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Guthrie Theater
Minneapolis, MN
UNION

Expires: 03/31/26

Job Dates

December 15, 2025, until filled

Pay

$31.63 per hour per hour

Guthrie Theater
Lead Electrician
Minneapolis, MN

Department: Electrics

Reports To: Lighting and Projections Director

Compensation: $31.63 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

Position Summary

The Lead Electrician is responsible for working with the lighting crew during install and strike, preparing for the physical execution of the light plots in coordination with other departments and fabricating show practicals to achieve the artistic vision of the lighting designer while maintaining the professional and artistic standards of the Guthrie Theater as they apply to lighting. The Lead Electrician will be called upon to plan and direct lighting hangs in the Studio theater, as needed. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie+rsquo;s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

The typical schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM; an additional Saturday 9:00 AM-5:30 PM during tech; and an initial evening focus for each production.

This position works 40 hours per week and is guaranteed a minimum of 44 work weeks per fiscal (September 1 - August 31) year.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. General Electrics

Hang, focus, strike and occasionally maintain lighting rig for Guthrie productions under the Lighting and Projections Director+rsquo;s direction.
Assist Lighting and Projections Director and Production Video Technician as assigned for Guthrie lighting and video department work.
Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned.
Work, as directed, with other production departments to develop plans for the integration of lighting elements.
Maintain safe power distribution, circuiting and control for all lighting elements within a production using industry best practices.
Pull and prep lighting equipment and rigging materials for each load-in as instructed by Head Electrician and Lighting and Projection Director.
Transition between tasks and projects when designs or priorities shift.
Transport inventory within the facility as assigned.
Troubleshoot electrical and data problems as they arise during load-in, technical rehearsals and previews.
Set up and strike tech tables for technical rehearsals and previews.
Execute production notes in a timely manner through the tech process to ensure production quality.
Provide lighting support for Special Events or additional programming, as assigned.

2. Lead

Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
Monitor and lead the lighting crew in the physical execution of the light plot to actualize lighting design when instructed by Head Electrician or Lighting and Projections Director.
Accurately and safely hang and circuit lighting fixtures per the provided paperwork.
Solve problems in concert with other departments as they arise.
Lead, advise, assist and assign duties to temporary overhire electricians when requested by the Lighting and Projections Director.
In conjunction other department members, discuss needed consumable supplies and equipment for each production while proactively anticipating potential production conflicts and problems.
Assist in planning and install for any special effects including LEDs, low-voltage elements, atmospherics, wireless dimming systems, illuminated or electrified costume pieces or props and special effects.
Oversee and participate in the strike of all lighting equipment before its prompt return to proper storage.

3. Maintenance of Spaces and Supplies

Monitor inventory levels, reporting low inventory items to Lighting and Projections Director as needed.
Restore tools and equipment to the proper location when no longer in use.
Maintain safe conditions and operable shop tools, notifying Lighting and Projections Director or Associate Lighting and Projections Director as needed.
Clean and organize work and storage spaces, tools and lighting instruments.
Repair equipment, hand tools and cable.
Regularly inspect and advise on lighting system status for repair or maintenance needs.
Research and make recommendations for equipment and system replacement and improvement.

4. Studio

Plan and execute light plot hangs for Guthrie presented by and co-productions in the Studio as assigned by Lighting and Projections Director.
Lead overhire crews in lighting hang and focus calls while ensuring the fixtures are correctly and safely hung, circuited and gelled as per the designer+rsquo;s intent.
Manage and maintain the inventory, storage and cleanliness of the lighting areas and equipment for The Dowling Studio.
Provide lighting support for special events or other onstage activities, when assigned by Lighting and Projections Director.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications


Demonstrated experience in theatrical lighting for the performing arts and live events.
Can use and understand various kinds of test equipment and meters such as volt, ohm, amp and DMX.
Can work on ladders, catwalks, in lifts, on a tension mesh grid, focus track and iron grid and at heights of up to 70 ft.
Can safely operate a genie lift and scissor lift. MEWP certification a plus.
Can operate or is willing to learn how to operate a forklift.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Vectorworks and Lightwright.
Proficiency in networking systems of lighting control such as Net 2 and Net 3 and their associated DMX, sACN and RDM protocols.
Knowledge of show network protocols including TCP, UDP and network management protocols such as IP, DHCP and subnet masks.
Proficiency in operating and loading appropriate double purchase fly systems and focus track safety procedures.
Knowledge in theatrical and arena rigging, including working knowledge of chain hoists, truss, truss towers, cable bridges and power winches.
Knowledge of basic theatrical directions and terminology.
Keeps current on industry trends in systems and best practices to accommodate the needs of visiting artists.
Familiarity with projection and video playback equipment.
Can collaborate with groups of people on departmental projects.
Proactive approach and skill in solving problems creatively.
Skilled in effective communication to ask informed questions and relate information to others.
Can regularly lift 25 lbs. and occasionally lift 50 lbs. unassisted and can climb and crawl into cramped and otherwise limited work areas.
Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence, Community, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/3713147/Guthrie-Theater-Foundation/Lead-Electrician

Contact

Judi Orland

Senior Human Resources Generalist

hr(at)guthrietheater(dot)org

https://www.guthrietheater.org/

(612) 225-6032

Business Address

818 South 2nd Street

Minneapolis, MN 55415

Posted: 11/14/2025 18:32:32 EST

Last Updated: 11/15/2025 02:00 EST

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