Head Electrician

Posted March 01, 2023
Full Time / Seasonal / Summer
Salary: $16.50 - $17.50 / hr ($660 - $700 / week)

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

Shakespeare & Company is a professional live theatre company in the heart of the Berkshires, presenting a vibrant summer performance season featuring the works of Shakespeare in repertory with classic and contemporary plays. Our summer season features 5 main shows on four different stages as well as three smaller productions. Our Scene shop is 110' x 60' and includes a 20’ x 40’ Paint deck. We have separate Sound, Lighting, and Props facilities as well as 3,500 sq. ft. of costume stock and 12,000+ sq. ft. of props and scenic storage. Shakespeare & Company produces on an Equity LORT D in our playhouse seating approximately 400 as well as our 450 person outdoor amphitheater. We also have Equity SPT shows in our black box theater with a 200 seat house, and an outdoor theatre with a capacity over 250. The Company offers one of the most extensive actor training programs by a regional theatre in the country, and is also home to an award-winning and nationally recognized theatre-in-education program.

Shakespeare & Company is committed to evolving its approach to diversity and inclusion to engender an active process and positive change toward race equity in its employment and artistry. Our goal is to engage ourselves in endeavors which enrich and promote a more just society, and we seek to engage those who will embrace our vigorous commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as well as anti-racism initiatives. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically underrepresented in theatre and theatre administration including People of the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+, women, people who are neurodiverse, and people with disabilities.

Shakespeare & Company is also committed to a COVID-safe environment: in most cases employees will have completed their COVID-19 vaccination regimen, will get tested before they start work and re-test weekly. The entire Company will be adhering to local, state, and union safety protocols where and when appropriate.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Head Electrician works closely with the Show Lighting Designer, PM, TD, and Electricians in the implementation, maintenance, operation, and removal of all lighting elements for productions at Shakespeare & Company. The Head Electrician is a full time, summer season position that starts in early April and ends in late September. Shorter availabilities will be considered.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Evaluate the Lighting Designer’s plot and generate the necessary paperwork for load in.
• Lead on the build of and installation of any practical and/or LED tape needs.
• Supervise the hang and focus of lighting equipment.
• Coordinate the borrowing/renting of any additional lighting equipment.
• Coordinate the purchase of needed supplies, within budget, with the Production Manager.
• Assist in the preparation of each theatre space for the summer season and off season.
• Maintain lighting equipment and repair as needed and advise on more exhaustive repairs and upgrades.
• Attend production, design, and other meetings.
• Responsible for a pre-show check, operation, and shot down of all lights during the run of each production.
• Coordinate load-in and strike schedules with the Technical Director and Production Manager.
• Other reasonable duties that may arise.

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND CHARACTERISTICS SOUGHT

• Proven knowledge of lighting design implementation.
• Proven knowledge of conventional theatre fixtures, DMX and network-based distribution systems.
• Knowledge of ETC equipment and programming of ETC Ion (EOS Software).
• Knowledge of Vectorworks and Lightwright.
• Experience with practical wiring and building, familiarizations with LED tape and its installation.
• Able to climb a 250 lbs. rated ladder and work from heights on ladders, in mechanical lifts, and on top of lighting catwalks.
• Able to lift 70 lbs.
• At least 2 years of experience in professional work or the college equivalent. Summer Stock experience preferred.
• Excellent personal, organizational, time management and communication skills; punctual.
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills; a positive attitude and energy.
• A commitment to values of anti-racism and anti-oppression and personal and/or professional experiences advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Willingness to work indoors and outside.
• Experience in organizing, working, and communicating effectively with groups of individuals from diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences.
• Completion of a COVID-19 vaccine regimen and booster, if eligible, prior to employment term, and willingness to test weekly or more as per Company safety guidelines (at Company expense).

COMPENSATION

This hourly, non-exempt, at-will employee will receive $17.50/hour (equivalent to $700 per 40-hour workweek) OR $16.50/hour plus local housing (equivalent to $660 per 40-hour workweek), plus applicable overtime.

TO APPLY

Candidates who possess the above qualifications, or transferrable skills, are encouraged to apply. Please send a cover letter, resume, and references. Applications will be accepted until March 20, 2023.

By Email: jobsearch@shakespeare.org (include: Position Title and Name in subject line)

By Mail: Job Search
Shakespeare & Company
70 Kemble Street
Lenox, MA 01240

By Fax: 413-637-4274