Production/AV Technician, Theater

Whitney Museum of American Art•New York, NY

About The Position

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s Theater Operations team is seeking skilled Production Technicians for its theater and other event spaces. Technicians may specialize in one or more areas: Lighting, Audio, Video/Film, Carpentry/Rigging, Networking & Show Control, or general stagehand duties. They support more than 300 annual events, including live performances, corporate events, dinners, receptions, artist talks, and film screenings. Under the oversight of Production Supervisors, technicians operate and maintain the Susan and John Hess Family Theater and its theatrical systems, provide hands-on event support, and work with artists, programmers, clients, and production colleagues to deliver events in line with their technical needs and creative vision. The position also involves setting up and troubleshooting equipment, maintaining inventory, following safety practices, and assisting with load-ins, setups, strikes, and load-outs. These are hourly roles scheduled on an as-needed basis and covered by IATSE Local 306. The minimum hourly rate as of the posting date is $43.76.

Requirements

At least 5 years of relevant experience in theatrical/performance, corporate event, or equivalent settings.
Friendly and professional attitude when working closely with artists, programming teams, and high-level rental clients.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt communication and technical approaches to diverse artists, programmers, clients, and colleagues.
Ability to read, understand, and execute technical drawings and paperwork.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 Suite, Google Suite, Dropbox, Mac OSX, and area-specific software and hardware.
Availability to work nights, weekends, and possible holidays.
Member in good standing of IATSE Local 306, or willingness to become a member.
Comfort working at heights up to 30 feet on ladders and personnel lifts.
Ability to regularly walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, reach, and climb in various positions.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move heavier equipment.

Nice To Haves

Interdisciplinary knowledge of other production departments.
Audio expertise, including operation of audio systems ranging from lectern microphones to 7.1 film screenings and spatial-audio performances; knowledge of Dante, QLab, Ableton, and Reaper.
Video/film expertise, including digital and analog projection systems, 16mm/35mm Kinoton projectors, QLab, PowerPoint, Keynote, Dante and NDI networks, KVM systems, Wirecast, Zoom and ZoomISO, Blackmagic Design ATEM equipment, and Roland video switchers.
Lighting expertise, including theatrical lighting fixture rigging and operation, ETC Ion or Nomad, Vectorworks, Lightwright, QLab, and basic networking.
Carpentry and rigging expertise, including scenic construction and repair, automation systems, theatrical rigging, and safety standards such as ESTA and ANSI.
Networking and show control expertise across Dante, Shure, d&b, QLab, NDI, ETCnet, OSCRouter, Q-SYS, PosiStageNet, and OSC, including understanding theatrical network systems.
Awareness of emerging technologies and working methods, and ability to recommend potential upgrades for the space.

Responsibilities

Operate and regularly maintain the Susan and John Hess Family Theater and its theatrical systems, supporting other spaces as needed.
Under Production Supervisor oversight, provide hands-on technical support for live performances, corporate events, dinners, receptions, artist talks, film screenings, and other events.
Collaborate with artists, programmers, clients, and production team members to execute events in line with their technical needs and vision, suggesting creative alternatives when appropriate.
Set up, test, and troubleshoot technical equipment and systems before events; work with the Theater Operations team on repairs and last-minute issues.
Maintain and organize technical equipment and inventory across storage areas and ensure tools and systems are in good working order.
Follow safety protocols and best practices to protect visitors, artists, staff, and the building.
Assist with load-in, setup, strike, and load-out duties across technical areas as needed.
Participate in regular training and cross-training.
For audio specialization: set up and operate audio systems, understand and troubleshoot analog and digital signal flow, and use software-based controls and audio tools to prepare, deliver, and record content.
For video/film specialization: operate digital and analog projection systems and associated equipment; prepare and deliver presentation content; install, operate, and maintain projectors, rolling TVs, and PTZ camera systems; ensure projected media alignment, resolution, and quality; and potentially direct livestreams and event video capture.
For lighting specialization: hang, circuit, focus, and troubleshoot theatrical lighting fixtures; apply rigging and mounting techniques; and design and operate theatrical lighting.
For carpentry and rigging specialization: set up, strike, and care for stage decking, seating, soft goods, scenic elements, and flooring; build, source, modify, treat, and repair scenic elements and props; operate and maintain automation systems; rig or assist with rigging theatrical elements; and conduct safety inspections and raise safety concerns.
For networking and show control specialization: maintain and troubleshoot networking hardware and systems across audio, video, lighting, control, and automation; perform regular maintenance; and schedule upgrades.
For general stagehand and production assistance: load, unload, move, set up, operate, and strike equipment; serve as run crew or talent wrangler; and support technical areas, artists, and clients as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.