Theatre Technician II

Chapman University; Orange (CA); On-site; USD 77,146,000 - 85,962,000; Full time

Job summary

Chapman University in Orange, CA is seeking a Theatre Technician II to support Memorial Hall Auditorium and other venues. Under the Auditorium Manager, you will provide technical support for events, manage lighting, audio, projection, and rigging, and collaborate with clients to meet show requirements.

Candidates should have 2+ years in theatre tech, strong troubleshooting, and excellent customer service. The role requires on-site work, occasional nights/weekends, and the ability to operate

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate/bachelor’s preferred.
• Two+ years of experience in theatre or live event production.
• Experience operating professional lighting, sound, projection, and stage systems.
• Knowledge of digital audio consoles, lighting control, wireless mics, and AV tech.
• Ability to troubleshoot quickly and effectively.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple events in a fast-paced environment.
• Work independently and with diverse campus partners.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for university and external events.
• Set up, operate, and strike lighting, sound, projection, and rigging systems.
• Run pre-event system checks and troubleshoot issues during events.
• Assist with rehearsals, performances, and live productions.
• Operate and maintain digital sound and lighting systems and AV equipment.
• Assist with inventory and maintenance of theatre equipment.
• Ensure safety policies and a clean backstage environment.
• Train and supervise student theatre technicians.

Skills

Theatre production

Live events

Troubleshooting

Customer service

Time management

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Technical theatre degree preferred

Tools

Digital audio consoles

Lighting control systems

Wireless microphone systems

A/V technology

Job description

Position Title

Theatre Technician II

Position Type

Regular

Job Number

SA89224

Full or Part Time

full-time 40 hours weekly

Fair Labor Standard Act Classification

Non-Exempt

Anticipated Pay Range

$27.00 - $30.00

Pay Range Information

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.

Job Description Summary

The Theatre Technician II supports the technical operations of Memorial Hall Auditorium and other designated performance venues. Working under the direction of the Auditorium Manager and in collaboration with the Theatre Technician III, this position provides technical support for a wide variety of university and external client events, including theatrical productions, lectures, concerts, ceremonies, film screenings, conferences, and special events. Responsibilities include assisting with the planning and implementation of technical production needs, collaborating with clients to understand event requirements, operating and maintaining theatrical systems, and providing support for audio, lighting, stage management, rigging, and other production elements. The Theatre Technician II helps ensure the safe, professional, and efficient operation of performance venues while delivering exceptional customer service to faculty, staff, students, guests, and external clients.

Responsibilities

Event Support

• Provide technical support for university, academic, and external events.
• Set up, operate, and strike lighting, audio, projection, video, staging, and rigging systems.
• Conduct pre-event system checks to ensure all equipment is functioning properly.
• Troubleshoot technical issues before and during events to minimize disruptions.
• Support rehearsals, performances, presentations, and live productions.

Technical Operations

• Operate digital sound consoles, lighting consoles, projection systems, wireless microphones, and audiovisual equipment.
• Assist with scenic, stage, and equipment setup and breakdown.
• Maintain stage cleanliness and organization before and after events.
• Monitor performances to ensure safe and effective operation of technical systems.

Equipment Maintenance

• Inspect, maintain, and perform routine maintenance on theater equipment.
• Report equipment failures, safety concerns, and repair needs to the Auditorium Manager.
• Assist with inventory management of technical equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Recommend equipment replacements and upgrades as needed.

Customer Service

• Serve as a technical resource for campus departments, student organizations, and external clients.
• Explain venue capabilities and technical requirements in a professional and customer-focused manner.
• Assist presenters and performers with technical needs while maintaining university standards.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow OSHA, fire safety, and university safety policies.
• Ensure safe operation of stage equipment, lifts, ladders, and rigging systems.
• Maintain a safe backstage environment for staff, performers, and guests.
• Assist in developing and following emergency procedures for technical operations.

Student Employee Support

• Assist with training and supervising student theater technicians.
• Demonstrate proper operation of technical equipment and safe work practices.
• Monitor student work to ensure quality, safety, and professionalism.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, Audio Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Two or more years of experience in theatre or live event technical production.
• Experience operating professional theatrical lighting, sound, projection, and stage systems.
• Working knowledge of digital audio consoles, lighting control systems, wireless microphone systems, and audiovisual technology.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical equipment quickly and effectively.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple events in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse campus partners
• Technical expertise in live event production
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability in a dynamic event environment
• Professional communication
• Time management and organization
• Ability to work nights and weekends

Desired Qualifications

• Experience supporting higher education performing arts venues.
• Knowledge of ETC lighting systems, QLab, SQ digital audio consoles, and theatrical rigging systems.
• Experience training or supervising student employees.
• First Aid/CPR certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Special Instructions to Applicants

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.