About Backlight Productions
Backlight Productions is a nonprofit theater arts organization dedicated to creating meaningful performance opportunities for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
Through 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.
Position Summary
Backlight Productions is seeking a compassionate, dependable, and energetic Program Assistant to support participants during rehearsals, performances, and special events.
This 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.
The 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.
Essential Responsibilities
- Support participants during rehearsals, performances, and events.
- Assist with behavior management, positive redirection, and de-escalation when needed.
- Build positive relationships with participants, families, instructors, directors, and volunteers.
- Help maintain a safe, welcoming, structured, and inclusive environment.
- Assist participants with transitions between activities, rehearsal spaces, backstage areas, and performance settings.
- Support directors, instructors, and volunteers during rehearsals and performances.
- Provide backstage assistance during productions, including participant readiness, movement, cues, and general support.
- Help with setup, cleanup, organization, and basic logistics for rehearsal and performance spaces.
- Monitor participant engagement and communicate concerns appropriately to program leadership.
- Maintain professionalism, patience, confidentiality, and respect for participant dignity.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
- Experience in behavioral support, special education, direct support, social work, recreation therapy, counseling, caregiving, or a related field.
- Experience using de-escalation techniques, positive behavior supports, and calm redirection.
- Ability to establish clear boundaries while maintaining a warm and supportive approach.
- Strong communication, judgment, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Theater, performing arts, education, youth/adult development, or recreational program experience is a plus, but not required.
- Comfortable supporting participants in active, sometimes fast-moving rehearsal and performance environments.
Schedule and Availability
- Three 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
- Availability for performances, show weeks, and special events, typically evenings and weekends.
- Flexibility during production periods is strongly preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and move for extended periods during rehearsals and performances.
- Ability to move throughout rehearsal, backstage, and theater spaces.
- Ability to assist participants as needed during activities, transitions, and performance preparation.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Why Join Backlight Productions?
This 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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
- Backlight 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.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Experience:
- working with individuals with disabilities: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Brentwood, TN 37027 (Required)
Work Location: In person
