Stage Operations Supervisor

POSITION: Stage Operations Supervisor

DEPARTMENT: Scenery

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time / Salaried/ Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Scenery Director

COMPENSATION: $54,000

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company. 

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden, and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

JOB STATEMENT

The Stage Operations Supervisor under the direction of the Scenery Director is responsible for the management, leadership, preparation, and maintenance of all areas of stage operations for productions and events at the Alley Theatre including supervising, scheduling, and training Stage Operations Technicians, organizing and maintaining equipment and storage areas, and ensuring the smooth operation of all scenic elements for every performance.

The Stage Operations Supervisor works closely with the Scenery Director and the Associate Scenery Directors to coordinate the installation and operation of each set throughout the development phase, including the design and implementation of all automated scenic elements.  

Additionally, the Stage Operations Supervisor is responsible for hiring additional Stage Technicians for performances as needed.  

JOB DUTIES

• Provide positive leadership, organization, communication, and supervision for the Stage Operations Crew.
• Attend all technical rehearsals of shows, as well as additional rehearsals and production meetings, as assigned by the Scenery Director, Director of Production, or Production Managers.
• Work in concert with the Associate Scenery Directors to plan and coordinate technical elements for each production as they relate to the implementation and operation of automation and other moving scenery.  
• Manage and lead the programming of the stage rigging and automation during technical rehearsal periods as needed.
• Manage and lead the maintenance of the stage rigging and automation equipment.
• Manage and lead the maintenance and organization of the onstage and backstage spaces.
• Hire, train, supervise, and coordinate the Stage Operations Technicians and Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor on assigned productions.
• Coordinates the onstage strike and load in of stage rigging and automation for shows as needed.
• Maintains detailed records of show and personnel paperwork as well as documentation related to equipment, schedules, and budgets.
• Interact with vendors regarding any issues involving stage equipment or machinery.
• Report to the Scenery Director on a regular basis to discuss any current relevant departmental issues.
• Act as a replacement crew member for performance(s) as needed in the event an assigned Stage Operations Technician is unable to perform.
• Represent the theatre’s technical resources as required by the Director of Production for theatre programs including, but not limited to: special events, education and community outreach programs, building rentals, and other non-Alley building functions.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies.
• Actively engage in education and development of anti-oppressive and inclusive practices and policies in the scene shop and theatre wide.
• Additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor
• Stage Operations Technicians (3)
• Over-hire Stage Technicians

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized, and quickly changing environment
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills
• Detail oriented with the ability to prioritize efficiently and multi-task
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative
• Experience with and ability to lead and direct teams of people  
• High-level proficiency in stage rigging and automation
  • Preferred TAIT Navigator™ experience
  • Preferred Conners™ experience
• Training and understanding of safe practices for the theatre
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Alternates with prolonged periods of standing and moving
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds alone or with the aid of a team
• Ability to work at heights of up to 70 feet
• Ability to wear and safely use a fall arrest harness
• Work includes prolonged periods of standing, ladder work, work on MEWPs (personnel lifts).
• Work includes climbing and crawling in cramped and otherwise limiting job sites required.
• Hours vary with the production calendar. Work shifts include daytime, evening, weekends, hours, and holidays.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holidays, and sick time
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances
• Bi-Weekly $4 discounted parking
• Discounted gym membership
• Employee wellness program & EAP
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion