Theater Technician

Renton School District 403; Renton (WA); On-site; USD 25,600 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Renton School District 403 is seeking a part-time Theater Technician at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. The role involves working on lighting, sound, and production equipment, offering a pay of $27.00 per hour. Technicians must be district employees and complete a fingerprint screening.

Experience in a professional theater environment is required, along with knowledge of theater equipment and rigging safety. The position operates in a dynamic environment with varied responsibilities and scheduling based on availability.

Qualifications

• Experience in a professional theater environment, including high school, college, or volunteer roles.
• Ability to monitor and repair theatrical equipment.
• Experience working with lighting, sound, deck, or rigging.

Responsibilities

• Assist with technical operations during events.
• Program lighting and set mixes in advance.
• Troubleshoot production equipment issues.

Skills

Theater technician experience

Knowledge of theater equipment

Rigging experience

Problem-solving under pressure

Ability to work at heights

Effective communication

Cultural competency

Education

Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in theater arts

Tools

Mixing consoles

Wireless microphones

ETC Ion

Lighting equipment

Sound equipment

Job description

Position Overview

Part‑time, hourly and intermittent position as Theater Technician. Pay is $27.00 per hour. All technicians must be Renton School District employees and adhere to district requirements.

Location: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, Lindbergh Theater, and other district events.

Work calls are sent out on a regular basis; new shift opportunities are included in the month prior and are based on availability. Scheduling is client‑driven and can be arranged around other full or part‑time work. The position reports directly to the theater manager; during events the technician reports to the Lead Technician assigned to that event as indicated on the daily log. Upon acceptance, all candidates must complete a fingerprint screening.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Experience working in a professional theater environment as a technician, including high school, college, or volunteer roles.
• Principle knowledge of theater equipment and its operation; mixing console, wireless microphones, ETC Ion, video projection, fly system, etc. Focus in one or more areas is acceptable and expected.
• Working knowledge, or advanced experience, with rigging and rigging safety.
• Able to work under occasional instruction or assistance only as new or unusual situations arise.
• Ability to understand client scripts, documentation, and show flows, and to ask necessary clarification questions.
• Program lighting equipment, set mixes on sound equipment, and prepare other technical systems in advance of performances.
• Troubleshoot and resolve problems with production equipment, often under tight timelines and stressful situations.
• Proficient in thinking and acting quickly with accuracy and safety in mind.
• Pro‑active in situations that may affect the quality of the show.
• Monitor the condition of equipment, including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment, and notify the Theater Manager of any needed repair or replacement.
• Ensure that sufficient spares are stocked to maintain consumables, informing the Lead Technician when items are needed.
• Ability to work on ladders, catwalks, and lifts at heights comfortably, safely, and quickly.
• Ability to lift more than 40 lbs.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during shows and performances.

Other Experience Desired

• Cultural Competency; ability to work with a diverse group of clients where language may be a barrier.
• Specific background or passion in theater; lighting, sound, deck, or rigging.
• Two years in a professional theater environment working in a specialized area; sound, lights, grip.
• An Associate Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in theater arts.

Physical Demand and Working Environment

Environment: Office, theater, and stage environment; exposure to noise, dust, and electrical energy; work with machinery; work at heights on catwalks and ladders.

Physical: Sufficient ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment; work with and around equipment and machinery; perform physically demanding technical duties; walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods; moderate or light lifting and carrying; bending, kneeling, or crawling.

Vision: See in normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.