The position of Audio-Visual Technical Assistant is an hourly, non-exempt position. Part-time opportunities are currently available. This position requires a minimum of 8-12 hours per week, but at times may require significantly more 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%) – programming, operation, and troubleshooting of AV equipment / Manual (30%) – physical setup and strike of equipment, climbing ladders, adjusting fixtures, etc / Clerical (10%) – reading/writing of emails and reviewing event-related documents. Technical Assistants will benefit from exposure to a wide range of performances and events and related production techniques.
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 350-seat theater, 5,000 square foot conference center, and other indoor and outdoor event spaces on the CACGA campus. During events, Technical Assistants are the primary contacts for all audio-visual-related issues and serve as a liaison between rental clients and The Center’s Technical Director. Technical Assistants are responsible for protecting The Center’s investment in quality audio-visual equipment by ensuring proper setup, operation, and strike for events.
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.
PRIMARY 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.
- Work closely with incoming artists, clients, guest technicians, and the Technical Director to program and execute appropriate and creative lighting looks and audio-visual settings for each performance.
- 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 concerns immediately to the Technical Director.
- Promptly troubleshoot and report problems, investigate repair options, and help facilitate repairs of broken equipment in a timely manner.
- Observe and enforce all fire and safety codes pertaining to the theater and other event spaces, including engaging/disengaging of theater duct detector sensors when haze is used.
- Properly reset the theater stage after every event. This includes sweeping and mopping the stage and restoring the softgoods, lighting focus, and audio-visual equipment.
- 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.
- Regularly maintain and organize all workspaces 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, and backstage area.
- Disinfect control surfaces and remove trash bins from booth and stage at the end of each event.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- 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).
- Perform routine maintenance on all conference & theater-related AV and non-technical equipment throughout the venue as needed; including but not limited to sanding and painting of the theater stage and risers, cleaning and focusing of lighting instruments, disinfecting of microphones, data backups and software/firmware updates of computers and digital AV equipment, etc.
- Regularly maintain and update inventory of AV equipment and related accessories and expendables, such as batteries, tape, lamps, gels, power cubes, tie-line, office supplies, etc.
- 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.
- Perform the basic duties of the Technical Director in his/her absence; including but not limited to attending event-related meetings and directing technical activities of the venue.
- 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), video projectors (Vivitek, Epson) and switchers (Roland), 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, 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.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $18.00 per hour
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Name two qualities you possess that you think might set you apart from other candidates for this role.
- Please list 2-3 dates and time ranges that you could do an interview after August 10.
Experience:
- Audio Visual: 2 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Glen Allen, VA 23060 (Required)
Work Location: In person
