Performing Arts Technician Pool (Hourly)

About the Position

This position performs and assists in backstage technical operations for University Theatre events, including lighting, sound, rigging, carpentry, and general stage production support. Aids in mounting departmental productions and servicing external events by constructing and setting up technical systems such as scenery, props, and effects. Supports backstage and shop operations, helps train and guide student assistants in the safe and proper use of equipment and materials, and ensures facilities and equipment are maintained. Performs related duties as assigned.

Responsibilities

Supervise and Assist

• Supervise and assist in backstage technical work for University Theatre events, including stage lighting, sound, rigging and light carpentry.
• Assist with mounting technical aspects of department productions or assists with servicing events of outside users, includes construction of show items and/or setting up stage technical systems – might deal with scenery, costumes, lights, sound, props, painting, effects, rigging, makeup, setup, strike, stage managing, and other similar production operations.

Backstage Support

• Provides support for backstage shop and stage operations by meeting regularly and coordinating with shop and stage supervisors to plan, schedule work, and assist in shop operations and with ongoing production and maintenance activities.

Lead Work Assistance

• Assists with providing lead work direction to students and student assistants in shops or on stage, which includes but is not limited to assisting in proper use of equipment, tools, and materials and assists in maintaining a safe work environment.
• Maintains stock, equipment, and facilities and perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Entry to the first level within this classification requires one to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production.
• This background normally would be achieved through professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience.

Required Qualifications

• A valid driver’s license.
• Experience with safely using hazardous materials found in backstage shops.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Knowledge of and skills to properly and safely use stage lighting, live/pre-recorded sound, stage rigging, machinery, tools, equipment, and materials of one or more backstage shops, stage, and technical theatre support areas.
• Skill and ability to safely and securely open and close one or more backstage shops and work spaces after cleaning and checking that broken equipment is marked for repair or maintenance.
• Ability to take instruction for work to be completed and then develop a plan for doing the work assigned.
• Ability to complete work on time with a group of students and without considerable additional supervision.
• Ability to serve courteously and helpfully, especially with students, audiences, and event renters.

Preferred Skills and Knowledge

• BA in Theatre Arts or a related field is preferred and/or four years work in one or more stage technology fields.

Condition(s) of Employment

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including LiveScan, as appropriate), that may include, but is not limited to: criminal records check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certificates, credit history, professional references and/or verification of work history is required for employment. Cal State East Bay will issue a conditional offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Unsatisfactory results may also affect the continued employment of current Cal State East Bay employees who were conditionally offered the position.

All background checks are conducted through the university's third party vendor, Accurate. LiveScan is conducted through the University Police Department.

EEO Statement

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal State, East Bay provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. The CSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.