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Inside Higher Ed · 4 weeks ago

Senior Scene Technician - Cal Performances

San Francisco, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$28.88/hr - $33.90/hr

3+ years exp

The University of California, Berkeley is a world-leading institution known for its academic and research excellence. They are looking for a Senior Scene Technician to implement technical elements of events in Cal Performances' venues and ensure the highest artistic quality in performances.

Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting

Responsibilities

Assists with the implementation of all technical-related elements required by events during pre-hangs, load-ins, rehearsals, shows, load-outs, and changeovers. Performs general stage duties as needed

Assists full crew with various off-stage tasks, including but not limited to: loading and unloading of trucks, set-up or strike of staging, audio, video, lighting, and/or scenic elements as required in non-performance spaces (e.g., mezzanine events, off-site rehearsal spaces, lobby displays, donor residences, etc.)

Gathers all necessary equipment and safely transports it from storage to the stage for events; returns all gear to storage when it is no longer needed. Follows and improves upon existing systems for identifying and repairing broken items, ensuring all items are in good condition and ready for use. Maintains storage areas in a clean and organized manner

Practices and enforces safe working habits. Immediately reports unsafe situations and conditions to their supervisors. Proactively works to prevent accidents and manage risk levels on stage and in their work area

Consistently executes cues correctly per production or in-house instruction

Other duties as assigned

Safely and appropriately implement production carpentry and property elements as directed. Operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair theatrical carpentry system components, including but not limited to: counterweight rigging systems, spot or point rigging systems, block and tackles, and electric chain hoists. Demonstrated skill with overhead rigging, including pulling and assembling points, and weight loading. Operates, maintains, troubleshoots, and repairs theatrical properties system components, including but not limited to: in-house or production-supplied equipment, risers, chairs, safety rails, and curtains. Lead other Scene Technicians in specific activities such as: constructing and/or assembling scenery, hanging soft goods, assembling props, stage setup, cleaning of the stage and off-stage areas, pipe and drape, and general implementation of production carpentry and properties needs. Any and all assigned show running activities, and general clean up and maintenance of work areas and equipment

Correctly and appropriately hang, circuit, focus, and color lighting plots based on in-house or production-generated paperwork. Operate and maintain lighting system components, including but not limited to: follow-spots, conventional lighting fixtures, LED lighting fixtures, automated lighting fixtures, dimmers, power distribution, transformers, control systems, opto-splitters, and lighting network equipment. Troubleshoot and repair general lighting systems. Work safely at heights, including mobile elevated work platforms, ascend/descend ladders in Front of House lighting positions, and overstage grid area. Program, record, and operate cues on industry-standard computerized lighting control consoles as needed. Ability to, or willingness to learn, the operation of a follow spot. Lead other Scene Technicians in specific activities such as: hanging and circuiting of electrics, hanging and circuiting of booms, focus, color changes, and general electrics show running activities, as well as general clean up and maintenance of electrics work areas and equipment

Correctly and appropriately installs, operates, and maintains sound systems and their components. Utilizes past experiences to assist and inform best practices based on the individual needs of each production. Understands and employs the appropriate software for multi-channel audio playback, loudspeaker management, digital mixing consoles, wireless microphone and monitoring systems, and audio networking devices. Understanding and ability to generally coordinate RF in a diverse wireless environment. Ability to appropriately mic and wire a stage based on standard stage plots and under the direction of Stage Supervisors or touring personnel. Troubleshoot and repair sound systems and components, including cabling. Using critical listening skills and acoustical knowledge to mix live performances appropriate to the genre and to the satisfaction of the event sponsor, A/V Department Head, or designate

Correctly and appropriately installs and operates various multimedia visual systems. Maintains and troubleshoots multimedia systems and their components, including: computers, projectors, video cameras, large format and portable LED screens, matrices, extenders, and specialty cabling. Understands and employs appropriate software for camera and large format projector control and optimization, surtitles, video signal networking, switching, and distribution, as well as livestreaming and captioning. Using critical skill and aesthetic judgment, operate audiovisual equipment to the satisfaction of the Stage Supervisors, Event Managers, Event sponsor, or their designees

Acts as a crew leader and actively engages in the work to meet the requirements of the production goals for Cal Performances events, rental events, and/or maintenance activities. Actively participates in technical rehearsals with the full crew and performers. This includes the ability to recognize unacceptable work and correct it or bring it to the attention of supervisors. Exhibits leadership by taking the initiative to join in with other crew when work is occurring, without waiting to be asked

Interacts with Event Managers or designates, Stage Supervisors, touring production staff, artists, performers, and peers in a professional manner. Will utilize customer service techniques to collaboratively solve problems or clarify instructions. Coordinates with non-technical units to assure smooth event running and timely realization of events

Works with the Event Sponsors, artists, and performers to determine and call cues for a given event. Helps to assign these cues among other available Scene Technicians when needed

Ensures that industry standard health and safety practices are observed in accordance with general industry practices, UC Berkeley standards, and specific training as provided by Cal Performances. Participates in our safety programs, including fall prevention and protection plans, and dropped object prevention plans. Proactively completes required UC training as assigned and pursues Professional Development opportunities

Under the general supervision of the Stage Supervisors or designates, may direct crews for planned maintenance projects or other non-theatrical events without direct supervision

Works with a staff with a wide variety of experience levels; motivates stage crew members and encourages participation and teamwork, modeling and promoting a respectful, civil, and professionally appropriate working environment

Qualification

Technical theater productionStage carpentryLighting systemsSound systemsAudiovisual systemsSafety practicesCommunication skillsOrganizational skillsTime managementCustomer serviceProfessionalismWillingness to learnLeadershipTeamworkAdaptabilityProblem-solving

Required

Minimum 3 years of experience working in technical theater production in a professional live performance setting for performing arts (theater, dance, and music) presentations, concerts, recitals, conferences, broadcasts, and live streaming events

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to successfully interact with a diverse constituency and the ability to work with people with varied backgrounds and skill levels

Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently follow through to the successful completion of projects in a timely manner

Ability to interpret and explain graphical plots, diagrams, and paperwork to others. These may be industry standard or customized for our venues

Ability to recognize unsafe working practices and correct them or bring them to the attention of supervisors

Experience with the safe operation of personnel lifts, power tools, hand tools, pneumatic equipment, and material handling equipment

Knowledge of the proper use of PPE to protect themselves and others in various situations

Willingness and ability to learn venue-specific systems and operating procedures, and to maintain and/or improve upon them

Exhibits a positive, approachable attitude; open mindedness and objectivity. Shows a willingness to collaborate and exudes general professionalism and civility at all times

Able to work calmly under pressure of deadlines and in a fast-paced environment under performance conditions that require a near 0% failure rate

Able to quickly and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities in a professional manner

Able to work long hours, overtime, nights, weekends, and holidays

Ability to move and manage items weighing up to 50 lbs

Ability to work at heights utilizing ladders and personnel lifts (once properly trained), around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, dust, and drafts