Backstage Technician

Crew Life at Sea Ltd.; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Crew Life at Sea Ltd. seeks a veteran Theater Lighting Technician to operate and maintain the main theater lighting, laser, and pyrotechnic effects aboard our ships. You will train and supervise 2–4 spotlight operators, manage load-ins/outs, and ensure safety and compliance with company policies.

Work involves participating in TOD rotations, reporting issues, and supporting show productions with technical expertise, high physical stamina, and willingness to travel as part of cruise itineraries.

Qualifications

• Good knowledge of electrical theory and ability to read electrical diagrams.
• Strong understanding of intelligent moving fixtures operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience with lighting consoles (GrandMa, GrandMa2, ETC).
• Knowledge of show control and time code distribution.
• Basic knowledge of lighting design and programming.
• Basic PC hardware/software maintenance knowledge.
• Theater background and familiarity with industry terms and practices.
• Ability to work safely at heights up to 35 ft (10.5 m) and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Good overall health and willingness to work extended shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain main theater lighting, laser, atmospheric, and pyrotechnic effects as required.
• Maintain, repair, and upkeep lighting systems in theater and ship areas.
• Inspect and service laser, fog, and haze systems; perform cleaning and fluid replacements as needed.
• Safely manifest and handle pyrotechnic materials as per policy.
• Fire pyro cues under supervision after training/certification.
• Assist with load-ins/outs and show setups with TD/Tech teams.
• Train and supervise 2–4 spotlight operators; coordinate via comms during shows.
• Submit Lighting Tech Reports for issues and maintenance.
• Respond to on-call work for theater maintenance and repairs.
• Participate in cast-change rehearsals and tech runs; support TOD duties.
• Familiarize with basic AV equipment to take on TOD responsibilities within 4 weeks.

Skills

Electrical theory

Reading diagrams

Intelligent moving fixtures

Lighting console operation

Show control/time code

Lighting design basics

PC hardware/software maintenance

Theater background

Physical fitness

Safety training

Education

Theater/technical production background

Stage tech training

Tools

GrandMA

GrandMA2

ETC consoles

Genie lift operation

Lighting repair tools

Job description

• Operate the main theater lighting & laser systems, atmospheric & pyrotechnic effects for all shows and activities either manually or on time code (depending on show/cue requirements).
• Responsible for the maintenance, repair and upkeep of all lighting systems in the main theater and around the ship
• Inspect the laser, fog, haze systems periodically and perform their regular cleaning and maintenance (fluid replacement, etc.) to ensure their proper functioning.
• Responsible for the safe manifesting, embarkation, storage, handling, loading, firing, unloading and disposal of all the pyrotechnic material used in the shows as per company policy
• Fire the pyro cues for all shows, upon being given clearance by the Floor Technician (after proper training and certification provided on board)
• Perform show load‑ins and load‑outs (together with the Floor, Automation & Audio Technicians) for each show.
• Train and oversee the performance of the 2-4 spotlight operators, coordinate their tasks over the communication system during the shows.
• Fill out the Lighting Tech Reports detailing any new or outstanding problem pertaining to the lighting, laser, pyro or special effects systems and submit them to the Shipboard and Shoreside.
• Respond to regular work calls (approx. twice a month) to perform (together with the Floor, Automation & Audio Technicians) theater general cleaning and repairs, in addition to lighting maintenance.
• Assist with additional multiple show setups, rehearsals and tech runs during cast change (typically happening every six months for about 4-5 weeks).
• Familiarize with basic audio/video equipment setup and operation, to be able to take on the Tech On Duty responsibility no later than four weeks after first joining a ship.
• Be part of the Tech On Duty (TOD) rotation (one week/cruise every four weeks/cruises), providing both guests and crew with entertainment technology related assistance
• Attend any safety, hospitality or job‑related training as required and scheduled by the ships command or immediate supervisors, including port‑manning rotation.
• Maintain and update handover notes/reports for future incoming replacement technician.
• Ensure proper and thorough training on all job‑related aspects to the incoming replacement technician during the handover period.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Good knowledge of electrical theory, be able to read and follow electrical and system drawings and diagrams
• Good knowledge of intelligent moving fixtures operation, maintenance and repair procedures
• Good knowledge of lighting console operation (GrandMa, GrandMa2, ETC)
• Good knowledge and understanding of show control and time code distribution
• Basic knowledge of lighting design and programming
• Basic knowledge in PC hardware & software maintenance and repair
• Theater background and experience, be familiar with industry terms, standards, rules, regulations and common practices
• Comfortable working at heights up to 35ft (10.5m), be able to safely climb an A‑frame ladder and properly operate a Genie lift
• Good overall health and physical condition (to be determined by physician)
• Ability to lift/move up to 50 pounds
• Required to work up to 10hrs per 24hr period, 7 days a week.