Employment

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is seeking a Master Electrician for its upcoming production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol at the Emerson Cutler Majestic Theater, Boston MA, running Dec 8-22, 2024. 

This position is hourly on a W-2, with overtime after 40 hours (anticipated during load-in / tech week only). The job is 90% remote for the pre-production process.  On-site work is required during load-in, tech, previews, and strike. 

Location: Boston, MA

• Occasional meetings with Production Management, Lighting Designers, and/or High Output to be completed remotely as needed
• Prep prior to load in to be completed at High Output in Canton, MA
• The performance itself takes place at the Cutler Majestic Theater, Emerson College, Boston MA
• Out of town candidates: housing available for load-in/opening and strike periods

Schedule:

Prep work November 18-Dec 1 2024 – Mostly remote, with occasional visits to shop (High Output Lighting, Canton MA)

Tech/Performance/Strike Dec 2 to Dec 23 2024

Job Description:

The Master Electrician is the head of the lighting and electrics department, and is responsible for realizing the design of the Lighting Designer in collaboration with all other production departments.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising and Hiring of Staff
  • Lead team of 3 staff electricians throughout the process (Assistant ME, 2 Spot Operators)
  • Secure and supervise overhire labor for load in, focus, and load out as needed
  • Review/sign off on timesheets as needed
• Budgeting
  • Work in collaboration with the Lighting Designers and Director of Production to create, manage, and prep the shop order
  • In coordination with Production Management, maintain/manage the Lighting Budget as outlined by the Director of Production
• Venue relationship
  • Work with venue (house) staff to gain access to the theatre spaces and equipment as needed
  • Count-in and review state of house lighting equipment at start of load in, report any missing or damaged gear to house staff, and work to get suitable replacements in time for production
  • Follow and communicate house rules and safety regulations to all staff under supervision
• Load In/Load Out
  • Supervise lighting load-in, hang, and focus
  • Set up power for tech tables, backstage, orchestra pits, and other production staff
  • Work with house staff to tie in to power
  • Keep and maintain up-to-date paperwork
  • Supervise load-out as it relates to the electrics department
  • Keep and maintain up-to-date paperwork
  • Maintain safe working environment according to OSHA, local temporary electrical permits, and general standards
  • Operate and train other staff members in the operation of ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and fall arrest systems
  • Oversee the implementation and use of spot light operator’s fall-arrest systems

Desired qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in theatre
• 3+ years experience as a Master Electrician
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Experience in managing large crews
• Strong leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Personal vehicle a plus

On site job requirements:

• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs
• Ability to navigate stairs and uneven terrain
• Ability to navigate in low-light, outdoor settings
• Valid driver’s license
• 18+ years of age
• Experience with and ability to meet all duties and responsibilities as listed above
• Harness trained
• Genie lift trained
• Experience with and ability to meet all duties and responsibilities as listed above

Candidates with parallel experience such as Stage Management, General Management, Technical Theatre work at department-head level, or Production work for film/tv/music will be considered and should be encouraged to apply

If interested, please send a resume and brief statement of interest to employment@commshakes.org with the job title in the subject of the email.

Compensation:

This is a W2 position, eligible for overtime.  Hourly rate is $30/hour, Overtime at 1.5x.  Anticipated 220 regular hours November 18-January 3rd, up to 45 overtime hours if needed during tech and opening.

Average weekly pay of $900-1200 per week for 7 weeks, counting anticipated overtime

Pay is made weekly the Friday following the earnings period.