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Emerson Stage (the producing wing inside the department of Performing Arts) is seeking responsible, dependable, stagehands and technicians to support the production staff on various productions in our 10+ show season.

Required

Emerson Stage maintains an overhire list of experienced freelance theatre technicians to assist with build, load in and load out of our productions. Individuals on this list are scheduled on an as-needed basis. Emerson Stage sends out an email to the overhire list when these positions are required for projects, indicating the dates/times of the calls, the production and venue, and the positions open. If available, individuals may reply to the email with their availability and will be selected based on their technical experience to fill the call. Seeking the following positions:

Carpenters
Riggers
Scenic Painters
Props Artisans
Electricians
Sound Technicians
Costume & Wardrobe Technicians
Wig/Hair & Makeup Technicians
Projection Technicians
General Stage Hands

Essential Job Duties

Carpenters/Riggers:
- Support the construction, installation, and strike of scenery; interpret technical build drawings safely and efficiently alongside students in coordination with the Technical Director
- Assist the Technical Director in managing safe theatrical rigging, fly rail operations, and flying or hung scenic equipment during load-in and load-out

Scenic Painters:
- Paint and finish all scenic elements including priming, texturing, sculpting, and applying scenic details as designed by the Scenic Designer and Charge Artist
- Assist in periodic upkeep/touch up of painted elements during the run of a production. Inventory and stock items when needed. Assist in the creation of a “touch up kit” for production and maintain a clean and safe work space

Props Artisans:
- Construct, install, and strike properties under the Props Director's guidance; interpret build drawings safely with students using materials such as wood, foam, plastic, and paint

Electricians:
- Assist with the hang, focus, cabling, and circuiting of lighting plots under the supervision of the Production Electrician; support console programming and practical cabling/wiring

Sound Technicians:
- Set up, test, break down, and cable sound systems to execute designers' plots under the guidance of the Production Sound Engineer; maintain audio gear in coordination with the Sound Supervisor, set up microphones/AV systems, and operate mixing consoles during tech and performances

Costume & Wardrobe Technicians:
- Assist with pulling, constructing, and altering costume garments; serve as wardrobe show crew. Maintain costumes throughout production runs. Works closely with the Draper and Costume Shop Manager to complete projects as needed including costume crafts, stitching, and alterations

Wig/Hair & Makeup Technicians:
- Assist in the maintenance and implementation of wig or makeup requirements for productions. Assist with performer wig/hair styling, and theatrical makeup application or education to facilitate the designers intent
- Serve as show run crew and maintain hair and makeup needs during productions. Ensure that quick changes, including those involving special effects makeup or wigs are achieved in a timely, safe and efficient manner

Projection Technicians:
- Install, test, and break down projection equipment; execute projection plans under the Projection Engineer's guidance, maintain video equipment, program media consoles, and operate projection systems during tech and shows

General Stage Hands:

Support backstage run operations, including fly rail functions and deck track run crew duties
Assist with load-in and strike logistics, seating setups, event prep, and general hospitality
Work cross-departmentally as required and run basic light, sound, or video system boards during performances
Flexibility to assist cross-departmentally as needed

Qualifications, Knowledge, And Skills

Strong working knowledge of theatrical environments, live staging operations, and safety protocols
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, and safely operating power tools
Experience hanging, circuiting, focusing, and programming lighting fixtures (familiarity with ETC EOS software is highly desirable)
Experience with AV setup, signal flow, digital console operations (e.g., Yamaha systems), or theatrical A2 practices
Stitching skills, garment alterations experience, and experience serving on wardrobe run crews
Ability to collaborate effectively, integrate into new teams quickly, and work well under pressure
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills
Basic math skills, including geometry, angles, and fractions
Basic understanding of rigging, counterweight lineset operations, and automation systems
Professional safety certifications (such as OSHA 10-Hour or Aerial Lift training) are highly valued

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, nights, and extended production shifts
Capability to safely lift, carry, and maneuver items weighing 25 to 50 lbs. independently, and up to 75 lbs. with assistance
Comfortable working at heights of up to 20 feet on ladders, scaffolding, or motorized personnel lifts; appropriate PPE must be worn as needed
Physical stamina to stand, sit, or maintain difficult physical positions for prolonged periods of time
Sustained mental stamina, concentration, and acute visual focus during complex technical operations
Working conditions feature variable noise and lighting levels (from quiet setup to loud, dark stage environments)

Disclaimer: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job duties described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws.

Grade of Position: T01N

Employment Category: Consultant

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Emerson Employment Categories influence work schedules, benefits eligibility, and time off policies. Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits, such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings, are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

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