Backstage Crew Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description

The MeanyCenter for the Performing Artshas an outstanding opportunity foraLeadStage Technician(Stage Technician2)tojoin their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting totheTechnical Director, theStudioTheatreLeadStage Technician(Stage Technician2)is responsible forsupporting the productions and events held in theStudio Theatreat the MeanyCenter forthePerforming Arts. The position isthe primarytechnician for this space and theproductionpoint-person forUW academic partnerson stage, including the School of Drama, the School of Music, the Department of Dance and DXARTS.The scope of the work that theStudio Theatre Lead Stage Technicianperforms is broad and ranges from system maintenance, performance prep, load-in/ focus, rehearsals, performances, and general administration. The position requires general knowledgeofblack boxtheater systems, theatrical practices and techniques, andexpertisein some or all areas of theatricalstagecraft.This position is part of a larger production team at the Meany Center, including Technical Director and threepermanentstagetechniciansintheMainstage Theater.

Almost allwork is performed at theStudio Theatreat the Meany Center for the Performing Arts, with limited opportunities for remote administrative work.Regular night and weekend workrequired. Shifts can vary by week, based on performance schedules.

Key Responsibilities

Rehearsal/Performances (45%)

• Serve asthe leadon-site technician during all Studio Theatreperformances.
• Act as the liaison betweenacademic partnersand artistsand Meany Center as a venue, including Front of House and other venue departments.
• Supportacademicdepartmentproduction managers in theguidanceand backstage leadershipoftheirstudentcrewsduring technical rehearsalsandperformances.
• Work with other departmentproduction teamstofacilitateshow related needs and ensure smooth and safe operation of all technical systems.
• WithMeanyCenterTechnicalDirector, confirm and manage performanceschedules and expectations.

Maintenance (20%)

• Perform routine maintenance, makerepairs,andspecify upgrades.
• WithTechnicalDirectorand departmentalproductionteam,plan replacements and make purchases of theatrical supplies and systems.
• Assistin the maintenance of lighting, sound, video, and building specific systems.
• Acquireexpert knowledge and stay current with the latest technologies for thesesystems.

Load/In Focus (20%)

• Work with academic partnersto supportstage preparations.
• Assistdepartmental staff inload-in and load-out.
• Work withTechnical Director andotherdeptheads toestablishproduction run andday of timelines,goalsand expectations toallocateresources and labor for success.
• Evaluate progress andmake adjustments tostay ontrack.

Admin (10%)

• Track purchases and reconcile spending as per dept policies. Perform other administrative duties as needed.

Additional Stage Assistance (5%)

• Assistwith stage activity as a crew member for the Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for thisopportunity,your application mustdemonstratethatyou meet both the minimum qualifications andadditionalqualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimumtwoyearsof experience working as aStage Technician1in a performing arts facility, or equivalent education/experience. Experience must includeshow preprun of show experience, and leading stage crews.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT beforwardedto the Hiring Department.

Additional Qualifications

• Experienceoperating,maintainingand repairing stage and shop equipment, and systems.
• Must have knowledge of typical theatrical systemsincludinglightingandsound.
• Must have knowledge in some or all areas of theatrical stage management, rigging,video recording, videoprojection,and stage carpentry.
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AEDrequiredonce hired.
• Ability to work on evenings and weekends during event runs and with changing weekly schedules based on event timings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experienceworking with multiple users sharing a theater space including the ability to be receptive and attentive to widely varying production goals.
• Ability to read and follow stage plans and light plots.Microsoft Office software.
• Effective communication skills - both written and verbal - and strong organizational skills.
• Experience within academic and bureaucratic institutions and working with a diverse range of clients, performers, and production personnel.
• High attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• A record of good judgement and calm level thinking in a performance environment, and the ability to be agile in response to change.
• Proven ability to think creatively to solve problems, and a successful history of managing crews.
• Experience working as a technicianin an educational environmentwith studentperformersand variedpedagogical and performance goals.
• Experience supervising and working with student interns and apprentices as crew members,including experience teaching basic stagecraft skills to students.

Working Conditions

• Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds
• Comfortable working at heights and climbing ladders
• Comfortable working aroundloud noise/music, bright lights (includingstrobelights), theatrical elements including fog and haze.
• Regular night and weekend hours, with shifting weekly schedule
• Occasional overtime hours

About the Team

Meany Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Washington, Seattle, is one of the region's premier performing arts presenting organizations and, together with its university and community partners, Meany Center fosters innovative performances that advance public engagement, cultural exchange, creative research and learning through the arts.MeanyCenter provides opportunities for diverse artists, community,studentsand faculty to connect in the discovery and exploration of the boundless power of the arts to create positive change in the world. Located in the heart of the UW Campus, Meany Hall serves as the primary performance space for the University's academic programs in Dance, Music, Digital Arts and Experimental Media, Drama and for the Meany Center Visiting Artist Program.

Meany Centeroperates2 theaters in Meany Hall.The Studio Theatre is a235-seatblack box theater that annually hosts over140daysof activity, includingapproximately 50performanceswith performing artistsprimarily fromthe UW community.The Kathryn Alvord Gerlich Theater is a1,200-seattheater that is also programmed andmanaged by the Meany Center for the Performing Arts.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

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About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.