Reports to: Head of Lighting and Projections

Compensation: $27.78 per hour plus benefits

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

THE ORGANIZATION

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; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

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.

THE POSITION

The Light Board Operator programs the lighting console, at the Lighting Designer’s direction, during the technical rehearsal process. The Light Board Operator operates the console during the run of a production and maintains the Lighting Designer’s artistic intent. This position is also responsible for maintaining the physical equipment in their venue. The Light Board Operator works as an electrician during the prep/load-in/changeover/strike on productions as assigned. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

This position is full-time, non-exempt and benefits-eligible. Compensation is $27.78 per hour plus benefits. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13. The typical schedule for this role will vary based on the dynamic schedule of a theater. This role works 4-hour minimum shifts, Tues-Sun during show runs and up to 12-hour shifts, Tues-Sun during technical rehearsals. Evening and weekend availability is required. The position is guaranteed 32 weeks of 40 hours work per week per season (September 1 to August 31, annually).

The Guthrie is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, People of Color, women, transgender and non-binary candidates.  This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Lighting Cues

• Program and run the lighting console for assigned productions to ensure consistently high production values.
• Operate the lighting console during performances.
• Service and update the lighting console as assigned. Notifying Head of Lighting and Projections if outside servicing is required.
• Provide lighting support and operate light board for special events or other onstage activities, as needed, taking work direction from Events Production Manager. *
• Solve problems in concert with other departments as they arise during the load-in process.
• Archive show console lighting information. Work with Lighting and other departments to make video archives of performances as assigned.

2. Running and Maintaining Show

• Perform pre-show dimmer checks and other tests to ensure all lighting equipment is functioning. Repair and replace equipment as needed.
• Maintain the light plot as the designer intended after the show opens.
• Communicate with Stage Management, Designers, and Lighting Department staff as needed.
• Interface with other production departments to facilitate lighting production needs during technical rehearsals and during the run of a show.
• Work with stage crew to facilitate operation of shows.
• Solve problems in concert with other departments if they arise during performances.

3. General Electrics

• Assist in changeover between shows as an electrician to complete work in a timely and efficient manner.
• Hang and maintain lighting plots for Guthrie productions under Production Electrician leadership.
• Assist Production Electrician as assigned for all Guthrie lighting and video department work.
• Follow Production Electrician’s leadership on departmental expectations for load-in, hang, and maintenance.
• Provide technical assistance and solutions to address issues of safety and function of lighting equipment and instruments as assigned.
• Work individually or as part of a team on projects as assigned.
• Maintain expected levels of artisanship and artistic excellence.
• Troubleshoot electrical problems as they arise during the load-in and running of show.
• Provide lighting support and operate lightboard for special events or other onstage activities, assigned.

4. Maintenance of spaces and supplies

• Maintain console and dimmer racks. Manage and maintain the inventory, storage and cleanliness of the lighting areas/equipment.
• Wherever possible follow protocols, and naming/number conventions as set by Lead Light Board Operator
• Monitor inventory levels, reporting shortages of inventory items to Head of Lighting and Projections as needed.
• Restore tools and equipment to the proper location when no longer in use.
• Participate in the strike of lighting equipment as assigned.
• Communicate problems and unsafe conditions to Head of Lighting and Projections and Associate Head of Lighting and Projections.
• Maintain safe and operable shop tools, notifying Head of Lighting and or Associate Head of Lighting and Projections as needed.
• Clean and organize workspaces, tools and lighting instruments as needed.
• Repair equipment as needed. Communicate and help maintain gel and template inventories. 

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience in theatrical lighting or a combination of equivalent experience and training.
• Knowledge of basic theatrical directions and terminology.
• Knowledge of basic electrical systems and wiring.
• Knowledge of wireless DMX
• Knowledge of theatrical stage lighting and stage electrics, including soldering.
• Knowledge of computer systems and networks to effectively accomplish work.
• Knowledge of safe work practices to reduce the risk of injury.
• Knowledge in theatrical rigging.
• Skill in solving problems creatively.
• Skill in effective communication to ask informed questions and relate information to others.
• Knowledge of programming theatrical lighting consoles, especially ETC GIO.
• Ability to lift 50lbs as needed during assigned shift.
• Ability to collaborate with groups of people on departmental projects.
• Familiarity with projection and video playback equipment.

• Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Experience, ability, and commitment to working with individuals and teams that are mixed across lines of difference such as race, gender-identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class and immigrant status.

A NOTE FROM HUMAN RESOURCES

For the safety of our guests and staff, the Guthrie Theater requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Documentation of vaccination status must be provided if an offer of employment is made.

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

Apply online here: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/GUT1000/JobBoard/47c392e4-6d7f-1e47-226b-ee862ea48cfb/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=bb0660b4-9cf9-4165-af17-aa7d1414ac13