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Michigan Theater and State Theater | A New Era of Production and Innovation

The Michigan Theater (opened in 1928) and the State Theater (opened in 1942) are two of Ann Arbor’s most iconic cultural landmarks and the core of Marquee Arts. As the organization moves from a rental-house model toward producing approximately 35 live shows each year, both theaters are poised for an exciting transformation. Each venue has its own history, personality, and devoted audience—but together they anchor a renewed vision for live events, film, community programming, and creative expression.

To support this next chapter, Marquee Arts seeks a House Technician to join our team as we move into the theater’s next century.

Position Overview

The House Technician is a key member of the live events and production team at the Michigan and State Theaters. This role exists to bring experiences to life on our stages, supporting concerts, comedy, film events, and community programming.

Working in close partnership with the Technical Director, this position ensures that every event is executed safely, efficiently, and at a high level of quality while contributing to a collaborative and solutions-oriented culture focused on audience experience.

What Success Looks Like

• Events run smoothly, safely, and on time
• Artists, partners, and clients feel supported and confident
• Equipment and spaces are maintained proactively
• Communication is clear and solutions-focused
• The team is prepared, adaptable, and ready to execute

Key Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Event Execution and Production
• Serve as a lead or supporting technician for live events from load-in through strike
• Oversee safe and efficient backstage and on-stage operations
• Execute lighting, audio, video, and projection needs
• Troubleshoot technical challenges in real time

Technical Operations and Maintenance

• Maintain and improve lighting, sound, and production equipment
• Support upgrades and modernization of technical systems
• Ensure stage, rigging, and carpentry elements are safe and functional
• Assist with sourcing and managing equipment, props, and scenic elements

Planning and Collaboration

• Work with the Technical Director to prepare for upcoming events
• Participate in production meetings
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment and execution

Culture and Team Contribution

• Take ownership of outcomes and responsibilities
• Contribute to a positive and respectful work environment
• Remain open to feedback and continuous improvement
• Support and mentor team members as needed

Working Conditions:

• A full-time, regular hourly position. Guaranteed minimum hours of 1,326.
• Overtime must be approved in advance and will be compensated at time and a half for hours beyond eight in a day.
• Schedule is based on event calendar and production needs.
• Reasonable work hours and meal breaks are expected and supported.
• Production days will have a minimum of 6 to 8 hours.
• Office equipment and required software will be provided.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. This role also regularly requires reaching, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing stairs, ladders, and/or scaffolding, and walking and standing for extended periods of time. Extended computer use is required. The employee will regularly lift, push, pull and/or move items that weigh up to 75 pounds.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Experience in both historic theaters and modern live-event technical environments.
• Expertise in AV systems, lighting, sound, staging, rigging, video and film projection (35mm and digital).
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to focus on both the performance and audience equally.
• A team player who can communicate clearly and take initiative.
• A professional interest in building and improving systems.
• A technician that can think like a producer.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications: An active and good standing membership with IATSE 395. (Can participate in the membership process upon hire if currently not a member)

Compensation and Benefits Information:

• This is a full-time, non-exempt hourly position
• Pay Rate: $35.33
• Benefits: Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Time-off: Holidays, Vacation and Health Leave, Annuity Plan, Training Trust Plan, Free Movie Admission & Concessions/Merchandise Discount