Show Automation Technician

Sight & Sound; Branson (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Sight & Sound is seeking a Show Automation Technician to support technical elements during shows, repair department equipment, and assist with development and updates of automation projects. The role requires operating automation consoles during performances and maintaining show cues to ensure safe, timely execution.

Candidates should have electronics troubleshooting experience, basic knowledge of electrical systems, and prior live stage work.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and 1–2 years electronics troubleshooting experience.
• Basic knowledge of electronic and electrical systems.
• Experience with lighting, projection and special effects equipment.
• Knowledge and experience in live stage and production.
• Knowledge of programming and operation of video media servers.

Responsibilities

• Operate automation consoles and execute show cues with headset protocol.
• Provide repairs to lighting, projection, special effects, and communications equipment during performances.
• Maintain automation consoles, software and equipment for show operations.
• Communicate status with A&E, Media/Art, Deck Chief and Stage Management during shows.

Skills

Electronics troubleshooting

Electrical systems

Hardware & Software

Live production experience

Video media servers programming

Education

Associate degree

Tools

Video media servers

Job description

Sight & Sound is an organization comprised of people with diverse talents coming together as one in Christ to tell His story through who we are and what we do. We foster a culture of love for God and love for others, trust and teamwork, and a collaborative environment in which we get to do our best work every day.

The Show Automation Technician provides support for technical elements during the show run as well as repairs to department equipment and systems. They assist the Automation & Effects department with development, installation, programming, implementation, maintaining, and updating projects and systems. They understand show-related programs and systems to run, troubleshoot, and repair. They operate the automation and control consoles during shows, while maintaining consistency in executing show cues in a timely, safe, and controlled manner.

Work Schedule: Most hours for a technician throughout the year runs approximately from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., though they will shift to 8:00 or 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. during changeover. At times, overnight work may be necessary during changeover or rehearsals.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Strive to uphold, model and encourage a culture of oneness consistent with our shared commitment to Jesus as Lord and to reflect in our lives and advance the truth that God reveals in the Bible.
• Provide exceptional customer service to Show Operations departments through clear and timely communication related to technical production elements.
• Provide immediate and expedient repairs to lighting, projection, special effects, and communications as well as other show related equipment and systems during performances, rehearsals, and other times as needed to preserve show quality and operations.
• Maintain proper care and operation of the automation consoles, software, and equipment during show times including any preparation for the start or stop of daily operations.
• Operate all flight, vehicle, and effect cues from the automation consoles as well as all drops, legs, effects, ramps, media, and stage lift cues during shows, rehearsals, sectionals, and demos.
• Maintain a working knowledge of a wide variety of rigging equipment such as boom lifts, chain motors, power lifts, fall arrest systems, performer flying systems, knots, wire rope, and cable terminations.
• Assist in the creation and maintenance of detailed cue sheets and start-up/shutdown checklists.
• Serve as primary contact for communication of show element status with A&E, Media/Art, Deck Chief, and Stage Management during shows and technical challenges including show holds, while supporting the authority of the Stage Manager.
• Effectively communicate and execute cues using proper headset protocol, maintaining a calm professional demeanor.
• Provide emergency show support for absent Lighting/Deck Technicians and execute cues which may include being in costume in view of the audience as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Prerequisites

• Basic knowledge of electronic and electrical systems
• Hardware, software, and network computer skills
• Advanced electronic and mechanical troubleshooting skills for lighting, projection, special effects and communications equipment
• Knowledge and experience in live stage and production
• Knowledge of programming and operation of video media servers
• Must be available to work flexible hours. Regularly scheduled to work during the shows and rehearsals, but also during other shifts as necessary to complete department projects Education and/or Experience: Associate degree and 1-2 years of electronics troubleshooting

Physical Demands

experience preferred. Live production experience preferred.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to: stand frequently, walk frequently, run occasionally, position self on top of or underneath objects occasionally, including stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, balance occasionally, ascend and descend ladders occasionally, communicate and converse with others frequently, transport weights and/or exert force up to 50 pounds occasionally, seldom up to 75 pounds, observe details at a close range, detect color, detect peripheral objects, determine depth, and have ability to adjust focus between close range and distant objects.

A valid driver's license may be required to operate motorized passenger vehicles and heavy equipment. This position may require the operation of computers and other digital workstations.

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to: moving mechanical parts, odors, fumes, aerosols, airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, work around special effects, including explosives, high, precarious places, and noise levels that are usually moderate.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Keywords:

Theater Technician, Live Event Technician, Production Support, Stage Operations, Technical Stage Crew, Automation Systems, Special Effects Operator, Projection Systems, Audio/Visual Technician, Media Server Operator, Mechanical Troubleshooting, Electronics Troubleshooting, Rigging and lifts, Stage Automation, Show Cue Execution, Automation Consoles, Show Control Software, Programming and Operations, Stage Cue Programming, Networked Production Systems