Freelance Theatrical Rigging Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Purpose of this Position:
The Office of the Arts is seeking professional, experienced, and dependable freelance theatrical technicians and artisans to assist in the setup, support, and breakdown of theater and events.
Please read the job description below carefully for further details.

Report To: Office of the Arts Production Technical Supervisors
Direct Staff Reports: None
Student Workers this position supports: None

Job Description

Essential Functions of the Role:

Stagehands, artisans, and technicians, under the direction of production staff, will assist in setting up, supporting, and breaking down theatrical shows and live events, as well as general theater maintenance.

Preference will be given to applicants with experience in any of the following theatrical disciplines:

• Theatrical electricians and operators

• Theatrical carpenters, fly rail operators, and riggers

• Audio technicians and operators

• Wardrobe artisans

• Scenic painters

• Props carpenters and artisans

• Video technicians and operators

• A/V specialists and event technicians

How does an Overhire List work?

The Office of the Arts maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theater/events technicians and artisans to assist with load in, operation, and loading out shows or events. Individuals on this list are employed in a freelance capacity and are scheduled on an as-needed basis.

The Office of the Arts sends out emails to the overhire list when stagehands, technicians, or artisans are required for projects. These emails are frequent between September and June and include positional needs, dates/times of the shifts/calls, and which venue the project work will be happening in. If interested in a call, individuals may reply by email with their availability for the shifts sent, provided they have the technical expertise to fill the call. If selected for the shift, a representative from the production department will respond by asking for confirmation. The overhire must then confirm they are taking the shifts. Preference is given to individuals who can commit to full projects, and the Office of the Arts fills shifts/calls on a first come, first served basis, taking into account the technical needs of the production.

This overhire list has limited space and is refreshed/cycled regularly based on the availability and number of calls worked by individuals on the list. Individuals who are inactive/ do not work shifts with the Office of the Arts for a 6-month period will be removed from the list. Individuals removed from the list are invited to re-apply if and when their availability changes.

Pay Rates-W2:

• $23/hourly - base rate

• $26.50/hourly - base operator/run crew positions (sound board op, light board op, flyperson, wardrobe, props, etc.)

• $27/hourly - base artisan rate (scenic painting, props artisans, hair/makeup, etc.)

Qualifications:

Candidates must:

• Have a working knowledge of the theatrical and live events production industry

• Be able to work hours of the call, which may include nights, weekends, and potentially long shifts

• Take direction well and communicate effectively

• Have basic experience or familiarity with the tools and supplies of the department they work with.

• Have excellent time management skills

• Adapt well within a fast-paced and changing environment

• Maintain professionalism and represent the Office of the Arts well when interacting with clients and students.

• Work well within diverse teams with different personalities and experience levels.

• Be willing to work cross-departmentally if needed.

Ideal candidates would:

• Have experience in a professional theatre environment that may include the following:

  • Theatrical construction, scenic and prop carpentry

  • Circuiting and focusing lights

  • Knowledge of ETC EOS software

  • Knowledge of Yamaha digital audio consoles

  • Theatrical A2 working practices

  • Understand basic theatrical rigging and counterweight line-set systems and automation

  • Understand signal flow

  • Use power tools in a safe and efficient manner

  • Maintenance, repair, and minor alterations of wardrobe items

• Be comfortable working at heights

• Be familiar with general safety practices in a live production environment

• Have an excellent attitude and a desire to learn.

• Be proactive and work independently if required

Work Environment and Demands of the position:

Physical Place and Existing Conditions:

Theaters with variable conditions

Intellectual and Mental Concentration for extended periods:

Requires long periods of mental concentration

Requires constant coordination of Mental and Visual Attention:

Yes

Requires the ability to stand or sit for long periods:

Yes

Requires the ability to lift and move objects that are:

50lbs

Requires the ability to move materials:

Yes

Requires working in difficult physical positions and body contortions:

Yes

Additional Considerations:

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Emerson College are not permitted to apply for this position. If you are a current student at Emerson, please reach out to the Office of the Arts Production Department at oastaffing@emerson.edu for more information on student employment opportunities.

Individuals interested in Stage Management work or Design/Artisan opportunities should email OAPM@Emerson.edu for more information.

Grade of Position: T01N40Scheduled Weekly Hours: 20.00

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.