Performing Arts Technician

Summary and Scope of Position:

The Performing Arts Technician at Ursinus College implements the audio-visual (AV), lighting, sound enhancement, and content capture systems to support the events/productions of the Theater & Dance Department and, as time and expertise permit, other events hosted primarily, but not exclusively, in the Kaleidoscope Performing Arts Center. The Performing Arts Technician works under the direction of the Theater and Dance Technical Director/Production Manager, as well as collaborates with producers, directors, and designers to achieve their artistic vision, helping to define and devise different strategies that might be used to achieve their artistic goals.

The Performing Arts Technician serves as the Master Electrician and Audio Engineer of the relevant technology within the Kaleidoscope building, providing ongoing stewardship and maintenance of the infrastructure installed within its control rooms and production spaces.

Because many productions and events are typically scheduled outside of normal office hours, this position is expected to support a variety of evening and weekend events, as well as being available during appropriate portions of normal office hours.

Specific Responsibilities:

Primary responsibilities include the following work not limited to four theater productions, two dance concerts, and additional events each academic year:

• Supporting and maintaining stage electronics, lighting, sound, projections, content capture, and/or other technologies applicable to Theater and Dance productions/events and classes
• Collaborating with designers, directors, producers, and professors to achieve their artistic visions for productions/events
• Technical planning, hanging, and focusing of light, sound, and projection plots
• Submitting materials requests to Technical Director/Production Manager in a timely manner
• Attending Theater and Dance faculty meetings and production meetings
• Responding to all rehearsal and performance report notes in a timely manner
• Attending each tech, dress rehearsal, and strike
• Striking lighting, sound, projections equipment for each production/event
• Upholding safety standards and maintaining inventory lists
• Setting up/reconfiguring spaces as required for technical rehearsals and productions/events (risers, tech tables, etc.)
• Creating, updating, and maintaining all appropriate paperwork for pre-show/post-show duties/procedures, booth guidelines, and equipment use
• Recruiting, training, scheduling, and supervising student workers assisting on lighting, sound, and projections for Theater and Dance productions/events
• Working within the budgets for student workers established by the Technical Director/Production Manager and Department Chairperson, reporting relevant facility and equipment maintenance needs to Technical Director/Production Manager and Department Chairperson, and requesting of Technical Director/Production Manager and Department Chairperson the purchase/rental of equipment as needed
• Collaborating with the Technical Director/Production Manager and Theater and Dance Chairperson to create and update technology-related priorities lists
• Coordinating with the Technical Director/Production Manager and college partners for non-departmental events in the Kaleidoscope and across campus as time and expertise permit
• Assisting the Technical Director/Production Manager on production/event-related projects
• Assisting faculty in overseeing the productions of student clubs advised by the department and/or using spaces in the Kaleidoscope
• Coordinating filming, editing, and archiving video of Theater and Dance productions/events

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the performing arts (or a related field) or equivalent professional experience
• Demonstrated experience supporting performing arts environments such as theater, dance, or musical productions
• Strong understanding of theater design process
• Confidence to recommend alternate solutions to the producer/director and humility to understand when other solutions may be required to reach the desired artistic vision
• Must be able to work in both an independent and team environment on multiple deadline-driven projects
• Expertise working in collaboration with theater designers
• Experience working within Higher Education

Work Environment:

• Must be able to work significant evening and weekend events
• Must have physical mobility sufficient to work on campus, climb ladders and steps, and to reach all spaces using appropriate safety equipment and precautions
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
• Must have good listening and speaking skills

Other Duties:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Job responsibilities and activities may be modified or changed at any time with or without notice. Job descriptions will be audited periodically by the Ursinus Human Resources department to ensure they are up-to-date and reflect the essential responsibilities and duties of the job.

Application:

Interested candidates should hit the apply button. Once you create an applicant account, you will be prompted to upload your cover letter, resume, and a list with contact information for three references to the applicant database.

Ursinus is an AA/EO employer. Ursinus College does not discriminate on grounds of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, age, creed, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, disability, or other classification protected by applicable law in the administration of any of its educational programs or activities or with respect to employment.