Lighting Technician

Dance Place•Washington, DC

93d•Onsite

About The Position

Dance Place is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and talented individual to join their team as the Lighting Technician for their nationally recognized, cultural arts center in Washington, DC. This part-time, non-exempt position will support their passion for building a sustainable community of artists, audiences, and students who have been systemically excluded from opportunities by providing high-quality performances, commissions, training, and educational programs. As a primarily on-site role scheduled for 20 hours per week, the Lighting Technician position offers an hourly range of $25.00 - $35.00. Dance Place is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from underrepresented communities to apply. They believe that people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and women must be centered in the work they do. The Lighting Technician is a key member of Dance Place’s Cafritz Foundation Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theater’s lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, the Lighting Technician works collaboratively with the production team, including the Audio & Video Technician, the Artistic Director, and technical theater interns. Additionally, the Lighting Technician supports all artists in the Dance Place season in realizing their artistic visions across live, hybrid, and virtual performances.

Requirements

High school diploma or diploma equivalent (e.g., GED) is required.
Minimum of two years of direct working experience in a theater, performance space, or music venue is required.
Fluent with ETC lighting consoles (EOS family and ION XE preferred)
Working knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment and systems
Prior experience with Vectorworks and lighting documentation
General lighting maintenance and troubleshooting skills
Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Ability to work collaboratively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and experience levels
Proficient with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail), Microsoft Office products, or similar web applications for day-to-day office administration tasks.
Ability to sit and stand for prolonged times; walking moderate distances; frequently lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch; frequently communicating verbally with others; ability to safely work at elevated heights using ladders and mechanical lifts (e.g., Genie lifts); repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers due to typing; and viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of DMX, networking, and basic electrical principles.
Experience supporting dance and multidisciplinary performance.
Familiarity with video, livestreaming, and lighting techniques for on-camera applications.
An appreciation for the art of dance and Dance Place’s mission.
Positively contribute to Dance Place’s workplace culture and values.

Responsibilities

Communicate with visiting and resident Lighting Designers to understand and support their artistic and technical needs.
Advance external lighting designs and prepare the space when designers are not present.
Serve as primary light board programmer and operator for Dance Place performances.
Set up, focus, program, and strike lighting for performances, rehearsals, special events, and rentals.
Offer lighting design support for small-scale events as needed.
Lead and supervise lighting crew during load-ins, performances, and strikes.
Train and support technical theater interns, work/study students, and Dance Place staff on lighting systems.
Supervise interns, volunteers, and overhire staff when assigned or when senior staff is unavailable.
Maintain Dance Place lighting equipment and systems on an ongoing basis.
Keep lighting inventory, the Cafritz Foundation Theater lighting plot, and related paperwork current for internal and external use.
Advise on lighting equipment rentals and overhire staffing needs.
Assist the Technical Director in maintaining an up-to-date lighting equipment wish list.
Assist with audio/visual setup, scenic builds, deck moves, and general theater operations as needed.
Support virtual and hybrid performances, including lighting for camera and livestream/broadcast platforms.
Assist with event and equipment rentals in the Cfritz Foundation Theater.
Help maintain clean, organized, safe workplaces, including the theater, booth shop, backstage, and storage areas.
Work closely with the Production team to ensure smooth technical operations.
In the absence of the Technical Director, serve as a venue point person for artists in the Dance Place season, in collaboration with the Audio & Video Technician.
Support events on the Dance Place campus and at off-site locations throughout the Washington, DC area.