Technical Paid Board Operator NX5 Theatrical San Francisco, CA US 10/02/2026

Playbill, Inc.; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 57,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

NX5 Theatrical in San Francisco is seeking a Board Operator to run lighting, sound, and video for The Empire Strips BAck during the run at Victoria Theater.

You will follow cues from the Stage Manager, operate ETC lighting consoles and QLab, and manage day-to-day equipment checks; Behringer X32 experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience running and programming ETC lighting consoles and operating and programming QLab.
• Experience with projections and sound, specifically BehringerX32, is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Attend all technical rehearsals, performances, and work calls.
• Operate lights, sound, and video for rehearsals, performances, and work calls.
• Power on all lighting, video, and sound equipment; perform daily maintenance before performances and rehearsals.
• Notify Lighting Supervisor and Stage Manager of issues with lighting, video, or sound equipment.
• Resolve issues within operator’s abilities as soon as possible.
• Train substitutes on all duties of the Board Op and proper operation of the console.
• Maintain paperwork for the show, including instructions, checklists, tracking sheets, and cue lists.
• Maintain inventory of expendable items, gear, and tools.
• Check email and WhatsApp regularly.
• Maintain professional conduct and teamwork.

Skills

ETC lighting consoles

QLab

Behringer X32

Tools

QLab software

Job description

Combining comedy and dance, The Empire Strips BAck, has a cast of 11 and is a stunning visual treat. See theempirestripsback.cpm for more about the show.

SALARY

$1400 weekly. This includes up to 40 work hours with overtime being awarded for any hours worked beyond the initial 40. We are seeking candidates local to the San Francisco area.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

Show Run: Thursday, October 15 - Sunday, November 8

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

Tech: Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15 Open: Thursday, October 15 Close: Sunday, November 8 Run Schedule: Week 1

Wednesday, October 14 (Tech)
Thursday, October 15 (Tech + 1 show, 7:30 curtain)
Friday, October 16 (1 show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Saturday, October 17 (2 shows, 5:00 call, 7:00 and 9:30 curtain)
Sunday, October 18 (1 show, 2:00 pm call, 4:00 pm curtain)
Week 2 Wednesday, October 21 (Work Call + 1 show, 3:00 pm call, 7:30 pm curtain)
Thursday, October 22 (1 show, 5:30 call, 7:30 curtain)
Friday, October 23 (1 Show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Saturday, October 24 (2 shows, 5:00 call, 7:00 and 9:30 curtain)
Sunday, October 25 (1 show, 2:00 pm call, 4:00 pm curtain)
Week 3 Thursday, October 29 (Work Call + 1 show, 3:00 pm call, 7:30 pm curtain)
Friday, October 30 (1 show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Saturday, October 31 (1 show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Sunday, November 1 (1 show, 2:00 pm call, 4:00 pm curtain)
Week 4 Thursday, November 5 (Work Call + 1 show, 3:00 pm call, 7:30 pm curtain)
Friday, November 6 (1 show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Saturday, November 7 (1 show, 5:00 call, 7:00 curtain)
Sunday, November 8 (1 show, 2:00 pm call, 4:00 pm curtain) + Load Out (6:30 pm - 12:00 am) Please note that the schedule varies week to week through the run of show.

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary role of the Board Operator is running lighting, sound, and video through a centralized QLab computer during rehearsals and performances, following cues given by the Stage Manager.

Experience with running and programming ETC lighting consoles and operating and programming QLab is a MUST. Experience with projections and sound is a plus, specifically with a BehringerX32.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Attending all technical rehearsals, performances, and work calls.
• Operating lights, sound, and video for all technical rehearsals, performances, and work calls.
• Powering on all lighting, video, and sound equipment and performing day-to-day maintenance of the lighting and sound rig prior to each performance and any technical rehearsals.
• Notifying the Lighting Supervisor and the Stage Manager of any issues that arise with lighting, video, or sound equipment.
• Resolving issues within the operator’s abilities as soon as possible.
• Training subs on all duties of the Board Op. This includes all pre and post show duties, the proper operation of the console, and the daily maintenance of the light, video and sound equipment.
• Maintaining any paperwork for the show including, but not limited to, written instructions, check lists, tracking sheets, and cue lists.
• Performing general care and maintenance of departmental tools and equipment, including all house gear and any rental equipment.
• Regularly maintaining inventory of all expendable items, gear, and tools.
• Checking email and Whats-App regularly.

The Board Operator must be respectful of others at all times, be safety conscious, and demonstrate a focus on team work and collaboration. Due to the sensitive nature of this production, we demand a high level of professional conduct.

Please note: Water-based haze and strobing lighting effects are used during rehearsals and performances.

EMPLOYMENT LOCATION

Victoria Theater 2961 16th St

NX5 Theatrical is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. NX5 makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

SALARY

• NON-UNION