Position Summary
The Production Electrician works with the Technical Director, Head Carpenter, Head Electrician, and affected Department Heads to plan electrics department season and show labor, projects, budgets, and equipment needs related to shows produced by The 5th Avenue Theatre. This position is responsible for the execution of all electrical aspects of theatrical production, including the installation, operation, and maintenance of lighting systems, dimming infrastructure, and automated fixtures. The Production Electrician works in conjunction with the Head Electrician to oversee the electrics crew through load-in, technical rehearsals, and load-out, and serves as the primary liaison between the electrics department and visiting production teams to realize each production's design intent.
This position is represented by IATSE, Local No. 15.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Work with the Technical Director, Head Electrician, and affected Department Heads to plan electrics department season and show labor, projects, budgets, and equipment needs.
Work with the Lighting Designer and Technical Director to determine the overall lighting and electrical specifications for each production.
Assist the technical and creative teams in planning and development of production lighting, electrical fabrication, modification, and production infrastructure projects.
Create load in/load out plans for locally produced shows with affected department heads.
Coordinate electrical builder(s).
In addition to coordinating electrical builders, the Production Electrician may direct the work of over hire employees performing electrics department work at our warehouse, scenic shop, or lighting rental shop spaces.
Attend design, creative, or staff meetings, as determined by the Technical Director and the Production Department Heads.
Develop and maintain lighting shop orders, power and data distribution plans for 5th Avenue productions, including show documentation (lightwright file, cable layouts, dimmer and address layouts).
Oversee the preparation, installation, or removal of electrical systems and equipment for the 5th Avenue Theatre Association productions.
Planning and coordination of electrical builders for production elements.
Uphold the artistic standards and achieve the artistic vision of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Model and support the mission and values of The 5th Avenue Theatre.
Essential Knowledge and Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will possess most of these skills and qualifications, or relevant experience and achievements to help them meet the needs of the role.
Lightwright, Vectorworks (AutoCAD a bonus), ETC Concert, RC4 Commander, Microsoft 365, and familiarity with small LAN management
National Electrical Codes pertinent to theatrical installations
Proficient with industry-standard lighting equipment, custom lighting installations, and integration with scenery
Moderate to advanced knowledge of automation and theatrical rigging systems; familiarity with scenic construction techniques
Ability to read scaled drawings and drawing packages
Long-term project planning, expense budget management, and equipment rental coordination with lighting designers and vendors within show budget
Comprehensive knowledge of theatrical safety best practices across theatre, shop, and warehouse environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills (English required), with effective interpersonal skills across designers, directors, stage managers, and cross-departmental staff
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously on demanding schedules with minimal supervision
Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; ability to foster a workplace reflecting The 5th Avenue Theatre's core values
Special Considerations
Work schedule is typically day work but varies with the production schedule and includes periodic overtime, evening, and weekend hours especially through load ins, outs, and technical rehearsals.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to perform administrative tasks using a computer, such as creating and reviewing documents, entering data, and communicating electronically. This may involve sitting at a workstation for extended periods and can be done using a keyboard, mouse, or assistive technology.
Ability to communicate in person with colleagues across a multi-level facility (including offices, theater, and workshop spaces). This may involve moving between spaces with varied lighting and sound, or asking others to come to a central office location as needed.
Ability to safely use hand and power tools requiring manual dexterity and fine motor control, and to lift, pull, push, and carry up to 75 pounds with or without assistance.
This work may involve climbing ladders, working at heights, standing for extended periods, and performing repetitive physical tasks during load-ins, strikes, and technical rehearsals.
The 5th Avenue Theatre is located in the historic Skinner Building and is non-ADA compliant. This role must be able to navigate the backstage, basement, alleyway, and stage door areas without significant assistance.
