BYC Workforce Development Program
The Los Angeles Philharmonic and YOLA, in partnership with IATSE Local 33, offer the Workforce Development Program (WDP) to support early-career and aspiring stage technicians in building sustainable careers in stagecraft.
Program Overview
- Participants gain on-the-job technical training, access to industry-recognized trainings and certifications, and structured professional development focused on workplace readiness, networking, and career planning.
- WDP supports the full technical production needs of YOLA and the LA Phil Learning department programs and events, including concerts, rehearsals, recordings, festivals, and community events. Participants develop skills across staging, audio, video, lighting, projection, and stage operations, and regularly work alongside IATSE Local 33 stagehands—building technical expertise while forming professional industry connections.
- After an initial training period, participants become eligible to accept additional union "calls" (work) which, alongside their regular work supporting the LA Phil, will help to expand their skillset.
- Professionalism is treated as an essential skill within WDP, alongside technical training. Participants are expected to demonstrate strong communication, reliability, and collaboration in fast-paced production environments. These expectations are embedded into daily work, reflecting industry standards and perparing participants to success as union stagehands with IATSE Local 33 and across the broader live events field.
Audio, Video & Lighting
- Operate and maintain digital audio consoles, live video switchers, and lighting control systems; execute pre-show setup, soundchecks, live cues, FOH/monitor mixing, and post-show teardown.
- Perform technical equipment maintenance repair, including soldering, cable maintenance, and focusing of lighting fixtures.
- Collaborate with internal teams and clients to produce and engineer live events and assist with recording/streaming performances.
Stagecraft & Props
- Load-in/load-out production equipment, backline, and rentals: lift and transport heavy objects efficiently and safely.
- Learn how to professionally setup an orchestra and percussion section for concerts and rehearsals.
- Prepare a stage to ensure clients have fully functional, safe, and show-ready equipment.
- Safely operate stage systems (retractable seating, partitions) and inspect equipment post-event for condition/damage.
Teamwork & Communication
- Communicate professionally with clients and partners throughout pre-production, events, and post-event follow-up.
- Collaborate effectively with technical teams to execute complex setups and live performances under time-sensitive conditions.
- Maintain professionalism and composure during high-pressure or stressful situations, supporting a positive, solution-focused team environment.
Behind the Scenes
See our Workforce Development Program participants in action—learning, collaborating, and gaining hands-on experience in staging, lighting, audio, and more. WDP provides students the skills, mentorship, and teamwork that bring performances to life.
When YOLA Camp happens during summers, WDP helps turn an amphitheater into a Hollywood Bowl-style stage show!
WDP provides opportunities for them to learn how to film in a variety of environments.
The Workforce Development Program teaches and empowers its participants to become leaders and mentors.
The Workforce Development Program also allows for impromptu lessons like welding when there is work being done on the BYC infrastructure.
Learning how to capture B-Roll footage while working at YOLA Camp.
One of the stagehands in action working as a lighting designer.
Our crew collaborating to capture a concert recording.
Stagehands learn various microphone techniques, so they are equipped with the ability to pursue careers as recording engineers.
Learning how to program audio consoles is an essential part of the Workforce Development Program.
The stagehands strategizing on the best mic’ing technique.
Preparation, notetaking and communicating are keys to a successful show!
Workforce Development Program stagehands get a tour of The Ford.
The Workforce Development Program exposes its participants to work opportunities at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Stagehands produced show for YOLA.
The stagehands are responsible for supporting maintenance and upgrades to the BYC’s technical infrastructure.
Stagehands learn how to solder audio cables.
WDP stagehands are given the freedom to express themselves as artists; they are viewed as artistic collaborators and not solely technical and stage support.
Eligibility
- Must be able to pass a LiveScan background check.
- Must be able to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.
- Able to work various hours: nights, weekends, and holidays, as required due to show and rehearsal schedules.
- Must have interest in pursuing a career in the technical arts, engineering (lighting, audio visual), live event production, or recording engineering.
- Experience working in the technical arts is not required, but the willingness to learn is an essential part of this program.
- Residents of Inglewood and the surrounding areas are highly encouraged to apply.
Benefits
- 401(k) & Pension Fund Contributions
- Health & Welfare Fund Contributions (upon Union eligibility)
Work Schedule
- 24 hours per week (minimum)
- 47 work weeks per year (minimum)
Trainings
Along with on-the-job training, WDP stagehands will receive a wealth of training and certification opportunities to help them become highly skills stagehands and excel in a multitude of career paths.