Temporary Overhire Light Board Programmer/Op

The New School; New York (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site work on campus

Job summary

The New School’s College of Performing Arts seeks an Overhire Light Board Programmer & Operator to support lighting for drama productions, operas, concerts, and events. You will oversee lighting control systems and work with the Master Electrician to program cues and maintain equipment.

This on-site, as-needed role emphasizes collaboration with the Lighting Designer and production staff, requiring 1–3 years of experience and proficiency with ETC Ion Classic/XE and DMX/RDM controls.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1–3 years of experience as a light board programmer.
• Expertise in ETC Ion Classic and XE light boards, ETC networking software, Paradigm controls, and LED lighting units.
• Experience with multi-parameter lighting equipment (moving heads, theatrical LEDs, etc.).
• Proficiency in setting, adjusting, and maintaining DMX and RDM-controlled lighting systems.
• Ability to work under time constraints with professionalism and safety awareness.
• Strong understanding of lighting fundamentals and safety procedures for theatrical lighting.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the light board programmer and operator for College of Performing Arts productions, concerts, or events as directed by the Master Electrician.
• Collaborate with the Lighting Designer to program cues, effects, and parameter tracking.
• Oversee minor repairs or maintenance of lighting equipment and systems with support from the Master Electrician.
• Provide assistance with class concerts or smaller productions as required.
• Offer consultation on projection/video/audio-related requests involving MIDI or OSC communications.
• Ensure compliance with Fire, Health, and Safety regulations within CoPA venues and productions with university coordination.
• Maintain flexible working hours based on project assignments.

Skills

Light board programming

ETC Ion Classic

LED lighting units

DMX/RDM control

MIDI/OSC protocols

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

BA/BFA in Theatre Design and Technology

Tools

Paradigm controls

ETC Ion Classic

LED fixtures

Job description

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to over 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, including Parsons School of Design, The New School for Social Research, Eugene Lang college of Liberal Arts, Parsons Paris, and the College of Performing Arts. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

Position/Role Overview

The College of Performing Arts at The New School is seeking a highly qualified Overhire Light Board Programmer & Operator to join its Production department. Reporting to the Master Electrician, the Overhire Light Board Programmer & Operator is directly responsible for supporting the Production Department and College Leadership in all areas of lighting operations as assigned, including but not limited to Drama productions, operas, concerts, experimental productions, external performance partnerships, and musical productions.

The Overhire Light Board Programmer & Operator will oversee all lighting control systems and equipment for productions produced by the College of Performing Arts.

Formed in 2015, the College of Performing Arts draws together the Mannes School of Music, the School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, and the School of Drama. College of Performing Arts students are actors, musicians, performers, writers, improvisers, creative technologists, entrepreneurs, composers, arts managers, and multidisciplinary artists. Our community collaborates with colleagues across The New School in a wide array of disciplines, from the visual arts and fashion design, to the social sciences, public policy, advocacy, and more.

This is an overhire position without regular or guaranteed weekly hours. Opportunities for work will be scheduled on an as‑needed basis by the Lighting department. This position may be renewed pending institutional need and availability of funding.

Core Capabilities, Primary Duties, And Responsibilities

• Serve as the light board programmer and operator for College of Performing Arts productions, concerts, or events as directed by the Master Electrician.
• Collaborate with the Lighting Designer to execute the programming of cues, effects, and parameter tracking for productions.
• Oversee minor repairs or maintenance of lighting equipment and systems for assigned CoPA productions with support from the Master Electrician.
• Provide assistance with class concerts or smaller productions as required.
• Offer consultation on projection/video/audio‑related requests pertaining to the reception or triggering of MIDI or OSC communications.
• Ensure strict adherence to the enforcement, compliance, and permits for all Fire, Health, and Safety regulations within CoPA venues and productions, in coordination with University partners, particularly as they relate to lighting or effects.
• Maintain flexible working hours based on project assignments.

Qualifications

• A minimum of one to three years of experience as a light board programmer is required.
• Demonstrated expertise in ETC Ion Classic and XE light boards, ETC networking software, Paradigm controls, and LED lighting units.
• Experience working with multi‑parameter lighting equipment, including but not limited to moving head units, theatrical LED units, and multi‑cell theatrical lighting units.
• Proficiency in setting, adjusting, and maintaining DMX and RDM‑controlled theatrical lighting systems.
• The ability to work productively, courteously, and with a professional demeanor under strict time constraints.
• A strong understanding of the principles of lighting, lighting technology, low‑voltage LEDs, and electricity.
• Knowledge of safety procedures for theatrical lighting, rigging, and staff safety when working at elevated heights.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of the interaction between projection, video, and audio playback systems and lighting control through MIDI, OSC, and UDP protocols
• Prior experience within an educational or instructional setting
• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theatre Design and Technology

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in‑person and is based on campus to support effective in‑person collaboration and engagement.

Hourly Rate:

$30.00/hour

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward‑thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.