Stage Technician 2

Job Description

The Meany Center for the Performing Arts has an outstanding opportunity for a Lead Stage Technician (Stage Technician 2) to join their team. 

About this Opportunity 

Reporting to the Technical Director, the Studio Theatre Lead Stage Technician (Stage Technician 2) is responsible for supporting the productions and events held in the Studio Theatre at the Meany Center for the Performing Arts. The position is the primary technician for this space and the production point-person for UW academic partners on stage, including the School of Drama, the School of Music, the Department of Dance and DXARTS. The scope of the work that the Studio Theatre Lead Stage Technician performs is broad and ranges from system maintenance, performance prep, load-in / focus, rehearsals, performances, and general administration. The position requires general knowledge of black box theater systems, theatrical practices and techniques, and expertise in some or all areas of theatrical stagecraft. This position is part of a larger production team at the Meany Center, including Technical Director and three permanent stage technicians in the Mainstage Theater. 

Almost all work is performed at the Studio Theatre at the Meany Center for the Performing Arts, with limited opportunities for remote administrative work. Regular night and weekend work required. Shifts can vary by week, based on performance schedules. 

Key Responsibilities 

Rehearsal/Performances (45%)

• Serve as the lead on-site technician during all Studio Theatre performances. 
• Act as the liaison between academic partners and artists and Meany Center as a venue, including Front of House and other venue departments.  
• Support academic department production managers in the guidance and backstage leadership of their student crews during technical rehearsals and performances. 
• Work with other department production teams to facilitate show related needs and ensure smooth and safe operation of all technical systems. 
• With Meany Center Technical Director, confirm and manage performance schedules and expectations.  

Maintenance (20%)

• Perform routine maintenance, make repairs, and specify upgrades.
• With Technical Director and departmental production team, plan replacements and make purchases of theatrical supplies and systems. 
• Assist in the maintenance of lighting, sound, video, and building specific systems. 
• Acquire expert knowledge and stay current with the latest technologies for these systems. 

Load/In Focus (20%)

• Work with academic partners to support stage preparations. 
• Assist departmental staff in load-in and load-out.
• Work with Technical Director and other dept heads to establish production run and day of timelines, goals and expectations to allocate resources and labor for success. 
• Evaluate progress and make adjustments to stay on track. 

Admin (10%)

• Track purchases and reconcile spending as per dept policies. Perform other administrative duties as needed.   

Additional Stage Assistance (5%)

• Assist with stage activity as a crew member for the Katharyn Alvord Gerlich Theater. 

Required Qualifications 

To be considered for this opportunity, your application must demonstrate that you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Minimum two years of experience working as a Stage Technician 1 in a performing arts facility, or equivalent education/experience. Experience must include show prep run of show experience, and leading stage crews. 
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Department. 

Additional Qualifications 

• Experience operating, maintaining and repairing stage and shop equipment, and systems. 
• Must have knowledge of typical theatrical systems including lighting and sound.  
• Must have knowledge in some or all areas of theatrical stage management, rigging, video recording, video projection, and stage carpentry. 
• Current certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED required once hired. 
• Ability to work on evenings and weekends during event runs and with changing weekly schedules based on event timings. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working with multiple users sharing a theater space including the ability to be receptive and attentive to widely varying production goals. 
• Ability to read and follow stage plans and light plots. Microsoft Office software. 
• Effective communication skills – both written and verbal – and strong organizational skills. 
• Experience within academic and bureaucratic institutions and working with a diverse range of clients, performers, and production personnel. 
• High attention to detail and the ability to work independently. 
• A record of good judgement and calm level thinking in a performance environment, and the ability to be agile in response to change. 
• Proven ability to think creatively to solve problems, and a successful history of managing crews. 
• Experience working as a technician in an educational environment with student performers and varied pedagogical and performance goals. 
• Experience supervising and working with student interns and apprentices as crew members, including experience teaching basic stagecraft skills to students. 

Working Conditions 

• Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds 
• Comfortable working at heights and climbing ladders 
• Comfortable working around loud noise/music, bright lights (including strobe lights), theatrical elements including fog and haze. 
• Regular night and weekend hours, with shifting weekly schedule 
• Occasional overtime hours 

About the Team 

Meany Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Washington, Seattle, is one of the region’s premier performing arts presenting organizations and, together with its university and community partners, Meany Center fosters innovative performances that advance public engagement, cultural exchange, creative research and learning through the arts. Meany Center provides opportunities for diverse artists, community, students and faculty to connect in the discovery and exploration of the boundless power of the arts to create positive change in the world. Located in the heart of the UW Campus, Meany Hall serves as the primary performance space for the University’s academic programs in Dance, Music, Digital Arts and Experimental Media, Drama and for the Meany Center Visiting Artist Program. 

Meany Center operates 2 theaters in Meany Hall. The Studio Theatre is a 235-seat black box theater that annually hosts over 140 days of activity, including approximately 50 performances with performing artists primarily from the UW community.  The Kathryn Alvord Gerlich Theater is a 1,200-seat theater that is also programmed and managed by the Meany Center for the Performing Arts.  

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$53,148.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$71,448.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

Alternate Work Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

SEIU Local 925 Nonsupervisory

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.