Technical Crew for Don Smith PAC and CISD Facilities - Part Time

Job Title: Part-Time Fine Arts Technical Assistant                                                                        Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt 

Reports to: Director of Fine Arts                                                                                                   Pay Grade: $8.00 per Hr. 

Dept. School: Fine Arts                                                                                                                 Date Revised: March 2024

Primary Purpose:

Perform on-site technical theatre work in the Don Smith Performing Arts Center or at other campuses or venues in Cleburne ISD.  Work includes but is not limited to lighting, sound, house management, stage management, facility set-up/breakdown, fly rigging systems, and props management.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Must have completed two years of Cleburne ISD theatre coursework (or equivalent)

Must have completed specific Don Smith PAC orientation/training for technical assistants

Must be approved by the Director of Fine Arts, Cleburne HS Head Theatre Director, or the Director of the DSPAC.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

1. Knowledge of operational  characteristics  and  techniques  used  in  theatre  production  lighting,  sound,  and  rigging equipment. 

2. Knowledge of operations, services and activities of technical operations for theatre programs. 

3. Knowledge of principles, methods, materials, equipment and tools used in technical operations. 

4. Knowledge of principles and practices of theatre sound engineering. A working knowledge of digital sound desks is advantageous. 

5. Knowledge of principles and practices of stage lighting.  A working knowledge of digital lighting desks is preferred. 

6. Knowledge of methods and techniques in maintaining, installing, and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment used in stage- productions.   (This  does  not  extend  to  maintenance  and  repair  where  a  licensed  electrician  is required.) 

7. Knowledge of principles and practices of theatre stage rigging. 

8. Knowledge of basic principles of operational characteristics of computer hardware and software. 

9. Willingness to complete other duties and tasks assigned by supervisor or other theatre technician.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Lighting: Set up, program, and operate lighting system, wall-mounted touchpads, and lighting board.  Determine looks or palettes for renters.  Manage all lighting changes and cues for rehearsals and performances.  Properly power down the system at the end of events.  Be in communication with the stage manager throughout the event.

2. Sound: Set up, program, and operate sound system and sound deck consoles.  Prep and prepare USB sound cues in advance.  Determine and program volume levels for all pre-programmed sound cues and live mics.  Manage wired and wireless mics.  Manage all sound levels and cues for rehearsals and performances.  Properly power down the system at the end of events.  Manage all video delivery and projection equipment.  Be in communication with the stage manager throughout the event.

3. House Management: Ensure smooth operation of the entrances/exits, restrooms, lobby, and audience seating areas.  Oversee the no food or drink policy.  Welcome renters for rehearsals and patrons for performances.  Rope off the sound booth areas.  Ensure signage is appropriate for the event.  Ensure lobby video monitors are appropriate for the event.  Direct patrons to accessible lift, emergency exits, AED/bleed kit as needed.  Oversee the proper use, care, safety, and well-being of the facility and all of its inhabitants before, during, and immediately after all rehearsals and performances.  In many cases the house manager will be the ONLY Cleburne ISD representative with whom a patron has contact during an event, so proper dress and courteous interactions are important.  Clean lobby at the end of all events; pick up any leftover programs, return any furniture to its proper place, ensure no doors are propped open, walk facility and check all entrances and exits.  Stay until the very end and do the final walkthrough with the stage manager.

4.  Stage Management: Communicate with the director and provide organizational support while running the back of the house including the stage, wings, hallway to Black Box, hallway to dressing rooms (Green Room), dressing rooms, and scene shop.  Enforce boundaries.  For rental events stage management looks different because the cues and notes given are based on the facility and not the production.  Ensure renters do not go into the main campus or fine arts areas outside of their contracted space.  Ensure proper use of the dressing areas.  Assist with set-up of the green room area.  Ensure close-circuit monitors/sound are working properly.  Be in direct communication with the sound/light booth and house manager.  Enforce no food/drink policy (exception is bottled water in dressing rooms and green room area).  Assist with entrances/exits backstage.  Open/close the front curtain as prescribed in the performance plan.  Setup and breakdown for rehearsal and performances (including monitoring door 44B if used for any loading/unloading).  Oversee the proper use, care, safety, and well-being of the facility and all of its inhabitants before, during, and immediately after all rehearsals and performances. Clean dressing rooms and hallways at the end of all events; return any furniture to its proper place, ensure no doors are propped open, walk facility and check all entrances and exits.  Stay until the very end and do the final walkthrough with the stage manager.

5. Operate and maintain equipment, materials, tools, and supplies used in technical production and basic set design.

6. Evaluate equipment needs and notify supervisor of need to repair or replace items.

7. Troubleshoot theatre equipment and computer problems.

8. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school personnel, teachers and students, and those visiting the school/district.

9. Must have the confidence and initiative to problem solve in live time during rehearsals and events.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Equipment Used:

Various based on assignment; lighting board, sound board, video equipment, wall panels, platforms, sound shells, risers, rigging system, wireless mics.

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Climbing, stooping, bending, and kneeling; frequent use of small hand tools and electronic test equipment; frequent district wide travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours. 

Note: This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.