Production/AV Technician, Theater

• Video-focused technicians
• Lighting-focused technicians

• Serve as expert in the operation and regular maintenance of the Susan and John Hess Family Theater and its theatrical systems, supporting other spaces as needed.
• Under oversight of Production Supervisors, provide hands-on support for live performances, corporate events, dinners, receptions, artist talks, film screenings, and a variety of other events.
• Collaborate with artists, internal/external programmers, and internal/external production team members to ensure seamless event execution that lands as close as possible to the desired vision; accommodate technical needs or suggest creative alternatives when appropriate.
• Take pride in carefully ensuring that the best theatrical or cinematic experience is being delivered for events of any size
• Set up, test, and troubleshoot technical equipment and systems prior to events, working with the Theater Operations team to make necessary repairs and solve last-minute issues resourcefully.
• Maintain and organize technical equipment and inventory across multiple storage areas, ensuring all tools and systems are in good working order.
• Adhere to safety protocols and best practices in all operations, ensuring that our visitors, artists, staff, and building are kept out of harm’s way.
• Serve as a general hand as needed in all areas, including for load-in, setup, strike, and load-out duties.
• Participate in regular training and cross-training.
• Other duties as assigned.

• 5+ years of relevant experience in a theatrical/performance, corporate event, or equivalent setting. Interdisciplinary knowledge of other departments is a plus.
• Friendly and professional attitude—Technicians will work in close proximity to the Whitney’s artists & programming teams as well as high-level rental clients.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills to “read the room,” adapting communication and technical approaches to align with the needs and vision of diverse artists, programmers, rental clients, and colleagues.
• Ability to read, understand, and execute technical drawings and paperwork.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite, Google Suite, Dropbox, Mac OSX, area-specific software and hardware.
• Available to work nights, weekends, and possible holidays.
• Member in good standing of IATSE Local 306, or willing to become a member.

• Comfort working at heights up to 30’ on ladders and personnel lifts.
• Ability to regularly walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, reach and climb in various positions to perform tasks.
• Must be able to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move heavier equipment.

Audio

• Skillfully set up and operate audio systems for events requiring anything from a simple lectern mic to a 7.1 film screening to a 16-channel spatial audio piece accompanied by a live band with IEMs.
• Understand venue’s signal flow from input to output with the ability to modify, adapt, and troubleshoot both the analog and digital portions of the system.
• Utilize strong knowledge of software-based controls like Dante networked audio, QLab, Ableton, and Reaper to build organize, deliver, and record content to artist and client satisfaction.
• Have a finger on the pulse for new and upcoming technologies, ways of working, and be able to recommend potential upgrades for the space.

Video/Film/Camera Operator

• Operate digital and/or analog (2 x 16mm/35mm Kinotons) projection systems and associated equipment for screenings, presentations, and performance art.
• Utilize strong knowledge of QLab, PowerPoint, and Keynote to build, organize, and deliver content to client’s satisfaction.
• Install, operate, and maintain additional video gear from projectors, rolling TVs, and PTZ camera systems for livestreaming/capture/hybrid meetings as needed. Potential opportunity to direct livestreams and video capture of events.
• Familiarity with Dante and NDI networks, KVM systems, Wirecast, Zoom & ZoomISO, Black Magic Design ATEM + peripherals, and Roland video switchers.
• Ensure proper alignment, resolution, and quality for projected media.
• Have a finger on the pulse for new and upcoming technologies, ways of working, and be able to recommend potential upgrades for the space.

Lighting

• Ability to hang, circuit, focus, and troubleshoot theatrical lighting fixtures; knowledge of rigging and mounting techniques.
• Skills in lighting design and operation (ETC Ion, Nomad); knowledge of theatrical lighting techniques.
• Proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, QLab, basic networking.
• Have a finger on the pulse for new and upcoming technologies, ways of working, and be able to recommend potential upgrades for the space.

Carpentry & Rigging

• Set up, strike, and care for stage decking, seating, soft goods, scenic elements, flooring, etc.
• Build, source, modify, treat, and repair scenic elements, props, etc. in conjunction with artists and other production staff.
• Operate and maintain automation systems including 59 axes of soft goods and a retractable seating system.
• Rig or assist with rigging standard theatrical elements such as box truss, traveler tracks, soft goods, projectors, speakers, and occasional bespoke art objects.
• Perform safety inspections and ensure compliance with ESTA, ANSI, and all other relevant protocols; voice safety concerns strongly and immediately, working in a productive manner to resolve issues or find alternative solutions.

Networking & Show Control

• Maintain and troubleshoot networking hardware and systems across Audio (Dante, Shure, d&b), Video (QLab, NDI), Lighting (ETCnet, OSCRouter), Control (Q-SYS), and Automation (PosiStageNet, OSC) with specific understanding of the nuances that separate theatrical systems from a traditional networking infrastructure.
• Perform regular maintenance and schedule upgrades to ensure reliable connectivity and integration across all systems.

General Stagehand/Production Assistance

• Assist all departments with loading, unloading, moving, setting up, operating, and striking equipment for events.
• Serve as run crew or talent wrangler during events.
• Provide support for all technical areas, artist, and clients, as needed.

If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates. Whether you’re new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest in the arts and culture space and what you hope to bring to this role.