Performing Arts Lighting and Technical Director

Compensation

From $46,000

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), located in Little Rock, AR, seeks a Lighting and Technical Director of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts to advance the institution during an extraordinary transformation that has included the grand opening of a new state-of-the-art facility. Designed by the renowned architecture firm Studio Gang, the new facility will secure the Arkansas Museum of Fine Art’s position as one of the top cultural institutions in the state and region. The new Museum features state-of-the-art galleries, Art School, a theatre, a lecture hall, an outdoor event area, and other spaces to host programming, classes, and performances. The innovative Cultural Living Room, restaurant, store, and landscaped grounds position AMFA as a cultural hub for Little Rock and the Delta region.

The Performing Arts Lighting and Technical Director position oversees all technical operations of AMFA performing arts spaces, both the Performing Arts Theatre and the Glass Box flexible performance space. The department of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts produces theatre for young audiences programming and presents an array of performing arts programming in the realm of film, dance, concerts, and beyond. The position will be part of a team to coordinate and facilitate any performing arts programming technical needs in non-traditional spaces such as the event lawn, the Cultural Living Room, and other flexible spaces in the museum. The position will oversee the implementation of all technical elements, including lighting, sound, and installation of scenery. An ideal candidate will act as a master electrician for the execution of all lighting needs. The position will require the management of hourly and contract crews to implement theatrical elements for each production – both AMFA-produced and presented. They will coordinate with the production staff and crews for partner programming and ensure all outside contractors maintain safety standards in accordance with AMFA standards. The Performing Arts Lighting and Technical Director will ensure safe working practices, proper care and maintenance of equipment, rigging systems, and stage elements, and upkeep of all backstage theatre spaces. This position reports to the Director of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts.

Primary Duties and responsibilities:

• Oversees implementation of the institution’s theatrical production elements, including scenic, lighting, props, and sound
• Determines technical support necessary for events and performances
• Supervises installation of scenic elements, including recruiting and hiring contract technicians
• Reads and interpret blueprints, drawings, and plots, as well as contract riders for all presented programming to ascertain technical requirements and necessary equipment
• Maintains communication with staff, presented production companies, partner companies in residence and rental companies well in advance of load-ins to overview technical needs, and fostering a collaborative work environment
• Maintains communications with internal facilities and events teams to coordinate all theatrical programming in shared spaces
• Plan and supervise technical set-up, operation and strike of all events and productions that take place in theatrical spaces to ensure best possible outcomes
• Serves as a master electrician in support of lighting needs
• Assists with the preparation of and management of technical operation budgets; maintain inventory and order specialized supplies
• Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; performs preventive maintenance on equipment
• Maintains current knowledge and supervises training of any crew as needed on all equipment
• Develops, implements, and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment in the backstage and stage areas
• Oversees the load-in and load-out for in-house productions, presented programming, events, and rentals in performing arts spaces
• Acts as an associate artist in areas of theatrical design as requested
• Performs other duties as requested

CANDIDATE PROFILE:

• Creative problem solver, effective time management, collaborative
• Understanding of best practices in performing arts, including but not limited to construction, lighting, rigging, sound, and safety
• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) or equivalent; or four to ten years related experience and/or training with facilities management and technical direction with additional knowledge of and experience in all areas of theatrical construction and maintenance; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master Electrician preferred.

To apply, please submit a cover letter highlighting your interest and a detailed resume to personnel@arkmfa.org