Lighting Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.   

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.  

Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

Overhire Lighting Technicians may be hired for Load-in work on an as-needed basis or on a show specific contract to serve as Lightboard Programmer, Lightboard Operator, Followspot Operator, or Deck Electrician. When working on Load-ins, Overhire Lighting Technicians are responsible for the safe installation of lighting equipment and execution of the lighting design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls. Show-specific Overhire Lighting Technicians will be expected to work all assigned technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, notes sessions and performances. Specific duties could include but would not be limited to Console Programming, Console Operation, Daily Show Maintenance, and/or Followspot Operation.

JOB DUTIES

• Performing as an electrician for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls.
• Participating in the preparation of shows. Includes preparing required equipment, organization of color, templates, and other consumables as well as the wiring of practicals and effects.
• Participating in the maintenance of lighting department equipment and facilities as assigned: including (but not limited to) theatrical lighting instrumentation, practical electrical properties, backstage running lights, projection equipment, chemical and dry ice foggers, effects devices, cue lights and tech tables.
• Programming and running of the lighting console for all technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, note sessions and performances as assigned by the Lighting Director.
• Involvement as a show electrician (Followspot Operator, Deck Electrician, or Video Technician) as productions require.
• Attending technical rehearsals and run-throughs as assigned by the Lighting Director.
• Performing daily dimmer/focus checks to maintain the lighting design during the run of the show- correcting any focus problems, changing lamps or burned gel as needed and referring any other problems to the Lighting Director, Associate Lighting Director, and/or Master Electrician.
• Maintaining cleanliness and promoting a safe working environment in all Lighting areas in the theatre: Lighting Office, control booths, dimmer rooms, grids, catwalks, work areas, and storage spaces.
• Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.
• Additional related duties as assigned by Lighting Director or other Lighting Staff.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee:  adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner;  performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.