Production Assistant

Henry Street; New York (NY); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Part time

Job summary

Henry Street Settlement is seeking Production staff for the Abrons Arts Center on a per diem, part-time basis. The team provides technical support for in-house and rental events, with roles ranging from audio/lighting to deckhands and stage management.

Responsibilities include maintaining safety, assisting leads and designers, and adapting to varied daily production needs. Must lift up to 25 lbs and endure on-stage demands; English language skills required.

Qualifications

• Willingness to develop technical theater knowledge.
• Must be able to take on all days of multi-day projects.
• Clear and consistent communicator.

Responsibilities

• Participating in and maintaining a safe working environment for all people on and off stage.
• Assisting fellow Production Leads, Assistants, Technicians, and Designers in their duties.
• Maintaining knowledge and skill sets between work calls.
• Essential Physical Job Functions: lift up to 25 lbs, navigate stairs/ladders, stand up to four hours, English comprehension.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Live events experience

Job description

Introduction

Henry Street Settlement is like no other organization, and our positions are not ordinary jobs. Every day Henry Street’s dedicated team carries out a 130-year blueprint of service to our community established by our founder, Lillian Wald, in 1893.

Overview

• Division/Department: Visual & Performing Arts/Abrons Arts Center
• Work Schedule: Varies per week, Per Diem, Part Time
• Pay Type: $35/hour
• Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Organizational Overview:

Henry Street Settlement opens doors of opportunity to enrich lives and expand human progress for Lower East Side residents and other New Yorkers through social services, arts, and health care programs. Building on its 125+ year legacy of innovation and effective programming, Henry Street offers more than 50 programs and is one of New York City’s largest social service agencies.

Abrons Arts Center is the home for artistic expression at Henry Street Settlement. It was founded in 1975 as the Arts for Living Center, adjacent to the historic Neighborhood Playhouse — an anchor of arts on the Lower East Side since 1915. Abrons Arts Center is the only comprehensive arts and culture center in New York City embedded within a social services agency.

Program Overview:

The Abrons production team supports the development and execution of the wide variety of multi-disciplinary works and multi-generational events that take place in our three theaters, two galleries, and outdoor amphitheater. We provide technical support for both in-house programming (resident artists’ performances, arts education showcases, Henry Street community events, etc.) and events and performances brought in by outside individuals and institutions renting one of our theatrical spaces.

Production crews can consist of audio, lighting, and A/V technicians, carpenters, scenic painters, stage managers, wardrobe supervisors, and deckhands for general production support during rehearsals and performances. Production Assistants are experienced technicians in their specific field(s) who are able to support designers and Production Leads in the execution of technical elements safely and seamlessly. Assistants may find themselves working as an A2/deckhand for live performances, providing hands-on, onstage support to the A1 at the mixer; using what’s on hand in our woodshop to do a lite carpentry project; providing wardrobe organization for a costume designer; operating a followspot while the lighting designer mans the board, etc. Production staff must be communicative and adaptable, ready to troubleshoot technical issues at a moment’s notice and convey technical aspects to non-technicians. In order to maintain production schedules, spaces, and equipment, we ask that production staff prioritize timeliness, cleanliness, safety as well.

Abrons crew as a whole are responsible for the proper restoration of theaters after their use, and should adhere to Abrons production protocols and duties as outlined by the Abrons production staff, even as they are supporting rental events.

Responsibilities

As determined each day by the Production Department, but inclusive of:

• Participating in and maintaining a safe working environment for all people on and off stage.
• Assisting fellow Production Leads, Assistants, Technicians, and Designers in their duties.
• Maintaining knowledge and skill sets between work calls.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to easily navigate stairs and ladders, stand for up to four hours, and remain mobile in our large venue.
• Must be able to comprehend both written and verbal instructions in English.

Requirements

• Willingness to develop technical theater knowledge.
• Willingness to get dirty and problem solve.
• Experience working with all ages and experience levels in live events.
• Must be able to take on all days of multi-day projects.
• Must be a clear and consistent communicator.

Additional Information

• FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
• Worker Type: Per Diem (Not Eligible for Benefits)
• References Required?: No
• Background Check Required?: No
• Proof of Education Required?: No