Overhire Stage Hand

Emerson College; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

403(b) retirement

Paid time off

Job summary

Emerson College is seeking experienced freelance theater technicians and artisans to support setup, operation, and breakdown of shows and events in our Office of the Arts. This is an overhire list; shifts are scheduled as needed.

Roles include electricians, carpenters, riggers, audio/AV technicians, wardrobe artisans, scenic painters, props artisans, and video specialists. Availability may include nights and weekends; safety and reliability are essential.

Qualifications

• Working knowledge of theatrical and live events production.
• Able to work nights, weekends, and long shifts.
• Strong communication and time management.
• Willingness to work cross-departmentally.
• Professional conduct representing the Office of the Arts.
• Experience with safety practices in live productions.

Responsibilities

• Provide theatrical electrical support and operate lighting equipment.
• Carry out carpentry, fly rail operation, and rigging tasks as needed.
• Operate and troubleshoot audio equipment for performances and events.
• Wardrobe artisans manage costume-related tasks on productions.
• Paint scenic elements and perform basic scenic painting.
• Carve, assemble, and refine props for stage use.
• Set up and operate video systems and AV equipment.
• Assist with event TECH setup, load-in, and load-out.
• Collaborate with production teams to meet show requirements.

Skills

Theatrical electricians

Carpentry & rigging

Audio & video techs

Wardrobe artisans

Stage crew coordination

Tools

ETC EOS knowledge

Yamaha consoles

Fly rail systems

Job description

Join our community and experience Emerson College!

Purpose of this Position:

The Office of the Arts is seeking professional, experienced, and dependable freelance theatrical technicians and artisans to assist in the setup, support, and breakdown of theater and events. Please read the job description below carefully for further details.

Report To:

Office of the Arts Production Technical Supervisors Direct Staff Reports: None Student Workers this position supports: None

Essential Functions of the Role:

• Theatrical electricians and operators
• Theatrical carpenters, fly rail operators, and riggers
• Audio technicians and operators
• Wardrobe artisans
• Scenic painters
• Props carpenters and artisans
• Video technicians and operators
• A/V specialists and event technicians

How does an Overhire List work?

The Office of the Arts maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theater/events technicians and artisans to assist with load in, operation, and loading out shows or events. Individuals on this list are employed in a freelance capacity and are scheduled on an as-needed basis. The Office of the Arts sends out emails to the overhire list when stagehands, technicians, or artisans are required for projects. These emails are frequent between September and June and include positional needs, dates/times of the shifts/calls, and which venue the project work will be happening in. If interested in a call, individuals may reply by email with their availability for the shifts sent, provided they have the technical expertise to fill the call. If selected for the shift, a representative from the production department will respond by asking for confirmation. The overhire must then confirm they are taking the shifts. Preference is given to individuals who can commit to full projects, and the Office of the Arts fills shifts/calls on a first come, first served basis, taking into account the technical needs of the production. This overhire list has limited space and is refreshed/cycled regularly based on the availability and number of calls worked by individuals on the list. Individuals who are inactive/ do not work shifts with the Office of the Arts for a 6-month period will be removed from the list. Individuals removed from the list are invited to re-apply if and when their availability changes.

Pay Rates-W2:

W2: $23/hourly - base rate $26.50/hourly - base operator/run crew positions (sound board op, light board op, flyperson, wardrobe, props, etc.) $27/hourly - base artisan rate (scenic painting, props artisans, hair/makeup, etc.)

Qualifications:

• Have a working knowledge of the theatrical and live events production industry
• Be able to work hours of the call, which may include nights, weekends, and potentially long shifts
• Take direction well and communicate effectively
• Have basic experience or familiarity with the tools and supplies of the department they work with.
• Have excellent time management skills
• Adapt well within a fast-paced and changing environment
• Maintain professionalism and represent the Office of the Arts well when interacting with clients and students.
• Work well within diverse teams with different personalities and experience levels.
• Be willing to work cross-departmentally if needed.

Ideal candidates would:

• Have experience in a professional theatre environment that may include the following: Theatrical construction, scenic and prop carpentry Circuiting and focusing lights Knowledge of ETC EOS software Knowledge of Yamaha digital audio consoles Theatrical A2 working practices Understand basic theatrical rigging and counterweight line-set systems and automation Understand signal flow Use power tools in a safe and efficient manner Maintenance, repair, and minor alterations of wardrobe items Be comfortable working at heights Be familiar with general safety practices in a live production environment Have an excellent attitude and a desire to learn. Be proactive and work independently if required

Work Environment and Demands of the position:

• Physical Place and Existing Conditions: Theaters with variable conditions
• Intellectual and Mental Concentration for extended periods: Requires long periods of mental concentration
• Requires constant coordination of Mental and Visual Attention: Yes
• Requires the ability to stand or sit for long periods: Yes
• Requires the ability to lift and move objects that are: 50lbs
• Requires the ability to move materials: Yes
• Requires working in difficult physical positions and body contortions: Yes

Additional Considerations:

Currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students at Emerson College are not permitted to apply for this position.

Grade of Position:

T01N40

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

20.00

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available. Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

About Us

Emerson College is the nation’s only four-year institution dedicated exclusively to majors in communication and the arts in a liberal arts context. It is located in the dynamic multi-cultural city of Boston in close proximity to major arts institutions, performing art venues, and research centers. The college enrolls over 5,800 graduate and undergraduate students from more than 70 countries and all 50 states. Emerson College has campuses in Los Angeles and the Netherlands. At Emerson College, we seek individuals who bring innovation, creativity, and impact to our campuses to increase our depth, breadth, and diversity in our educational offerings. Emerson’s commitment to inclusive excellence is supported by a range of resources.

Commitment to Inclusion

Emerson College believes the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence is fostering a campus climate where everyone can thrive. As a community of scholars and storytellers, we continually strive to cultivate a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent, characterized by the intentional inclusion of individuals from varied backgrounds, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

Annual Clery Report

In accordance with the federal Clery and Campus SaVE Acts, Emerson College commits to providing all current and prospective students and employees with access to the annual campus security reports for each of our campuses. This report may be accessed from the Emerson College Police Department website. Emerson College has designated the Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Equal Opportunity/ Title IX Coordinator to respond to inquiries regarding the College's Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Violence. The Associate Vice President of Equity, Access & Equal Opportunity/ Title IX Coordinator is located in the Ansin Building, 180 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111, Suite 409, and may be reached by calling [phone] or by emailing [e-mail].