.\nAbility to move throughout rehearsal, backstage, and theater spaces.\nAbility to assist participants as needed during activities, transitions, and performance preparation.\nAbility to lift up to 25 pounds.\nWhy Join Backlight Productions?\nThis is more than a support role. You will help adults with disabilities discover confidence, express creativity, develop friendships, and experience the excitement of performing on stage. Your work will contribute directly to an inclusive environment where every participant has the opportunity to shine.\nEqual Opportunity Statement\nBacklight Productions is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic.\nPay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour\nExperience:\nworking with individuals with disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)\nAbility to Commute:\nBrentwood, TN 37027 (Required)\nWork Location: In person","datePosted":"2026-08-10T15:10:44.131Z","dateModified":"2026-08-10T15:10:44.131Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Backlightproductions","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Franklin","addressRegion":"TN","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"257cb3ffda8e600c18e975d0"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/257cb3ffda8e600c18e975d0"}}