Technical Paid Production Facilities Assistant Building for the Arts New York, NY US 04/22/2025

Playbill, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player in the performing arts is seeking a part-time Production Facilities Assistant to support venue operations. This role is perfect for those passionate about theatre and eager to contribute to a vibrant multi-theater complex. The ideal candidate will assist with technical support, manage equipment rentals, and ensure the smooth operation of the facility. Evening and weekend availability is essential, with opportunities for additional shifts. Join a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the performing arts experience for diverse audiences and make a meaningful impact in a lively environment.

Qualifications

• Must be able to carry up to 50lbs and navigate stairs quickly.
• Working knowledge of standard theatrical lighting and sound equipment.

Responsibilities

• Open and close the building, including managing theatre spaces.
• Provide technical support for productions during shifts.

Skills

Technical theatre knowledge

Troubleshooting skills

Ability to carry 50lbs

Prioritization skills

Calmness under pressure

Education

Experience in technical theatre

Basic carpentry skills

Tools

ETC lighting products

QLab

Analog sound mixers

Handheld power tools

Job description

Theatre Row, a program of the non-profit Building for the Arts NY, Inc. (BFA), is an Off-Broadway multi-theater complex in the heart of the Theater District that serves as an affordable home for performing arts organizations, and a lively, accessible venue for diverse audiences.

Located just two blocks from Times Square, Theatre Row’s six theaters, five rehearsal studios, and nine offices are rented by over 100 theatre and performance arts companies each year, bringing over 125,000 patrons to Theatre Row annually.

BFA is seeking a part-time Production Facilities Assistant (PFA). PFAs support the Production and Building Operations Departments. Successful candidates are enthusiastic about theatre, have an interest in venue operations, and have some technical theatre or facilities experience.

This is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. PFAs report to the Production Manager. PFAs are typically scheduled for 7 to 21 hours per week with opportunities to cover additional shifts; a shift is typically 7 hours. Theatre Row operates from 9:30am to 11:00pm, seven days a week.

Evening and weekend availability are a must.

Some holidays will be required.

All employees of BFA will be required to provide proof of vaccination (or provide a medical or religious exemption) to enter the building.

Responsibilities of a Production Facilities Assistant include, but are not limited to:

1. Opening and closing the building, including unlocking and locking active theatre spaces.
2. Assisting with rentals of Theatre Row’s lighting, sound, and other equipment.
3. Technical support for current productions including load-in and strike.
4. Troubleshooting building and production problems as they arise during shift.
5. Assisting in the maintenance of all properties under the BFA umbrella, including commercial and residential rental properties.
6. Supporting with light janitorial duties, including as-needed spot cleaning, snow removal, sidewalk sweeping, and trash management when janitorial services are not available.

Qualifications:

1. Must be able to carry up to 50lbs, sometimes while navigating multiple flights of stairs quickly.
2. Have a working knowledge of standard theatrical lighting and sound equipment including ETC products, QLab, and analog Sound Mixers.
3. Experience with handheld power tools and basic carpentry.
4. Some experience working as a lighting, sound, or scenic technician in non profit, commercial, or educational theatre.
5. Ability to prioritize, troubleshoot, and remain calm during emergencies or stressful situations.
6. Familiarity with both commercial and non-profit theatre best practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. 1 – 2 years of experience working at multi-space venues.

Pay: This position is paid $21 per hour and does not qualify for benefits.

To apply, please send cover letter and resume to: [e-mail] with subject line “PFA Applicant: [Your Name]”. Resume and Cover Letter should each be one page or shorter and highlight applicant’s abilities in technical theatre. No calls will be accepted.

BFA is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruitment or employment on the base of race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Theater Row is a program of BFA. Building for the Arts NY, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization incorporated in the State of New York. We expand access to the performing arts by providing creative space, learning opportunities, and hubs for artistic connection.

( www.bfany.org ). As an organization we embrace the following core values:

1. Inclusion: Embrace diversity within the mosaic of our community
2. Collaboration: Elevate a multiplicity of ideas and establish trusting relationships
3. Respect: Ensure authentic and consistent regard for the experiences, thoughts and opinions of all
4. Impact: Enact the change we seek to make in the world and celebrate moments of triumph
5. Creativity: Model and encourage avenues for innovative expression and exploration