Overhire Lighting Technician

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 with 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 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.

HOURLY: $15/HR Minimum

JOB STATEMENT:

Overhire Lighting Technicians may be hired for Load-in work on an as-needed basis or on a show specific contract to serve as Lightboard Programmer, Lightboard Operator, Followspot Operator, or Deck Electrician. When working on Load-ins, Overhire Lighting Technicians are responsible for the safe installation of lighting equipment and execution of the lighting design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls. Show-specific Overhire Lighting Technicians will be expected to work all assigned technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, notes sessions and performances. Specific duties could include but would not be limited to Console Programming, Console Operation, Daily Show Maintenance, and/or Followspot Operation.

JOB DUTIES:

• Performing as an electrician for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls.
• Participating in the preparation of shows. Includes preparing required equipment, organization of color, templates, and other consumables as well as the wiring of practicals and effects.
• Participating in the maintenance of lighting department equipment and facilities as assigned: including (but not limited to) theatrical lighting instrumentation, practical electrical properties, backstage running lights, projection equipment, chemical and dry ice foggers, effects devices, cue lights and tech tables.
• Programming and running of the lighting console for all technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, note sessions and performances as assigned by the Lighting Director.
• Involvement as a show electrician (Followspot Operator, Deck Electrician, or Video Technician) as productions require.
• Attending technical rehearsals and run-throughs as assigned by the Lighting Director.
• Performing daily dimmer/focus checks to maintain the lighting design during the run of the show- correcting any focus problems, changing lamps or burned gel as needed and referring any other problems to the Lighting Director, Associate Lighting Director, and/or Master Electrician.
• Maintaining cleanliness and promoting a safe working environment in all Lighting areas in the theatre: Lighting Office, control booths, dimmer rooms, grids, catwalks, work areas, and storage spaces.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies, including adherence to the Alley Theatre’s current COVID-19 Safety Plan.
• 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.
• Additional related duties as assigned by Lighting Director or other Lighting Staff.

 
In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee:  adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner;  performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Familiarity and working knowledge of current lighting instruments and equipment.
• Ability to read and understand common drawings and paperwork used in theatrical lighting installations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
• 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.
• To be considered for “Lightboard Programmer,” applicants must have skill programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures on ETC EOS Family Consoles.
• To be considered for “Lightboard Operator,” applicants must have a general understanding of the functions of ETC EOS Family Consoles and be able to independently troubleshoot and correct common theatrical lighting problems in an efficient manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of standing, ladder work and work on MEWPs (Personnel Lifts).
• Ability to work at heights of up to 70 feet, in cramped spaces and otherwise limiting job sites.
• Ability to regularly move and lift 30-50 lbs.
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Discounted Parking (Bi-weekly $4 dollars).

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