Head Technician at the Claire Tow Theater

Lincoln Center Theater•New York, NY

48d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Technician is a key member of the theater’s operations and production team, responsible for the technical infrastructure, support for productions (both in-house and rentals), venue maintenance of lighting, sound, rigging, projection, and other related systems, and supervision of technical crews. This role ensures a safe, efficient, high‐quality technical production for shows and events in our 112-seat space while supporting the mission and non-profit culture of the organization. The candidate must be a Local 1 Union member.

Requirements

Must be a Local 1 union member.
Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in theater technical production (or equivalent), including lighting, sound, rigging, projection/video.
Proven ability to run lighting and sound consoles, understand rigging/automation, projection/video systems, and stage mechanics.
Strong knowledge of safety standards for theater rigging, electrical systems, and venue operations.
Demonstrated leadership experience, supervising technical crew and interacting with creative teams, visiting technicians or rental clients.
Excellent problem-solving skills under pressure (performances, tight load-in, unexpected issues).
Strong communication and collaboration skills; able to interface with artistic staff, management, building/maintenance teams, external rental clients.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays (typical of theater production schedules).
Physical ability to handle rigging, lifting equipment, climbing ladders or catwalks as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Theater Technology, Production, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience with nonprofit theater operations, rentals, and small to mid-sized performance venues.
Familiarity with New York City building/fire codes as they apply to performance venues, and experience working with outside vendors/contractors.

Responsibilities

Report to, and collaborate with LCT’s Production Management team.
Serve as the lead technician for all productions and events in the theater: oversee load-in, set-up, tech rehearsals, show running, and strike/load-out.
Manage and maintain the theater’s technical systems (lighting, audio, rigging, projection/video, house systems) to ensure reliability, safety, and compliance with codes.
Consult with directors/designers and coordinate with hired crews.
Supervise, train and schedule technical staff for productions and venue operations.
Maintain inventory of technical equipment; recommend purchases, upgrades or rentals; manage budget for technical supplies.
Develop and enforce safety protocols, rigging and electrical standards, and maintain a safe working environment backstage and in-house.
Work with facility maintenance, building staff and vendors for theater infrastructure (e.g., electrical panels, HVAC, rigging inspections) to ensure venue readiness.
Oversee technical requirements for rentals/visiting companies: review technical riders, coordinate scheduling, manage house tech crew interactions.
Troubleshoot issues during performances, respond to technical challenges, consult and execute prompt decisions to keep shows running.
Participate in production meetings, contribute to planning schedules and tech calendar, and support organizational goals of the nonprofit theater.
Handle administrative tasks related to the technical department: timekeeping, crew scheduling, reporting, documentation of systems, draft SOPs.