MeX Theater Manager

Kentucky Performing Arts; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid Time Off

401(k)

401(k) matching

Disability and Life insurance

Pet Insurance and ID Theft Protection

Merit increases

Complimentary event tickets

Job summary

Kentucky Performing Arts is seeking a MeX Theater Manager to oversee production across the MeX Theater and related venues. This role involves supervising technical staff, coordinating schedules, and ensuring safety and smooth event execution.

Responsibilities include hands-on support for lighting, audio, and video operations, training staff, and maintaining equipment across KPA venues. A relevant degree and experience in live events are preferred.

Qualifications

• ETC Eos lighting consoles familiarity and safety procedures.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in theatre-related field is preferred.
• One year’s experience in lighting design and programming.
• One year’s experience with live‑sound and video systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee production planning for MeX Theater, including staffing, scheduling, and post‑event follow‑ups.
• Maintain knowledge of venue operations, safety standards, and event execution requirements.
• Supervise and assist with audio, video, lighting, staging, and projection equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support as needed for stage operations and crew coordination.
• Collaborate with staff and clients to implement innovative programs and events.
• Train staff on lighting, audio, video, rigging and electrical equipment.
• Manage theatre equipment across MeX and related venues.
• Coordinate movement of production equipment across venues.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Production Management, Performing Arts Management, or related field

Tools

ETC Eos lighting consoles

ETCP Rigger – Theatre

Vectorworks/ AutoCAD

Job description

Title

MeX Theater Manager

Department

Production

Reports To

Bomhard Production Manager

Supervises

Technical staff of user groups

Starting Pay

up to $26/hour

Job Summary

The MeX Theater Manager is primarily responsible for overseeing all production-related aspects in Kentucky Performing Arts’ MeX Theater. Aspects of this role include maintaining and operating theatrical equipment, overseeing the safety of clients, advancing all client needs, and interfacing with KPA front-of-house operations staff.

While the primary focus of this role is overseeing the MeX Theater, the Manager will be scheduled to oversee other KPA venues, events, productions, and special projects, and when required, work as part of the stage crew in the audio, video, lighting, carpentry, and/or props department.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (Sick, Holiday, and Personal time)
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Company-paid Short & Long-Term Disability and Life insurance
• Optional Pet Insurance, ID Theft Protection, and supplemental Life Insurance
• Annual merit increases
• Complimentary event tickets to select performances

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee production planning processes for the MeX Theater, including advance work, show/event estimates, staffing coordination, stage reports, schedules, service orders, and post-event follow-up.
• Maintain strong knowledge of KPA venues, backstage operations, production equipment, staffing structures, labor practices, safety expectations, and event execution requirements.
• Supervises and assists incoming attractions with audio, video, lighting, staging, and projection equipment.
• Provide hands‑on production or technical support when business needs require, which may include assisting with stage operations, crew coordination, client support, or technical event support.
• Collaborates with KPA employees, resident groups, and clients to implement and maintain innovative programs and events.
• Trains other KPA staff on lighting, audio, video, rigging, and electrical equipment.
• Manages KPA equipment in the MeX Theatre, including all lighting, audio, video, staging and rigging equipment.
• Assist with the coordination, movement, and use of KPA production equipment and supplies across KPA venues and sites, including use of KPA or commercial vehicles when appropriate.
• Troubleshoots and repairs audio, video, electrical, lighting and network cables.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment when handling budgets, staffing matters, client information, internal communications, performance concerns, or sensitive operational matters.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Essential Physical Responsibilities

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, climb, and move throughout KPA venues for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift and move up to approximately 50 pounds unassisted using proper lifting techniques and/or equipment.
• Ability to climb ladders and work in elevated areas, including lifts, catwalks, grids, or other production-related spaces as needed.
• Ability to work at heights up to approximately 100 feet when required.
• Ability to push, pull, or move large production‑related items using proper equipment and procedures.
• Ability to use hand tools, power tools, production equipment, radios, computers, and other equipment necessary to perform assigned duties.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to communicate in environments that may be loud, quiet, active, or require discreet communication.

Schedule & Work Environment

• This position requires a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, weekends, holidays, extended hours, and on‑call availability based on event and business needs.
• Work is performed in office, backstage, stage, front‑of‑house, loading dock, rehearsal, and venue environments across KPA’s campus and related sites.
• The work environment may include loud noise, low light, heights, moving equipment, active stage operations, time‑sensitive event needs, and interaction with employees, clients, patrons, vendors, contractors, and touring personnel.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications

Required

• ETC Eos Family Training, Level 1 through 4 certification.
• Advanced knowledge of ETC lighting consoles, ETC Sensor dimmers, intelligent lighting, rigging equipment, electrical safety and operations, as well as theater terminology and safety procedures.
• One year’s experience with lighting design and programming.
• One year’s experience with live‑sound audio equipment, including mixers, microphones, amplifiers, and speakers.
• One year’s experience with live‑event video systems, including projection and playback software.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Production Management, Performing Arts Management, or a related field.
• Experience in a multi‑venue performing arts center, touring production environment, or similarly complex live event operation.
• Working knowledge of Vectorworks, AutoCAD, Momentus, or similar production and venue management systems.
• *OSHA 30 certification.
• *ETCP Certified Rigger – Theatre certification.
• *Dante certification or related audio networking training.
• *DOT medical card.
• Denotes certifications or training that may be required based on operational needs, assigned responsibilities, or departmental expectations. If they are not currently held at the time of hire or promotion, they may be obtained during employment within agreed‑upon timelines established by KPA leadership.

About Kentucky Performing Arts

We fulfill our statewide mission of connecting and inspiring through the arts by presenting world‑class performances, fostering meaningful connections between artists and the community, and expanding access to arts education opportunities. We operate a family of premier venues in Louisville, Kentucky, including The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, The Brown Theatre, and Old Forester’s Paristown Hall.

Kentucky Performing Arts provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment.