Student Employment
Work Behind the Scenes of Live Performance
Gain real-world experience, build in-demand workplace skills, and help bring professional artists and live music, dance, theater, comedy, film, and special events to campus.
Carolina Performing Arts offers paid student positions across Front-of-House, Production, and Ticketing Services. No prior experience or work-study award required.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Why work for us?
Through hands-on experience, you’ll develop skills in problem-solving, teamwork, customer service, event operations, leadership, and communication while working alongside professional staff and artists.
In addition to gaining valuable professional experience, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive hourly pay
- Student-first scheduling around classes, exams, and activities
- Opportunities for raises and promotions
- No prior experience necessary
- Work-study awards not required
- Access to world-class performances
- Social events and activities
“The most beautiful thing about the student staff at CPA is how diverse it is and how everyone has found a part of themselves in the arts regardless of their major or chosen career. Through that experience, I gained the tools and confidence that will continue to sustain me throughout the next stage of my journey.“
— Melodi Carty, Assistant House Manager
Find Your Team
Explore each team to find your fit.
Front of House
Good fit if you enjoy working with people and creating great guest experiences.
As a Front of House team member, you’ll help create a welcoming and safe environment for audiences attending performances and events. Responsibilities include greeting patrons, assisting with wayfinding and customer service needs, tracking attendance, supporting guest safety, and helping with basic event setup and cleanup.
Scheduled hours primarily fall on nights and weekends and vary based on the performance schedule. Team members must be available for a minimum of 10 hours per week.
Position may require standing for extended periods and lifting or carrying items up to 20 pounds.
Production
Good fit if you’re interested in live events, technology, working behind the scenes, or learning technical skills.
No prior experience necessary! Receive hands-on training in lighting, audio, staging, backstage operations, and other aspects of live event production. You’ll help prepare performance spaces, set up and test equipment, support live events, and assist with load-ins and load-outs.
As you gain experience, opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership are available.
Production team members must be comfortable climbing ladders, working at height, and lifting or carrying up to 40 pounds.
Shifts can range from 2–10+ hours and may take place between 6 a.m. and 2 a.m. Availability of at least 15 hours per week is required, with daytime availability Tuesday through Thursday preferred.
Ticketing Services
Good fit if you’re organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy helping people solve problems.
As a Box Office Associate, you’ll help audiences access and enjoy performances by assisting with ticket purchases, answering questions, and providing exceptional customer service. Associates interact with guests in person and by phone, process ticket transactions, manage customer records, and support the day-to-day operation of the box office.
The Memorial Hall Box Office is open Monday–Friday from 11:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.. Box Office Associates also support performances, working shifts that begin one hour before curtain and continue through intermission. Associates must be available for at least nine hours per week during regular box office hours and several 2–3-hour performance shifts throughout the season, including some evenings and weekends.
Wondering what the job is really like? Hear from our student staff.
Hiring Timeline
Fall Hiring
- Interviews take place at the beginning of the fall semester.
- Hiring is typically completed during the first week of classes.
Spring Hiring
- Interviews take place near the end of the fall semester.
- Hiring is typically completed before winter break.
What Happens Next?
Applicants selected to move forward will be contacted to schedule an interview. Candidates may be considered for multiple teams and could receive more than one interview invitation.
Special Opportunity: Festival 2027
Carolina Performing Arts will launch All. Together. Now., a new multi-day arts festival in February 2027. Student employees will play a critical role in bringing the festival to life, and applicants with availability during this period will be strongly preferred.