Theater Technician; Part - Time

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Chapman University is seeking a Theater Technician (Part-Time) to support production tasks within the College of Performing Arts. This on-campus, on-call position operates under supervision of Production Manager and Technical Directors.

The role emphasizes scenery construction, lighting and audio support, and coordinating with students on productions. Candidates should have 3–5 years of related experience and ability to lift over 50 pounds.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience (3-5 years) in scenery construction and related tasks.
• Ability to read light plots and execute lighting tasks.
• Ability to read audio plots and operate audio equipment.
• Comfort with maintaining safety procedures in a theatre environment.

Responsibilities

• Construct, load-in, strike scenery and adjust lighting elements.
• Move scenic elements to and from the warehouse.
• Hang, cable, focus, and troubleshoot lighting equipment.
• Install, ring out, troubleshoot, and strike audio equipment.
• Work with student crews and staff during productions.
• Maintain the scene shop and backstage areas for safety.

Skills

Scenery construction

Lighting setup

Audio systems

Safety procedures

Team collaboration

Lifting capability

Read light plots

Read audio plots

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Tools

ETC lighting consoles

QLab

Audio mixing desks

Job description

Theater Technician; Part - Time

Position Type: Temporary

Full or Part Time: part-time 0-19 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification: Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range: $20.00 - $25.00

Chapman University is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. This range takes into account a variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. Salary offers are determined based on the final candidate’s qualifications and experience, as well as internal equity and other internal factors. The anticipated pay range is not a promise of a particular wage.

Under the supervision of the Production Manager, Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and Master Electrician and Technical Operations leads, the Theatre Technician will provide technical support for production related tasks in the College of Performing Arts.

This is a temporary, on-call position with work scheduled based on operational and production needs.

Responsibilities

• Scenery construction, load-ins, strikes, and change overs of scenic and lighting elements.
• Loading, unloading, and moving scenic elements to and from warehouse.
• Constructing/refurbishing stock scenery components.
• Hanging, cabling, focusing and troubleshooting lighting equipment and electrical elements.
• Installation, ringing out, troubleshooting, and strike of audio equipment.
• Working on run crew as needed to assist.
• Working with students on a regular basis.
• Monitor the condition of equipment, perform basic maintenance and keep the scene shop, work areas, and backstage areas clean and safe.

Required Qualifications

Extensive experience (3-5 years) in one, or more, of the following:

• Construction of scenery and set pieces in accordance with designer plans; including carpentry, welding, work with plastics, fabrics or other materials. Experience in maintaining shop tools and inventory
• Scenic Artist experience in executing the surface treatments of the scenery based on set designs. Experience in mixing paint to match color, large scale drawing and painting on the floor from a standing position, sculpting, faux finishing, and digital image manipulation
• Demonstrated knowledge of the methods and techniques in maintaining, installing, and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment used in stage productions, with the ability to apply the knowledge in work
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute light plots. In addition, experience hanging, cabling, focusing, troubleshooting lighting equipment and basic working knowledge of ETC lighting consoles.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute audio plots and paperwork. Experience micing performers with handheld, clipped, and body microphones. Experience using audio mixing desks/consoles. Experience with audio cueing systems such as QLab.
• Props execution including shopping, renting, gathering, creating, fabricating, repairing.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals at all organizational levels, both inside and outside of the university.
• Ability to remain calm and respond confidently and promptly to stressful situations.
• Capacity to solve problems with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to use creative thinking and sound judgment in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations.
• Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures.
• Ability to prioritize tasks when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workloads, and to carry out duties in a reliable and timely manner.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to prioritize projects and resources to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a team based environment and to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction.
• Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience overseeing student crews, whether in a shop setting, general theatre practices, or on a run crew.
• Looking for a scenic Painter to help with our first show of the season. Also looking for 1 – 2 carpenters and 1 Electrician

Additional Information

At Chapman University, we believe collaboration thrives through in-person engagement. This position is fully on campus, and employees work alongside colleagues, faculty, students, and staff each day to support our vibrant university community.

Chapman University is an equal opportunity employer that provides equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their protected characteristics. All qualified applicants and employees are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

Applicants for Staff and Administrator positions must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The offer of employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion and outcomes of a criminal background screening and returning to the Office of Human Resources a signed original acceptance of the Chapman University Agreement to Arbitrate.