Emerson Stage Overhire

Emerson College•Boston, MA

13d•Onsite

About The Position

Emerson Stage, the producing wing within the Department of Performing Arts, is looking for experienced freelance theatre technicians to join their overhire list. This list supports the production staff on various productions throughout Emerson Stage's 10+ show season. Individuals on this list are scheduled on an as-needed basis to assist with the build, load-in, and load-out of productions. Emerson Stage will send out emails to the overhire list when positions are required, detailing the dates, times, production, venue, and open positions. Interested individuals can reply with their availability and will be selected based on their technical experience.

Requirements

Strong working knowledge of theatrical environments, live staging operations, and safety protocols.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, and safely operating power tools.
Experience hanging, circuiting, focusing, and programming lighting fixtures (familiarity with ETC EOS software is highly desirable).
Experience with AV setup, signal flow, digital console operations (e.g., Yamaha systems), or theatrical A2 practices.
Stitching skills, garment alterations experience, and experience serving on wardrobe run crews.
Ability to collaborate effectively, integrate into new teams quickly, and work well under pressure.
Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic math skills, including geometry, angles, and fractions.
Basic understanding of rigging, counterweight lineset operations, and automation systems.

Nice To Haves

Professional safety certifications (such as OSHA 10-Hour or Aerial Lift training) are highly valued.

Responsibilities

Support the construction, installation, and strike of scenery; interpret technical build drawings safely and efficiently alongside students in coordination with the Technical Director.
Assist the Technical Director in managing safe theatrical rigging, fly rail operations, and flying or hung scenic equipment during load-in and load-out.
Paint and finish all scenic elements including priming, texturing, sculpting, and applying scenic details as designed by the Scenic Designer and Charge Artist.
Assist in periodic upkeep/touch up of painted elements during the run of a production. Inventory and stock items when needed. Assist in the creation of a “touch up kit” for production and maintain a clean and safe work space.
Construct, install, and strike properties under the Props Director's guidance; interpret build drawings safely with students using materials such as wood, foam, plastic, and paint.
Assist with the hang, focus, cabling, and circuiting of lighting plots under the supervision of the Production Electrician; support console programming and practical cabling/wiring.
Set up, test, break down, and cable sound systems to execute designers' plots under the guidance of the Production Sound Engineer; maintain audio gear in coordination with the Sound Supervisor, set up microphones/AV systems, and operate mixing consoles during tech and performances.
Assist with pulling, constructing, and altering costume garments; serve as wardrobe show crew. Maintain costumes throughout production runs. Works closely with the Draper and Costume Shop Manager to complete projects as needed including costume crafts, stitching, and alterations.
Assist in the maintenance and implementation of wig or makeup requirements for productions. Assist with performer wig/hair styling, and theatrical makeup application or education to facilitate the designers intent.
Serve as show run crew and maintain hair and makeup needs during productions. Ensure that quick changes, including those involving special effects makeup or wigs are achieved in a timely, safe and efficient manner.
Install, test, and break down projection equipment; execute projection plans under the Projection Engineer's guidance, maintain video equipment, program media consoles, and operate projection systems during tech and shows.
Support backstage run operations, including fly rail functions and deck track run crew duties.
Assist with load-in and strike logistics, seating setups, event prep, and general hospitality.
Work cross-departmentally as required and run basic light, sound, or video system boards during performances.
Flexibility to assist cross-departmentally as needed.