Spotlight Backstage Team Member

About the role

VARSITY SPIRIT, A VARSITY BRANDS COMPANY - THE DRIVING FORCE IN SPIRIT ACROSS CHEER, DANCE, BAND AND YEARBOOK

For over 50 years, Varsity Spirit has been the leading global source for all things spirit, including cheerleading, dance team, performing arts and yearbook. Focused on safety, entertainment and traditional school leadership, Varsity Spirit's 5,000+ employees are dedicated to celebrating school spirit. A leader in apparel innovation, educational camps, clinics, competitions, and yearbook, Varsity Spirit impacts more than a million athletes each year.

Our Commitment to Safety

At Varsity Spirit, the safety and wellbeing of the young people we serve is of the utmost importance. Since our inception 50 years ago, we have been - and remain - steadfastly committed to doing our part to create a safe and positive environment for our participants' physical, emotional, and social development, and promoting an environment free from abuse and misconduct.

Varsity has a zero tolerance for abuse in its programs, events, and associated business activities. Varsity is committed to reporting all suspicions, allegations, and incidents of abuse in full accordance with local laws and reporting requirements. Learn more at Our Commitment to Safety - Varsity.com.

Spotlight Events, Inc. is a purpose-driven organization headquartered in Eagle, Idaho. For nearly three decades, our brands- Spotlight Dance Cup and LEAP National Dance Competition -have stood at the forefront of the competitive dance industry, producing approximately 90 events in 30 states and 50+ cities annually.

Pay Range

Per-event stipend + Travel Reimbursement, DOE

Travel Required: Travel is required during our event season (January-July), and team members must reside within reasonable proximity to a U.S. international airport or hub to accommodate frequent travel.

On average, the role involves attending approximately 6-10 regional events each year, typically lasting 3-5 days, with the possibility of 1-2 national events lasting 6-8 days.

How You Will Make an Impact

We are seeking versatile Backstage Team Members with excellent organization, time management, and follow-through skills. The ideal candidate thrives in a live-event environment, understands and is comfortable in the dance competition setting, delivering exceptional customer service while juggling multiple priorities. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, along with problem-solving and decision-making abilities, are essential.

If this is you, consider joining us as we grow and doing amazing things in the performing arts industry!

What You Will Do

• The Backstage Team is responsible for managing backstage flow, awards preparation, and ceremony coordination during Spotlight and LEAP events.
• Backstage Team members work closely with the Announcer, Sales Associates, and other staff to ensure seamless experience for dancers, clients, and attendees.
• This role combines organizational precision with the ability to create a positive, engaging environment both backstage and on stage.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct the performance order and collaborate with the Announcer to maintain show flow
• Deliver exceptional customer service to dancers, parents, and studio staff
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in backstage and dressing room areas
• Foster positive relationships with clients while creating a relaxed backstage environment
• Prepare and organize awards for ceremonies throughout the weekend
• Facilitate awards presentations, distributing trophies and recognition on stage
• Assist with show flow and collaboration with Sales Associates during peak times, supporting merchandise sales and attendee satisfaction
• Teach short jazz combinations to dancers of all ages on stage, engaging both participants and audience members

Qualifications

• Background in dance, theater, or performing arts (Preferred)
• Teaching or performance experience helpful
• Familiarity with awards coordination or customer-facing event roles (Preferred)
• Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments, multitask, and meet deadlines
• Outstanding communication and customer service skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational ability
• Dedication to the value of the arts and the competitive dance industry
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills

Training

• All new/first year event staff are required to attend an audition and training session in Eagle, Idaho (Typically hosted January 4th-8th).
• Spotlight provides flights, transport, lodging, and meals.
• Travel may occur one day before or after the scheduled dates.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include lifting up to 50 pounds, setting up equipment, and working in a variety of environments, such as event venues, hotels, and stages. Staff members must also be comfortable sharing hotel accommodations with same-gender colleagues during event assignments.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.

Our Benefits

We are committed to putting you and your families first. For benefits eligible roles, we offer a variety of choices and costs as well as program enhancements that align with our responsibility to elevate the employee experience. Some of our offerings include:

• Comprehensive Health Care Benefits
• HSA Employer Contribution/ FSA Opportunities
• Wellbeing Program
• 401(k) plan with company matching
• Company paid Life, AD&D, and Short-Term Disability
• Generous My Time Off & Paid Holidays
• Varsity Brands Ownership Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Access to Financial Coaching and member-owned Credit Union
• St. Jude Partnership & Volunteer Opportunities
• Employee Perks including discounts on personal apparel and equipment!

Eligibility for company-sponsored benefits is determined by scheduled work hours, and the terms of the applicable benefit plans. Benefit offerings and eligibility requirements may vary by position and are subject to change in accordance with plan documents and applicable law.