Summary
Studio Theatre is Washington’s premier venue for contemporary theatre, “where local audiences will find today’s edgiest playwrights” (Variety). Under the leadership of Artistic Director David Muse and Managing Director Rebecca Ende Lichtenberg, Studio produces the work of today’s greatest writers, augmented by productions of modern classics. With seven to nine productions a year, Studio’s work is marked by its emphasis on excellence in acting and design and the signature intimacy of its four theatres, which all seat fewer than 225 patrons. The five-play Main Series is the core of Studio’s programming, offering a repertoire of provocative new and contemporary writing from around the world. Complementing the Main Series is Studio X, a purposefully eclectic constellation of projects that encompasses plays that will benefit from particularly intimate or immersive stagings, presented work, and some of Studio’s world premiere projects. Rooted in the Theatre’s mission to foster a more thoughtful, more empathetic, and more connected community in Washington DC and beyond, Studio takes seriously its commitment to providing access to and engagement with our work—both on stage and off. Our community engagement efforts include access initiatives, public programming, a growing community partner program, and dedicated education and workforce development programs.
The Opportunity
The Lighting & Sound Supervisor collaborates with the Director of Production on the planning and oversight of all aspects of the day to day production and presentation of Studio Theatre and other programming by Studio Theatre or on Studio’s premises. This position is an integral part of Studio’s Production Department working closely with the Production Management team and Technical Director and is the direct supervisor for two apprentices and overhire as necessary. This position is responsible for the maintenance, installation, and operation of theatrical equipment and control consoles in all venues at Studio Theatre for all performances and events. This position will coordinate, collaborate, and work directly with artists, designers, musicians, overhire crews, run crews, and stage managers to present the highest quality shows and events
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:
- Implement production plans at Studio by coordinating with artists, designers and producers including: advance work, technical and budget analysis, arrangement of equipment, and assisting the Production team on hiring and scheduling of crews
- Manage and maintain all departmental budgets for projects as they develop, in conjunction with the Production Management Team
- Support the programming and production needs of other departments of Studio Theatre
- Foster strong inter and intra communication between all production departments as well as the larger institutional departments; represent the needs of the department to third party stakeholders, visiting artists and other departments within the institution.
- Create and communicate schedules for apprentices and overhire with the needs of the production, department and institution in balance.
- Hire, supervise and work with various crews for performance work calls, maintenance work calls, and other events at Studio Theatre
- Source and oversee purchasing and/or acquisition of production related materials.
- Participate in achieving the artistic goals, insuring quality and consistency, and maintaining the highest production values for Studio Theatre.
- Assist the Director of Production in establishing and maintaining departmental standards and procedures.
- Consult and collaborate on technical aspects of capital improvements.
- Manage and provide professional development for apprentices as assigned.
- Other duties as assigned
Sample Tasks
- Program and operate audio and video boards, program and operate ETC boards
- Program and maintain equipment including moving lights
- Set up and troubleshooting of theatrical systems for audio, lighting, and video needs
- Practice and implement safe rigging techniques
- Manage expenditures and budgets
- Create schedules for apprentices and overhire crew
- Attend all production meetings related to the Studio season including, but not limited to: weekly Production Meetings, Production Kickoff events, 1st Rehearsal events, Tech Week Planning Meetings, Design Run Meetings, Production Meetings during Tech, and Post-Mortems with Studio Staff.
- Supervise builds, hangs, load-ins, technical rehearsals, performances and strikes for productions at Studio.
- Work with Theatre Management staff and Stage Management to coordinate and support ADA patron needs. This includes, but is not limited to, open captioned, audio described, and ASL interpreted performances.
- Assist Production Management team to develop talented and dedicated technicians, run crew, and other personnel as required. Provide timely feedback to these staff to insure a great technical team.
- Maintain, control, and manage all lighting, sound, and projection systems and equipment.
- Maintain, control, and manage all practical lamps, laptops, and cell phones in Studio Theatre inventory.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
- Advance knowledge of rigging techniques and practices with an emphasis on safety
- Be able to work on an irregular schedule, with long hours.
- Be willing to assist others and work in a team setting
- Ability to multitask and manage multiple projects
- Ability to prioritize goals and implement plans
- Ability to solve problems and resolve conflict
- Ability to work well under higher pressure situations and intense deadlines
- Ability to read, create, manipulate, and interpret drawings and other technical materials
- Excellent oral and writing skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint, Autocad and Vectorworks
- Possess a valid driver’s License
- Ability to lift 50lbs overhead for a sustained amount of time
Studio Theatre offers a competitive salary with excellent benefits including matching 401K.
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