Sr Production Technician

BACKGROUND

The Performing Arts Services group, a division of Campus Support Services within University Services, oversees Richardson Auditorium and the Frist Theatre, and provides production and front-of-house support to performance venues across campus. Performing Arts Services also provides venue oversight to the Lewis Arts complex and manages University Ticketing.

Alexander Hall is a visual and artistic focal point of Princeton University, built in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style, and opened in 1894. Designed by William Appleton Potter, the inner auditorium was renovated in 1984 and renamed Richardson Auditorium. Richardson has become an epicenter of arts and culture at the university, and is the home of several prominent concert series, as well as stage to many of the most high-profile events on campus.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Senior Production Technician provides daily operational leadership and support for event rehearsals and productions at Richardson Auditorium. Additionally, this position provides periodic event support at the Lewis Arts complex, residential college theaters, the Frist Theater, and other venues throughout the University. With technical expertise, the Technician provides supervision of the physical plant and performing space at Richardson Auditorium, with a focus on stage management, while also providing technical support in all production departments including lighting, audio, video, rigging, A/V, and staging.

In supporting the direction of the Performing Arts Services Senior Production Manager, the Technician performs in a variety of roles to support production including music, dance, and theater events, lectures, conferences and other special events. In advance of performances, the Technician helps support the logistical planning for events. The Technician is required to both read and generate appropriate paperwork including staging diagrams, lighting plots, audio setups, etc. Preparing for events, the Technician provides setup support of stage elements, including chairs, stands, platforms, risers, projection screen, and instruments. The Technician leads load-in and load-out of equipment. Depending on the needs, the Technician supervisors and/or supports the setup of the technical equipment, including lighting and audio setup, focus of units, and any additional audio-visual requirements. During rehearsals and performances, the Technician will serve a number of possible functions, including but not limited to: stage manager, lighting or audio console operator, running crew, or artistic liaison. The Technician is capable of operating current digital lighting and sound consoles and will ensure that equipment is functioning properly and is well maintained. Following events, the Technician will submit post-event report paperwork to the Venue Manager for records.

The Technician provides training to casual staff and student production staff, including rigging, lighting, and audio production. This position serves as leader for other production technicians during labor calls or in the absence of the Senior Production Manager. The Technician is capable of basic construction tasks, including carpentry, electrical work, and painting. The Technician supervises the maintenance and repair of equipment and is responsible for the inventory of replacement parts, supplies, and tools used by the production team. The Technician is responsible for the safe handling and maintenance of all production and musical equipment stored in the facilities.

In support of the Senior Production Manager, the Technician takes responsibility for maintaining a safe and compliant environment which meets the OSHA and University requirements for worker, performer, and patron safety. The Technician ensures that all stage elements are secure and safe. The Technician understands that the expertise level of the presenters varies and is capable of being flexible as well as supportive throughout all phases of the production process. The Technician is capable of servicing conventional and non-conventional venues, i.e. outdoor or multi-purpose spaces, throughout the University. In the absence of the Senior Production Manager, the Technician acts as the emergency management lead on site.

The Senior Production Technician provides excellent support and service to students, faculty, staff, and external clients. As a member of the Department of University Services, the Technician aims to exceed client expectations in a supportive and helpful manner. The right candidate for this position is capable of making informed decisions, has excellent time management skills, and is comfortable working with autonomy.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides production leadership, support, and prep for events in Richardson Auditorium

• Stage Manages 2-3 events per week throughout the academic year, and 1-2 per week during the summer
• Attends weekly production meetings and prepares notes, diagrams, and schedules relevant to upcoming events
• In the absence of the Senior Production Manager, acts as the senior production staff member in Richardson, particularly during Commencement and Reunions period
• Manages rehearsal and event setup and strike, coordinating with audio, lighting, and video teams to ensure smooth coordination between these elements
• Acts as the lead liaison with high-level artists and guests during events, demonstrating poise and professionalism at all times

Supervises and engages in the repair and maintenance of production equipment in Richardson Auditorium, Frist Theater and other campus venues as needed

• Oversees all staging equipment at Richardson
• Repairs and replaces equipment as needed
• Tracks building maintenance needed, work orders
• Manages summer maintenance projects
• Takes the lead during summer maintenance in other spaces we support, including residential college theaters and Frist Theatre

