POSITION: Lighting Technician

DEPARTMENT : Lighting

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time / Hourly / Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Lighting Director

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

Working as part of the Lighting Team, Lighting Technicians are responsible for the safe installation and operation of lighting and/or projection elements for all performances and events at the Alley Theatre. This work includes—but is not limited to—building practicals, wiring set electrics, hanging fixtures, running cable, and focusing lights. Additionally, Lighting Technicians are given show assignments based on their skill and the needs of the production calendar. Assignments may include Light Board Operator, Light Board Programmer, Followspot Operator, or Deck Lighting Technician. Lighting Technicians are expected to participate in the general upkeep of Alley facilities, equipment, and expendables as directed.

JOB DUTIES

• Works as part of the prep, installation, notes, and focus crews for all productions or events as assigned by the Lighting Director, under the supervision of the Electrics Supervisors. Work is specific to each production, but may include hanging lights, running/dressing cable, focusing lights, installing atmospherics, installing projectors or other video equipment, wiring practicals and troubleshooting issues.
• Programs and/or operates the Lighting Console (ETC Eos Ti or ETC Gio) for all technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, brush-up rehearsals, note sessions, film shoots, and performances as assigned by the Lighting Director.
• Performs other show assignments as assigned including Followspot Operator, Deck Lighting Technician, or Projections Programmer (Watchout or QLab) commensurate with skill, experience, and the needs of the production calendar.
• Completes all pre-show and post-show checklists on assigned productions. Pre-show and post-show duties may include starting up and shutting down equipment, preparing wireless electrics, performing daily checks, troubleshooting and correcting any issues, and completing any routine venue maintenance (i.e. sweeping the catwalk, checking tools/expendables, etc.).
• Maintains the consoles and venue networks as assigned. This includes keeping up with software updates, clearing old show files, maintaining Alley EOS Base File, archiving show files upon opening, maintaining Alley File Structure Standards, and maintaining Concert settings.
• Assists in the maintenance of all departmental logs and records including the Repair Log, Maintenance Log, and Stock Check Logs.
• Assists in the repair and maintenance of all equipment, fixtures, accessories, atmospherics, network infrastructure, tools etc.
• Assists in keeping the order and cleanliness of all departmental workspaces.
• Performs all work with a high attention to detail to the standards of the department as outlined by the Lighting Director.
• Participates in company and departmental meetings as fully as they are able for the betterment of the Lighting Department and the Alley Theatre at-large.
• Represents the theatre’s technical resources as required by the Production Manager for theatre programs including—but not limited to—additional performances, special events, educational and community outreach programs, building rentals and other non-Alley building functions.
• Acts in concert with the theatre’s safety policies, including the fall protection and hardhat policies.
• Additional duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None.

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE):

• Knowledge of safe working practices around electricity.
• Familiarity with operating and maintaining conventional lighting equipment (intelligent equipment familiarity preferred).
• Skill with troubleshooting common problems found in theatrical lighting.
• Ability to read and understand lighting paperwork and other theatrical documentation.
• Ability to operate an ETC Eos Family console (skill with programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures preferred).
• Skill with projectors, LED walls, and other video equipment desirable.
• Ability to program video in Watchout desirable.
• Commitment to safe working practices.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Willingness to learn.
• Ability to collaborate with and support co-workers as a team.
• 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, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills.
• 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:

• 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.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time up to 6 hours with short breaks.
• Work includes prolonged periods of standing, ladder work and work on MEWPs (Personnel Lifts).
• Work includes climbing and crawling in cramped and otherwise limiting job sites required.
• Hours vary with the production calendar and show assignments. Work shifts include afternoon and evening hours, weekend hours, and overtime.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, 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 [email protected].

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