Head Electrician

JACOBS PILLOW DANCE FESTIVAL INC•Becket, MA

49d•$24 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

During the Festival there are two Head Electrician positions, one for each of the Pillow’s indoor performance venues: the Ted Shawn Theatre (TST) and the Doris Duke Theatre (DDT). Candidates will be interviewed for both positions and will be assigned to a venue when hired. Built in 1942 as the first theater in America designed specifically for dance, the TST is a proscenium venue with motorized linesets that seats 620 patrons. The TST is programmed for 11 weeks of the season with an opening gala performance followed by productions by 1 company a week. The DDT is a modular wood box with flexible retractable seating, extensive catwalks, and robust technical infrastructure. The DDT is programmed for 7 weeks of the season with productions by 1 company a week. The typical TST and DDT performance schedule is 6 shows from Wednesday through Sunday. Head Electricians are a member of the TST or DDT production team and report to that theater’s Production Manager. Their primary responsibility is supporting the installation, maintenance, and operation of lighting and electrical elements of Festival programming in their assigned venue. During the Festival they work closely and collaboratively with the Production Managers, Electricians, and staff of visiting companies as a member of the run crew for load-in, rehearsals, and performances. They are the primary lighting point of contact for visiting companies once they are on campus. With the assistance of the Lighting Supervisor or Assistant Lighting Supervisor run lighting work calls. Using information provided by the Lighting Supervisor and Production Managers they coordinate show specific requirements that require adjustments or additions to repertory light plots. They also assist the Production Managers and the Lighting Supervisor with the organization and maintenance of their venue’s lighting infrastructure, storage areas, and equipment. While the Head Electrician’s primary focus will be supporting the lighting elements of productions in their assigned theater they will assist other production departments and other venues as needed and assigned by the Production Manager.

Requirements

3+ years of professional theatrical electrician experience.
Knowledge of and experience with theatrical lighting systems, equipment and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge and experience with the EOS family of lighting consoles and their programming language.
Knowledge of production-related health and safety best practices.
Knowledge and experience with Google App suite and Vectorworks suite of software.
Knowledge of DMX, Ethernet, and wireless theatrical networks.
Willingness to learn.
Ability to work proactively, creatively, flexibly, kindly, safely, and collaboratively.
Active commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.
Excellent communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and organizational skills.
Ability to read and interpret video plots and paperwork, stage plans, and related technical documents.
Demonstrated ability to conceive, strategize, manage, and prioritize between multiple projects with accuracy and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and experience in dance production.
Knowledge of theatrical rigging best practices, systems, and safety.
Experience working outdoors or in non-traditional venues.
Experience with GrandMA, High-End Systems, or CamSys programming software.
Familiarity with Augmented 3D software.
Experience driving cargo vans and box trucks.
Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Participate in the creation of an accessible and collaborative work environment that enables artists and technicians to create together positively and safely.
Join advancing and show specific production meetings as needed.
Assist in the installation of lighting systems into all performance spaces, studios, exhibition spaces and temporary tents.
Support lighting activity during load-ins, load-outs, work calls, focuses, notes sessions, staging and technical rehearsals, performances, and changeovers.
Assist the Assistant Production Managers in planning and facilitating gel swaps and other backstage lighting needs.
Ensure that lighting systems are prepared and safe for all activity by leading daily and show-specific checks, maintenance, and set-up.
Lead company load-ins, focuses, and changeovers with the assistance of the Lighting Supervisor or Assistant Lighting Supervisor.
Act as the primary lighting point of contact for visiting companies during their time on campus.
Remain in communication with Production Managers and the Lighting Supervisor and alert them to any unexpected show-specific requirements as well as any equipment or system safety concerns.
Maintain clean and orderly lighting workspaces, backstage equipment, and storage areas.
Assist the Festival Electrician in the installation of lighting systems and equipment for non theater based programming.
With the support of the Lighting Supervisor or Assistant Lighting Supervisor, create show specific paperwork and changeover plans.
Provide support to the Video Documentation Team in recording programming.
Support the installation of work and equipment into exhibition spaces.
Support the activation of weather plans for HJL and other outdoor programming.
Attend all organizational, departmental and production meetings including a weekly All-Staff Meeting.
Under the general direction of the DoTP, assist with coordination of emergency response for staff and patrons in the event of an emergency or extreme weather.
Complete Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, and Cultural Competence Training (provided to all seasonal staff during the pre-season)
Assist and support other departments, including non-production departments, as needed and assigned.