Description:
Reports to: Head of Lighting and Projections
Compensation: $33.16 per hour
Benefits: Benefits Eligible
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.
Position Summary
The Production Electrician is responsible for heading the lighting crew during install and strike, preparing for the physical execution of the light plots in coordination with other departments and fabricating show practicals to achieve the artistic vision of the lighting designer while maintaining the professional and artistic standards of the Guthrie Theater as they apply to lighting. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. The typical schedule isMonday - Friday 8:30AM-5PM; an additional Sunday 9:00AM-5:30PM shift during tech; and an initial evening focus for each production. There is a minimum of 40 hours per week with a minimum of 44 weeks per year.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
1. General Electrics
- Hang, focus, strike and occasionally maintain lighting rig for Guthrie productions under the Head of Lighting and Projections’ direction.
- Assist Head of Lighting and Projections and Production Video Technician as assigned for Guthrie lighting and video department work.
- Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned.
- Work, as directed, with other production departments to develop plans for the integration of lighting elements.
- Determine safe power distribution, circuiting and control for all lighting elements within a production using industry best practices.
- Pull and prep lighting equipment and rigging materials for each load-in.
- Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
- Transport inventory within the facility as assigned.
- Troubleshoot electrical and data problems as they arise during load-in, technical rehearsals and previews.
- Set up and strike tech tables for technical rehearsals and previews.
- Execute production notes in a timely manner through the tech process to ensure production quality.
- Provide lighting support for Special Events or additional programming, as assigned. *
2. Lead
- Following Article X – 10.02 – Full-time employees on the run crew shall be offer the first opportunity to work additional programming at the Guthrie Theater, subject to the provisions of Section 1.05, on the basis of Seniority, followed by Employees on layoff by seniority.
- Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
- Head the lighting crew in the physical execution of the light plot to actualize lighting design.
- Accurately and safely hang and circuit lighting fixtures per the provided paperwork.
- Solve problems in concert with other departments as they arise.
- Lead, advise, assist and assign duties to staff Lead Electrician and other temporary overhire electricians when requested by the Head of Lighting and Projections.
- In conjunction with Head of Lighting and Projections, discuss needed consumable supplies and equipment for each production while proactively anticipating potential production conflicts and problems.
- In conjunction with Head of Lighting and Projections, determine construction techniques and install details for cross departmental lighting elements.
- Plan and execute any special effects including LEDs, low-voltage elements, atmospherics, wireless dimming systems, illuminated or electrified costume pieces or props and special effects.
- Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and ability to research new techniques/materials/solutions as needed by production.
- Oversee and participate in the strike of all lighting equipment before its prompt return to proper storage.
- Attend morning meetings as the department representative, as directed by Head of Lighting and Projections.
3. Maintenance of Space and Supplies
- Monitor inventory levels, reporting low inventory items to Head of Lighting and Projections as needed.
- Restore tools and equipment to the proper location when no longer in use.
- Maintain safe conditions and operable shop tools, notifying Head of Lighting and Projections or Associate Head of Lighting and Projections as needed.
- Clean and organize work and storage spaces, tools and lighting instruments.
- Repair equipment, hand tools and cable.
- Regularly inspect and advise on lighting system status for repair or maintenance needs.
- Research and make recommendations for equipment and system replacement and improvement.
4. Rigging and Safety
- Primary oversight for rigging and safety within the lighting department.
- Review Safety protocols for department, making suggestions to Head of Lighting and Projections and Associate Head of Lighting and Projections as needed.
- Responsible for rigging lighting positions, focus tracks, pipes and hanging points from heights for lighting ladders, booms and temporary positions.
- Oversee and participate in the install and strike of all chain motors, trusses, and specialty lighting positions for the Lighting and Projections department.
Requirements:
Essential Knowledge and Qualifications
- Significant demonstrated experience in theatrical lighting for the performing arts and live events. ETCP Electrics, Power Distribution or Rigging certification desirable.
- Knowledge of basic theatrical directions and terminology.
- Advanced knowledge of line and low voltage electrical systems, wiring, 3 phase power tie-ins, disconnects and power distribution equipment.
- Can use and understand various kinds of test equipment and meters such as volt, ohm, amp and DMX.
- Can safely operate a genie lift and scissor lift, MEWP certification a plus.
- Can operate (or is willing to learn how to) operate a forklift.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Vectorworks and Lightwright.
- Proficiency in networking systems of lighting control such as Net 2 and Net 3 and their associated DMX, sCN and RDM protocols.
- Knowledge of show network protocols including TCP, UDP and network management protocols such as IP, DHCP and subnet masks.
- Proficiency in operating and loading appropriate double purchase fly systems and focus track safety procedures.
- Strong knowledge in theatrical and arena rigging, including working knowledge of chain hoists, truss, truss towers, cable bridges and power winches.
- Familiarity with projection and video playback equipment.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification desirable.
- Demonstrated leadership experience.
- Proactive approach and skill in creatively solving problems.
- Effectively communicates to ask informed questions and relate information to others and can collaborate with groups of people on departmental projects.
- Can work on ladders, catwalks, in lifts, on a tension mesh grid, focus track and iron grid and at heights of up to 70 ft.
- Can regularly lift 25 lbs. and occasionally lift 50 lbs. unassisted and can climb and crawl into cramped and otherwise limited work areas.
- Keeps current on industry trends in systems and best practices to accommodate the needs of visiting artists.
- Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:
- Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
- Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking, discounted bike locker rental
- Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
- Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
- Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
- Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
- Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups; discounts at some local restaurants
ABOUT THE GUTHRIE
The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.
Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.
