Technical Theater Manager

Technical Theatre Manager (Arts Lab Manager)

The USC School of Dramatic Arts seeks an experienced Technical Theatre Manager to join its Production Area. We are looking for an energetic colleague bringing a professional and rigorous practice to a learning environment geared for 20 productions presented each year. This individual oversees the operation and implementation of the School of Dramatic Arts production season and performance venues with a demonstrable attention to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Primarily reporting to the Head of Production, an individual in the Technical Theatre Manager role will show a history of success in setting goals and completing projects with a high degree of independence while exercising good judgement. The individual must work well under pressure, multi-tasking and instructing in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak times of the year.

The Technical Theatre Manager aids in implementing theatrical productions in a multi-stage and multi-use environment.  This position is critical to oversee the operation, maintenance, and safe and proper use of our schools’ theatrical performance venues.  The position oversees 3 full time employees (2 assistant technical theatre managers, 1 sound supervisor) as well as 20-30 student workers when in person.  The role is critical as it provides specialized lighting, sound, rigging, and technical consultative services to help the school realize all student driven and special productions.

The position also supports students’ academically driven implementation of lighting and sound designs for productions.  As such, the role oversees and monitors all technical rehearsals and performances.  Additionally, the Technical Theatre Manager schedules all technical support for outside rentals and works in coordination with our business continuity and emergency preparedness efforts by ensuring compliance with safety procedures and proper/accurate supplies.

While academic credentials are desirable, all equivalent experience in the professional arena is also important. Applications should include a cover letter describing the candidate's qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references.

Salary Range - $57,300-$65,000 commensurate with experience.

Qualifications:

• BA or BFA in theatre and experience in theatre stagecraft and theatre production or equivalent professional work in theatrical production
• Knowledge of theatrical production, stage management and stage equipment such as fly systems, rigging, electricity, lighting, and sound
• Knowledge of networking and ETC Eos consoles, video, and sound consoles.

Skills:

• Communicate effectively, both verbal and written, with a diverse population of staff, facility users, and student stage crews
• Prioritize tasks to complete different projects with various deadlines
• Possess self-motivation and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Frequently moves theatrical equipment weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Discerns fine differences in sound quality.
• Ascends stairs and ladders. Can safely implement and work atop personnel lifts and catwalk areas.
• Safely work in low-light environments
•  Safely operate departmental vehicles with a valid State Driver’s license

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support students and guest designers in implementing sound and lighting designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions
• Maintain a clean and safe workspace
• Assist and instruct designers and operators during run-throughs and technical rehearsals
• Approve and staff theatre rentals as needed
• Plan for equipment upgrades and direct purchasing activities including major purchases

The University reserves the right to add or change responsibilities at any time.

Additional Information:

This position is required to work evenings, weekends and holidays, depending upon the production schedule. Regular work hours during the production season are Monday through Friday 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., though subject to change as necessary. Off-season work hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Overtime will be required.

The USC School of Dramatic Arts, founded in 1945, is recognized internationally as a leader in theatre education.  The School offers innovated programs and curricula in acting, playwriting, design, critical studies, sound design, stage management and technical direction.  With a faculty of artists working at the highest level of their profession, the School offers BA, BFA and MFA degrees and has an active production program of more than 20 shows with a population of 550 undergraduate and graduate students combined.

The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is located in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which is comprised of the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.

USC is proudly pluralistic and committed to providing equal opportunity for outstanding men and women. USC actively seeks nominations of applications from qualified individuals and from broadest possible community. The School of Dramatic Arts is interested in receiving applications from individuals who enhance the diversity of its work force.  We encourage applications from all qualified candidates who are eligible to work in the United States. However, we are unable to sponsor employment visas for this position. Please note the following visa categories do not qualify for unrestricted work authorization: B, H-1B, TN, E-3, E-2 Principle, O-1, P-1, nor L-1.

The University of Southern California values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity in employment.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 5 years Minimum Field of Expertise: Practical lighting and sound experience. Technical knowledge of theatrical lighting, rigging and sound. Demonstrated supervisory skills. Knowledge of computerized lighting, video, and sound consoles.