Technical Theater Specialist & After School Production Manager

Cambridge Public Schools; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Cambridge Public Schools seeks a Technical Theater Specialist & After School Production Manager for its Visual & Performing Arts Department. This full-time role involves overseeing theater operations and productions, providing mentorship to students, and managing after-school activities. Candidates should have a degree in Technical Theater, strong technical skills, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in technical production for live performance.
• Experience working in high school settings preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Director for major productions.
• Supervise and guide student crews in design and execution of technical elements.
• Collaborate with directors to implement scenic elements.

Skills

Proficient in scenic construction

Lighting design

Sound systems

Stage management

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theater or related field

Tools

Eos family of lighting control

Soundcraft Digital series of sound control

Job description

Position:

Technical Theater Specialist & After School Production Manager

Visual & Performing Arts Department

The Opportunity:

Cambridge Public Schools is seeking a skilled and experienced technical theater professional and After School Production Manager. This role is a full time position split into two roles- a technical theater specialist, supporting the technical aspects of the after-school productions and rentals primarily at the upper schools, as well as a production manager, supporting the production management of the performances at the high school.

Technical Theater Specialist (TST):

The Technical Theater Specialist and Production Manager (TST) will support the operations of the elementary and upper school theaters in the school system. The TST will be responsible for attending to the year-round needs and uses of the recently renovated and newly constructed CPS theater spaces. This work includes overseeing all technical aspects of the theater while in use by CPS, the City of Cambridge, and outside renters. The TST will ensure proper use and care of CPS equipment and the theater facility by preparing the space for the arrival of the user, overseeing and training school based users in the operation of theatrical lighting and sound, advising on staging, and possible stagecraft development. The TST will be responsible for the maintenance and care and operation—including the arrangement of repairs—of both the facility and the equipment in the space. The TST will also coordinate assignments for community rentals.

** with the CRLS Technical Theater Specialist, review elementary theater needs

The TST should be proficient with the Eos family of lighting control, the Soundcraft Digital series of sound control, basic microphone and speaker placement and use, as well as good working knowledge of computers (pc/mac) and projectors. The TST acts as a representative of the CPS and should have excellent communication skills and the ability to work with young people.

The TST will be responsible for activities during after-school hours, in coordination with the school-based arts teachers.

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as Technical Director for the major productions at the upper schools. This role will work with a second tech specialist who will work at the high school.
• This position includes after-school, evening and weekend hours, ability to work flexible hours.
• Collaborate with directors to design and implement scenic elements, including the creation of technical drawings that meet professional construction standards, and building sets, designing lights and sound.
• Lead and mentor students in the safe and timely construction of sets and scenic components, fostering hands-on learning and teamwork.
• Must have experience working with young people and employ best inclusive and socio-emotional practices to ensure a safe mentoring experience for all students.
• Supervise and guide student crews in the design and execution of sound, lighting, and open captioning for all departmental productions.
• Develop and manage production calendars and timelines, ensuring all technical elements stay on schedule.
• Oversee all technical and design aspects for the upper school productions
• Actively participate in departmental and production meetings, contributing to collaborative planning and decision-making.
• Set up and manage audio/visual systems for weekly school-wide assemblies and special events.
• Maintain and organize the scene shop, lighting booth and upper schools theaters, and all related equipment to ensure safe and efficient use.
• Do assessments of district-wide theaters as needed.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications for TST:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theater or related field OR equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum2 years of experiencein technical production for live performance.
• Experience working in high school settings preferred.
• Experience working in mentoring and teaching new learners, with socio-emotional practices for a healthy, safe environment for young learners.

Technical Knowledge

• Proficient in scenic construction, lighting design, sound systems, and stage management.
• Considerable knowledge in theatrical systems/equipment, projection, rigging and safe theater protocols.
• Experience with design software is a plus.
• Familiarity with current and emerging theater technology.
• Ability to work with special flooring i.e. marley floor
• Assess and order supplies/equipment as needed

Soft Skills & Values

• Demonstrated ability to create awelcoming and inclusive spacefor students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Excellentcommunication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under production deadlines.
• Have a community mindset and works collaboratively and respectfully with others

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and materials, work at heights (catwalks, ladders), and use common power tools safely.
• Flexible schedule.
• Ability to work a schedule that includes weekends and evenings during two seasons of shows and rehearsals.

Production Manager:

As the After School Production Manager, this position will work under the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) K–12 department and will report to the Director of Visual and Performing Arts. This position is responsible for completing tasks relating to the daily operations of the after-school programs under the Visual and Performing Arts Department located at the high school—Cambridge Rindge and Latin School (CRLS). These programs include classes, performances, and exhibitions. This position requires a flexible schedule, as this position will serve as the primary site director for VPA performances and events held seasonally at CRLS..

Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the scheduling and space management of daily/weekly programs at CRLS.
• Monitor and upkeep facility preparation for rehearsals and performances.
• Ticketing and front of house management, ticket preparation, reconciliation, revenue deposits, and coordination with volunteer groups.
• Assist in student eligibility, registration, and collection of forms, including setting up and monitoring the online registration system and attendance checks.
• Attendance at department administration meetings.
• Assist, in collaboration with VPA Clerk, with VPA Department Service Agreements and payment vouchers including guest artists, accompanist and others.
• Assist with equipment inventory, repair, ordering, purchasing and distribution for VPA after-school programs.
• Work with the VPA clerk to monitor and follow up on purchase order requests and invoice submittals.
• Uniform distribution and collection, inventory, cleaning, and storage
• Work with ICTS to organize and update the VPA website.
• Assist VPA team with presence on social media.
• Serve as Site Director for performances held at CRLS.
• Assist director with revising and creating department policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the VPA Director.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications for Production Manager :

• Experience in production and/or arts operations and management.
• Must possess strong communication and organizational skills.
• Must demonstrate high energy and flexibility with schedule, and be available for evening and some weekend performances.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communications skills to convey information to different stakeholders.
• Experience working with diverse student and teaching populations.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and conducting training programs for a professional staff.

Terms of Employment :

This is a 10 month full-time, exempt position. Non-performance and rehearsal schedule is approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., flexibility is expected, particularly on days with scheduled performances or special events. Evening and weekend work is required to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. As an exempt employee, this position is not eligible for overtime compensation under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Compensation:

Salary is commensurate with experience.

How to Join Our Team:

Please upload a resume and thoughtful cover letter, outlining how your skills, experience, and commitment to equity in education meet the qualifications of the position as well as stating how you heard about this opportunity.

At the Cambridge Public Schools, we are committed to cultivating an environment where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are embraced, acknowledging that a team reflecting diversity of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, and veteran status allows us to serve our communities better. To that end, we welcome and encourage applicants to bring their authentic selves when considering employment opportunities within our school district.