Position: Performing Arts Technician

Position Summary:

The Performing Arts Technician serves as technical director for the center and is responsible for operating and maintaining Bowie Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA) facilities and providing technical assistance for scheduled programs of the BCPA. Such support includes but is not limited to lighting, sound, projection, soft goods, rigging, and operation of building systems. The Technician schedules and supervises technical staff and users; provides training and technical assistance to students, teachers and scheduled users in the planning, staging and execution of performing arts center productions; coordinates center participation in events during rehearsals and live presentations; enforces operational safety and security standards of the BCPA facilities and equipment; and participates in all contract and scheduling meetings. Incumbent must possess the ability to maintain collegial relations with the center’s users, patrons and coworkers. The position requires considerable evening and weekend hours.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manages the technical aspects of the BCPA in order to support facility use;
• Designs, drafts, implements and documents repertory lighting, sound and rigging plots for different classes of productions;
• Prepares drawings and other documentation to be shared with users at contract and production meetings;
• Works closely with users to determine their specific technical needs and provides support within capability limitations;
• Participates in all contract and scheduling meetings;
• Supervises operation of and/or operates (or is one of a team of operators for) sound, lighting, and/or rigging as necessary for scheduled events;
• Works closely with teachers and provides special training and support in the planning and staging of school productions;
• Serves as the “facility manager” for scheduled events and supervises facility operations and the operation of the lighting, sound, and stage rigging systems by technical crews on a scheduled basis;
• Responds to facility emergencies when the building cannot be secured;
• When necessary; arranges for emergency repairs to secure the facility;
• Manages the facility maintenance program for the BCPA;
• Monitors scheduled maintenance activities and requests emergency or non-preventive maintenance as required;
• Assists in the management of the maintenance budget;
• Operates and performs ongoing/routine maintenance of complex technical theatre equipment;
• Evaluates users’ technical staff and determines if they can be certified for independent operation BCPA systems;
• Assists supervisor in the recruitment, selection and training process for part-time staff;
• Enforces safety and security policies at all times; acts as the most senior school employee present during after hour usage of performing arts center complex;
• Performs minor facility and theatrical equipment maintenance and repairs such as changing light bulbs, electrical fixture repair, seat repair, touch up painting, lockset and door hardware maintenance, cable repair, and other activities requiring basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical skills; and
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in the operation and control of technical equipment found in large performing arts center complexes;
• Knowledge of stage electrical, stage carpentry, lighting, sound, stage rigging and similar stagecraft equipment;
• Ability to learn the operation of new equipment as it is incorporated into the performing arts center complex;
• Ability to train staff, students, and scheduled users in the proper operation of stagecraft equipment;
• Skilled in determining causes of equipment malfunction and isolating problems;
• Thorough knowledge of operation and maintenance requirements of lighting, rigging, and other theatrical systems;
• Basic knowledge of operation and maintenance requirements of major building systems;
• Ability to recognize basic signs of systems needing maintenance and repair before major breakdowns occur; and
• Proven ability to maintain harmonious relations with theater and community groups using the facility as well as theater patrons and coworkers.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

A minimum of three (3) years of experience working as a theater technician operating a variety of sophisticated sound/lighting systems, or an equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certification:

None required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Incumbent will act as facility manager and supervise part-time staff as required.

Physical Demands:

• Expected to climb and work on Recital Hall grid mounted lighting and sound systems from lift or ladders;
• Must be able to comfortably work on the over-audience catwalk system approximately 40 feet above seating areas;
• Must be able to climb vertical on permanently installed ladders up to 20 feet;
• Expected to lift typical theatrical equipment including lighting instruments, speakers, tables, chairs, music stands, curtains and draperies, risers, pit cover sections, and small set pieces;
• Expected to move grand pianos on their dollies with assistance as required for performances or storage;
• Expected to be able to operate the counterweight rigging system over the main stage which involves climbing spiral staircases and ladders up to 65 feet, pulling fly’s in both directions, lifting, carrying, and installing fly counterweight; and
• Expected to work comfortably at heights of up to 65 feet (grid over stage).

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.