Entertainment Rigging Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

POSITION:   Calderwood Pavilion Deck Lead 

DEPARTMENT:   Production (Run Crew) and Pavilion Operations 

FT or PT :   Full-Time 

CLASSIFICATION:  Annual Hourly 

SCHEDULE:   Weekdays, weeknights, weekends and may include Holidays 

STATUS :   Non-Exempt 

REPORTS TO:          Technical Director, Calderwood Pavilion Operations Supervisor 

SALARY: $24.00-26.00

The Huntington is seeking a Calderwood Pavilion Deck Lead. The recipient of the 2013 Regional Theatre Tony Award, the Huntington Theatre brings together superb local and national talent to produce a mix of groundbreaking new works and classics made current each season. Led by Artistic Director Loretta Greco, the Huntington creates award-winning productions, runs nationally renowned programs in education and new play development, and serves the local theatre community through its operation of the Stanford Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts. The Huntington cultivates, celebrates, and champions theatre as an art form.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Calderwood Pavilion Deck Lead’s primary responsibility is to support the load-in, technical rehearsal process, and show run of The Huntington’s productions as a member of the scenery team. This individual operates and maintains scenic elements, executes scene shifts, presets props, and runs performances as a stagehand, with duties varying on a show-by-show basis. This position serves as the primary operator for the fly system and/or stage automation system, ensuring the safe and precise execution of all cues.  The Deck Lead assists the Stage Management team in supervising additional run crew personnel on larger productions. 

The Deck Lead communicates closely with the scenery, paint, and prop teams to relay any production needs requiring external support, while also identifying issues and implementing practical solutions to maintain the integrity and function of the scenery during the run. This position primarily supports productions at the Calderwood Pavilion, but may include working at other venues as assigned. This position requires flexibility, with work primarily occurring evenings and weekends, as well as extended days during the rehearsal process. 

The Calderwood Pavilion Deck Lead is also an integral member of the venue’s operations team. When there is not a Huntington production at the Calderwood, the Deck Lead acts as a steward of the venue and has a role in caring for the people, equipment, and facility that many local artists call home. This individual will work with the Operations Supervisor to: execute rental productions as a member of the scenery team, aid with venue upkeep/ operations, and run events with the Calderwood Operations Team. This includes but is not limited to: plays and musicals from other theatre companies both local and touring, concerts, conferences, presentations, weddings, and other gatherings. This event work and supporting rental productions represents the majority of the Deck Lead’s time. 

JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES: 

• Work all load-ins, strikes, technical rehearsals, show calls and runs the scenery track often including automation  

• Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of scenery on stage during show run. 

• Works in a safe and efficient manner and in accordance with HTC policies and standards.  Instructs and supervises others in the same as appropriate. 

• Lead smaller teams during load-ins and strikes, as assigned, such as rigging or automation team. 

• Maintain a safe, clean, and efficient workspace, often in conjunction with Operations, Stage Management, and Scenery Teams. 

• Assists with special events, projects, and rental as required which may involve work not immediately related to scenery such as setting up tables, chairs, seating risers, or aiding with other departments. 

• Provides assistance, guidance, training, and supervision to rental users in coordination with the Technical Director and Calderwood Management. 

• Communicate with supervisors regarding the progress of assigned projects and projected problems. 

• Maintenance and upkeep of Calderwood Pavilion venue facilities and equipment in conjunction with the Operations Team. Examples include inventory, paperwork, preventative and reactive maintenance. 

• Open and Close the Calderwood Pavilion when assigned. 

• Other duties, as assigned which may include working cross-departmentally 

REQUIRED SKILLS: 

• Experience running shows as a stagehand/deck crew 

• Theatrical construction/carpentry skills 

• Experience with stage machinery, winches, and some theatrical automation. 

• Experience with theatrical/entertainment rigging techniques; including use, operation, and maintenance of a single purchase line set system; chain motors; and spot rigging. 

• Comfortable working on ladders, aerial lifts, and heights up to 30 feet 

• Knowledgeable of materials and the proper use of each for scenery construction, particularly wood, metal, and plastics.  

• Knowledgeable in the safe use of typical wood/metal machine and hand power tools. 

• Must possess a keen awareness of shop safety and procedures. 

• Must be able to read technical drawings and be able to layout based on drawings. 

• Ability to lead a crew of up to 10 people with varying skill levels and experience. 

• Effective communicator, collaborative, organized, and flexible 

• Organized and detail oriented 

• Ability to lift 50-100 lbs 

PREFERRED SKILLS: 

• Experience with Creative Conners automation equipment and software. 

• Experience welding light gauge steel. 

• Comfortable working at heights of 60+ ft 

• Basic sewing 

• Basic Soldering 

• Basic painting/touch up skills 

• Basic knowledge of theatrical lighting