Directly supervises the Performing Arts Services Production Technician as well a team of casuals in Stage Management and other stage crafts

• Manages and provides feedback to Production Technician, who serves as Stage Manager for shows not managed by Senior Production Technician
• Works in collaboration with Senior Production Manager to interview, hire, and manage casual employees in stage craft roles
• In support of the Senior Production Manager, leads by example and sets the tone to create a customer- and patron-oriented environment

Assists the Senior Production Manager in building the monthly crew schedule

• Works alongside Senior Production Manager while crew schedule is being built, and provides feedback on timings, skills, and logistics required by event schedule
• Acts as a TAM backup to Senior Production Manager for full production staff
• Implements crew schedule during events, rehearsals, and maintenance days, enforcing crew breaks and appropriate safety protocols

Provides technical support for events throughout the campus, including the Frist Theater, the Lewis Arts complex, and the residential college performance spaces

• Assists Production managers and Venue Associates with technical needs in ancillary spaces
• Maintains equipment in the ancillary spaces, ensuring devices are working properly and capable of executing the level of production required by the end users
• Provides equipment recommendations to increase capability and efficiency in each venue as needed

Other duties as assigned

The Senior Production Technician must interact effectively with individuals at all levels within and outside the University, possessing good judgment and discretion. The Technician must provide a high level of service.

ORGANIZATIONAL CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Production Technician is part of Performing Arts Services, a division of Campus Support Services, in the department of University Services. Performing Arts Services is an integrated team, working collaboratively to exceed the expectations of the University community.

The Senior Production Technician reports to the Senior Production Manager of Performing Arts Services.

KEY STAKEHOLDERS

• Advancement
• Conference and Event Services
• Department of Music
• Facilities
• Graduate College
• Lewis Center for the Arts
• Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students
• Office of the President
• The student-run Performing Arts Council (PAC) and all student groups and presenters
• Residential Colleges
• Transportation and Parking Services

REVIEW OF WORK

Annually, the Senior Production Manager of Performing Arts Services will provide a performance review of the Senior Production Technician, as well as ongoing professional development.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness and ability to work with a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays and long hours
• Minimum of five years of experience in technical theater or live event production, preferably in a University setting

- Corporate AV

- Concert/Festival Production

- Theatrical Production

• Understanding of theater operations including:

- stage management

- lighting systems, setup, and operation

- audio systems, setup, and operation

- theatrical rigging

- video and projection systems

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot issues in a timely manner
• Ability to assist all levels of student, departmental, and external performers and presenters, from novice to professional

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience leading a team

- Working varied personality types

- Managing a team under pressure

- Time management

• Experience with Presentation software (i.e. PowerPoint, Keynote and Prezi)
• Excellent computer skills (PC, Mac, iOS)
• Experience mentoring students is highly desirable

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• stand or walk 2 - 4 hours at one time, up to 6 -8 hours per day;
• sit for less than 2 hours during an 8 hour day, except a technician may sit for up to 6 hours during an 8 hour day when operating a lighting or audio console;
• lift or carry up to 70 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the workday);
• lift or carry up to 25 pounds frequently (34 – 66% of the workday);
• lift up to 70 pounds to waist height and up to 25 pounds in a range of motions from floor to overhead:
• frequently use hands for simple grasping, fine manipulation, pushing or pulling (34 – 66% of the workday);
• occasionally push or pull with forces up to 100 pounds, squat, reach overhead, kneel, knee stand, lie down, crawl, or lift overhead (less than 33% of the work day);
• frequently push or pull with forces up to 50 pounds, bend, climb ladders or stairs, (34 – 66% of the work day);
• work in a variety of temperatures and environmental conditions, including hot or humid attic spaces, or occasionally shoveling snow;
• possess ability to work at heights, full range of body motions and physical agility, and ability to maintain balance

Core Competencies Required for Success in Position

• Customer focus
• Teamwork
• Dealing with Ambiguity
• Comfort around Higher Management
• Compassion
• Composure
• Conflict Management
• Directing Others
• Functional/Technical skills
• Perseverance
• Problem solving
• Approachability
• Time Management

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Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

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