The position of Audio-Visual Technical Assistant is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position. This position requires on average 8-16 hours or more each week in order to ensure the smooth operation of the venue and quality execution of theater & conference events. Tasks for this position will fall into one of three main areas - Technical (60%), Manual (30%), and Clerical (10%).
The main purpose of this role is to support the Performing Arts Manager/Technical Director in a variety of tasks related to the planning and production of theater, concert, and dance performances, as well as audio-visual events such as conferences, seminars, and private functions within CACGA’s newly renovated 350-seat theater, 5,000 square foot conference center, and other indoor and outdoor event spaces on the CACGA campus.
The Technical Assistant will answer directly to the Performing Arts Manager/Technical Director, while working closely with members of staff at all levels; including the President, Event Manager, Event Supervisor, Facility Manager, Facility Supervisors, and Front Desk personnel, among others. The Technical Assistant will also interface directly with rental clients, guest artists, guest technicians, contractors, and patrons of the venue.
Standard Duties:
- Setup, program, operate, and strike audio, video, and lighting equipment for all theater and conference events; such as concerts, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, meetings, etc.
- Setup and strike required non-technical equipment for theater events; including stage risers, stairs, tables, chairs, podiums, stanchions, etc.
- Perform routine maintenance on all conference & theater-related AV and non-technical equipment throughout the venue; including but not limited to sanding/painting of the theater stage and risers, disinfecting of microphones, cleaning and focusing of lighting instruments, data backups and software/firmware updates of computers and digital AV equipment, etc.
- Promptly troubleshoot and report problems, investigate repair options, and help facilitate repairs of broken equipment in a timely manner.
- Regularly maintain and update inventory of AV equipment and related accessories and expendables; such as lamps, gobos, lenses, gels, power cubes, batteries, tape, tie-line, office supplies, etc.
- Observe and enforce all fire and safety codes pertaining to the theater and other event spaces.
- Perform initial safety and quality checks of all rigging, lighting, staging, flooring, seating, audio, video, & scenic equipment anytime such equipment has been installed, adjusted, or relocated. Report any problems immediately to the Technical Director.
- Review lighting riders and plots for incoming artists. Confirm CACGA's inventory is capable of supporting artist’s requests. Report any concerns immediately to the Technical Director.
- Hang, circuit, gel, & focus custom lighting plots according to incoming company or Technical Director’s specifications in advance of company arrival for each performance/event.
- Work closely with incoming artists, clients, guest technicians, and the Technical Director to program and execute appropriate and creative lighting looks for each performance.
- Advance, organize, and share all relevant production details with regard to the technical needs and facility (non-technical) setups for each theater rental event. (Requires clerical skills such as filing, calling, emailing, and data entry).
- Prior to start and at end of each theater rental event, assess all spaces and equipment used; report any messes, damages, timing overages, etc to the Performing Arts Manager/Technical Director.
- To regularly maintain, clean (sweep, vacuum, mop, dust, disinfect), and organize all work spaces related to the Performing Arts/Technical Department; including but not limited to the production booth, stage, catwalk, tech office, scene shop, paint shop, storage closets, stairwells, green room, dressing rooms, and backstage restrooms.
- Perform the basic duties of the Technical Director in his/her absence; including but not limited to attending weekly facility/logistics meetings and directing technical activities of the venue.
- To assist with backstage hospitality duties in the absence of Event Supervisor; including but not limited to the basic laundering, ironing, and steaming of garments, towels, and linens, and the stocking of dressing rooms and green room with snacks, meals, refreshments, and towels as requested by event riders.
- To assist with the training and supervision of interns, new employees, and guest technicians on all technical matters relating to the theater and other event spaces on the CACGA campus.
- All other duties as assigned by Performing Arts Manager/Technical Director.
The ideal candidate will:
- have a minimum of two years experience operating audio, video, and lighting equipment; specifically analog and digital audio consoles (Yamaha MG, Midas M32), wireless mics (Shure QLX, Sennheiser EW), projectors (Vivtek, Epson), and theatrical lighting consoles (ETC Element);
- be willing and able to abide by all CACGA standards and procedures;
- possess a positive attitude and well-groomed appearance at all times;
- possess a deep interest and an intermediate understanding of theater, concert, dance, film, and conference event production;
- understand and be able to skillfully operate all conference & theater-related technical systems throughout the venue;
- be able and willing to listen and communicate well with others;
- be able and willing to learn new techniques and share knowledge with others;
- be able to receive and process constructive criticism in a positive manner;
- be punctual, reliable, well organized, and able to multi-task;
- be able to meet multiple deadlines at once and function well under pressure;
- be a creative and critical thinker capable of problem-solving;
- be computer-literate (Mac & PC) and have good digital organizational and communication skills;
- be willing and available to work an irregular schedule including long shifts, split shifts, early mornings, late nights, weekends, and occasionally holidays;
- be willing and able to consider CACGA a top priority in the scheduling of his/her professional and personal affairs.
Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to talk, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, reach, push, and pull.
- Must be able to see and work well in alternating bright and dark lighting environments.
- Must be able to hear well and be comfortable working in loud environments where sound pressure levels may average 80-100dB for periods of 45-90 minutes at a time.
- Must be able and willing to perform physically and mentally demanding tasks involving fine and gross motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and mental focus for long periods.
- Tasks may include the pushing, pulling, lifting, and carrying of heavy objects; operation of heavy machinery such as powered Genie lifts, stage lifts, and manual roll-up doors; climbing and working on ladders at heights of 12’ or more; and climbing and working on catwalks at heights of 20’ or more.
Pay Rate:
$18/hr + possible annual Bonus and Overtime as required.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Schedule:
- Overtime
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- Name two qualities you possess that you think might set you apart from other candidates for this role.
Experience:
- Audio Visual: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Glen Allen, VA 23060 (Required)
Work Location: In person
