Theater Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Description The Arts Barn, a program venue of the Cultural Events & Services Division of the Department of Parks, Recreation & Culture, is seeking a part-time Technical Theater Coordinator to plan, organize, implement, and manage a comprehensive season of theater and other types of performances at the at the Arts Barn and other City facilities. This role will be responsible for managing the lighting grid, sound system, rigging, and all equipment assets within the Arts Barn's 99-seat theater which is open for arts programming, rentals, and for special events. The Technical Theater Coordinator ensures that professionally run theatrical programs and performers properly use resources, follow policies and procedures, provide the highest quality entertainment for patrons, and meet all contract requirements and expectations of performers and participants.

The successful candidate will oversee programs, work directly with performers, professionals, and community theatre groups, as well as volunteers and patrons, manage Arts Barn equipment assets, and advise on Arts Barn technical production sound and light resources, and ensure a safe, secure, and enjoyable atmosphere for all. The position requires expertise and previous experience in technical theater operations, performing arts, or related field, as well as strong organizational and marketing skills and outstanding abilities in customer service and public relations. Theater/performing arts-related college level course work or degree is preferred.

You must be an effective verbal and written communicator, be able to multi-task and meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a dedicated, innovative, and collaborative team. Starting hourly rate is negotiable within the range ($20 to $24 per hour) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. Direct deposit of paychecks is a condition of employment for all City of Gaithersburg employees.

The expected number of hours worked per week for this position is approximately 25 hours per week; hours per week varies based on operational needs but will not exceed an average of 27.5 hours per week. Occasional 40+ hour weeks and evening, weekend, and/or holiday work will be required to support and manage/monitor programs and productions. Job Functions What you will do with us: Design, conduct, and manage the annual open application process for theater/performance companies; review submitted materials; assist in selecting productions; negotiate contracts

Monitor theater/performance companies' compliance with contracts terms and City/facility policies. Provide on-site supervision of productions; coordinate and schedule rehearsals and performances; oversee sound and lighting requirements; ensure all technical and logistical needs are met. inspect, test, install and modify equipment prior to performances to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety codes.

Develop and coordinate marketing plans; prepare marketing and promotional materials. Manage collateral materials such as programs, signage, and brochures. Schedule facility use using applicable software; communicate schedule changes as needed.

Respond to theater/performance companies and customer via email and phone regarding programs and facility operations. Provide expertise and training to facility staff and volunteers. Analyze attendance or program participation; produce periodic reports.

Evaluate programs using customer feedback, site observation, and verbal discussions; implement improvements within scope of authority or recommend changes to management. Make purchases and create requisitions; monitor program expenditures and revenue to stay within budget parameters; prepare financial reports; support the development of the divisional budget. Provide ticket reports to performers and request timely performer payments.

Assist with administrative support activities as needed. Perform other related duties as assigned. Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and strive to exceed expectations.

Key responsibilities are highlighted above; please click here to view the complete classification specification for the Technical Theater Coordinator position. Qualifications What you will need to be considered: At least two years of college level course work in Theater, Recreation, Education, Art, Music, Performing Arts, Arts Administration, Leisure Services, or related field; associate degree or higher is preferred. Previous experience in theater operations, performing arts, or related field required.

Previous arts/events programming and box office management experience preferred. Previous experience with backstage management, including rigging, sound board and light grid management, light hang and focus, and other technical production requirements, preferred. Excellent interpersonal, analytical, organizational, time management, communication (verbal and written), and customer service skills.

High level of attention to detail and accuracy. Demonstrated ability to problem solve, prioritize, and meet deadlines. Computer proficiency (Microsoft 365 applications); experience with AudienceView or similar ticketing software and ActiveNet or similar recreation management software a plus.

An understanding of the needs of an ethnically and economically diverse community. Valid driver's license. CPR/AED and First Aid certification (may be obtained through the City upon hire).

Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform the essential functions of the job. Additional Information Interested applicants must submit the following to be considered: A complete online application Current Resume (attached to the online application) Letter of interest (attached to the online application) Your cover letter should highlight why you are interested in the position, and your resume and letter should discuss past relevant experience and convey how that experience, in addition to your other special skills and abilities, make you uniquely qualified to serve in this position. Review of applications will begin immediately, so prompt application is strongly encouraged.

The position will remain open until filled; recruitment will close without notice when a sufficient number of qualified applicants are identified or all hiring decisions have been made. The successful candidate will be subject to a background check and drug/alcohol screening. The City has established an alcohol-free, drug-free, and smoke-free workplace which applies to any person employed by, conducting business with, or applying for a position with the City.

Each employee, as a condition of their employment, may be required to participate in pre-employment and reasonable suspicion testing. Employees classified as safety sensitive are also subject to immediate post accident and random testing. The City of Gaithersburg supports principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.

For more information about the position, contact Arts Barn Community Facility Manager Allison Clapp Fuentes at Allison.ClappFuentes@gaithersburgmd.gov or 240.805.1287. Questions regarding the online application process may be directed to the Department of Human Resources at hr@gaithersburgmd.gov or 301.258.6327. This recruitment will establish an eligibility list which will be used to fill the current vacancy and may be used to fill other openings in this classification which occur in the next 6 months.