Master Electrician

SUMMARY

The Center for Puppetry Arts is accepting resumes from theatre technicians with skills in electrics, sound, and video for the full-time position of Master Electrician (ME). The ME is responsible for managing the Production Department’s lighting, sound, video, and atmospheric effects (atmo) systems for each show. In addition to these responsibilities, the ME also assists in the technical needs of the Center as a whole.

Reports to:
    -Producer and Production Manager

Supervises:
    -Overhire Electrics Crews
    -Electrics Intern

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Facilitate show development through effective communication of electrical, sound, and video needs with designers and directors 
  • Prep upcoming shows (pulling gear, cutting gel, etc.) 
  • Lead electrics crew in the changeover of shows, which includes installing the lighting, audio, video, and atmo needs for Center and guest artist productions 
  • Hang, circuit, and focus lighting plots 
  • Prepare sound systems for rehearsals and performances 
  • Hang and focus of the video projection equipment 
  • Service guest artist technical needs (design, hang, focus, programming, etc.) 
  • Interface with media visits (audio tie-ins, additional tech needs) 
  • Stand in as Tech / Designer to assist if the designer is unavailable. 
  • Set mic EQ for rehearsal 
  • Focus projectors and video programming 
  • Help designers with unfamiliar equipment 
  • Construct specialty lighting and gear needs for shows 
  • Maintain show documentation for lighting, audio, video, and atmo systems  
  • Draft plots (Light, Sound, and Video) 
  • Update and archive paperwork 
  • Take and archive tech and focus pictures 
  • Maintain the lighting, sound, video, and atmospheric effects inventories 
  • Service and repair equipment 
  • Determine upgrades that are needed 
  • Maintain and organize the Electrics shop, keeping it in a state of readiness for upcoming shows and events 
  • Serve as show tech support and stage manager understudy as needed 
  • Coordinate with Puppet Shop and Scene Shop to confirm the manner in which repairs and adjustments should be implemented when working as the sole tech on duty for shows. 
  • Arrange hiring of an electrician overhire crew as needed  
  • Supervise electrical internships 

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide Tech Support for the Museum, including but not limited to: 
    • Run electrical load-ins for new exhibits
    • Construct specialty lighting equipment needs
    • Service and repair equipment
    • Determine upgrades that are needed
    • R&D Solutions for special projects
  • Run electrical load-ins for new exhibits 
  • Construct specialty lighting equipment needs 
  • Service and repair equipment 
  • Determine upgrades that are needed 
  • R&D Solutions for special projects 
  • Maintain movie night equipment 
  • Maintain atrium sound system 
  • Provide tech support for special projects/events 
  • Provide limited tech support for meetings and rentals 
  • Fulfill the electric needs for other Center activities (events, tours, etc.) 
  • Collaborate with Facilities Manager regarding facilities safety; consult with outside contractors and project managers as needed. 
  • Provide occasional tech support for weekend performances 
  • Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

  • Comfortable working on ladders (all spaces have dead-hung grids) 
  • Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds regularly 
  • Ability to move and manipulate 85-pound ladders 
  • Specific Vision Requirements: Color Vision & Depth Perception 
  • Specific Hearing Requirements: Must have a full range of hearing 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3-5 Years of professional experience with 1 year of supervisory experience 
  • Bachelor’s Degree in technical theatre or related field, MFA preferred; will consider work experience instead of degree.           
  • Available to work some nights, weekends, and possibly holidays 
  • Valid Driver’s License

DESIRED SKILLS

  • Motivated and responsible 
  • Team-oriented attitude 
  • Courteous and professional demeanor 
  • Healthy sense of humor 
  • Crew management and scheduling 
  • Shop and inventory management 
  • Problem solving 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Vectorworks, Lightwright, Q-lab (audio, video, & automation) 
  • Knowledge of theatre drafting standards 
  • Lighting, sound, and video system operations 
  • Proficiency in ETC lighting equipment (ION, Express) preferred 
  • Proficiency in digital sound consoles (A&H – Dlive) preferred 
  • Wireless microphone coordination 
  • Working knowledge of video projection equipment 
  • Electrical, audio, and video wiring 
  • Basic Carpentry skills 
  • Vested interest in developing personal skill sets

BENEFITS

  •  Medical – Center pays 75% of the employee’s premium.
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 403(b)
  • Disability, Life, and AD&D Insurance
  • Vacation– 14 days.
  • Sick Leave – 6 days
  • Paid Holidays – 9 Days
  • Paid Personal Days – 5 Days
  • Paid Dark Week- 5 Days
  • Museum Store Discounts
  • Free show tickets
  • Free parking

EMPLOYMENT STATUS & PAY

Full-time, Hourly (nonexempt) position with benefits 

Rate: $19-$22 per hour/ $39,520-$45,760 per year – commensurate with experience 

Non-remote 

Please note that any attachments over 10 MB may need to be sent in separate emails.   

Design opportunities may become available, but are not the focus of this position. 

HOW TO APPLY

Please send resume, cover letter, and tech portfolio if applicable to: timsweeney@puppet.org by September 30, 2026.

No phone calls, please.