Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor

POSITION: Assistant Stage Operations Supervisor

DEPARTMENT: Scenery

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time / Hourly / Non-Exempt

SUPERVISOR: Stage Supervisor, Scenery Director

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, creating productions and cultivating new audiences.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and the Alley’s leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.

JOB STATEMENT

The Assistant Stage Supervisor assists the Stage Supervisor to provide management, leadership, and training for the Stage Technician. They will work in conjunction with the Stage Supervisor and Stage Management to plot out the safest and most efficient way to preset, move, and store scenery and props for assigned productions. They will assist the Stage Supervisor in tracking crew hours and delegating show assignments. This person may also be required to run specific show tracks or act as a temporary swing for missing show operators.

The Assistant Stage Supervisor is responsible for learning the technical elements for all assigned shows and for creating and maintaining all show run paperwork relevant to their assigned shows. They must be able to troubleshoot and make minor repairs and/or adjustments as needed, in an appropriate and timely manner. The Assistant Stage Supervisor must have sufficient leadership skills to oversee Stage Technician personnel with repair projects, as needed.  This individual must be organized and self-motivated, have exceptional people skills, and be able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic backstage environment. 

JOB DUTIES

• Provide positive leadership, organization, communication and supervision for the Stage Technician in the absence, or at the request, of the Stage Supervisor.
• Participate in all technical rehearsals and performances of shows as assigned by the Stage Supervisor.
• Lead the Stage Technicians in pre-show, show operation, and post-show duties as needed, including cleaning the stage and backstage, setting up and striking props and scenery, scene changes, and daily maintenance. 
• Collaborate with the lighting, sound, wardrobe, and hair & makeup staff as necessary for smooth show operation. 
• Determine backstage preparation and order of operations for assigned shows.
• Assist the Stage Supervisor with orienting and training Stage Technician on backstage etiquette, safety practices, and standard procedures.
• Supervise smaller work crews as assigned.
• Operate stage automations and ensure that proper safety practices are used during operation.
• Create show run paperwork for each show they are assigned.
• Follow direction of Stage Management and/or Show Director during rehearsal and performances.
• Maintain close communication with the Stage Supervisor regarding backstage operation, scheduling, technical, safety, and personnel issues. 
• Use initiative to solve problems that develop during shifts as necessary.
• Function as Back of House Automation Programmer under the direction and supervision of the Stage Supervisor

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stage Operations Technicians (3)
• Over-hire Stage Technicians

REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making and troubleshooting skills.
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task.
• Ability to be self-directed and take initiative.
• Experience with and ability to lead and direct teams of people 
• Proficiency in stage rigging and automation
  • Preference given to candidates with TAIT Navigator™ experience
  • Preference given to candidates with Creative Conners™ experience
• Strong proficiency in various hands-on technical skills such as
  • Carpentry, including wood and metal construction
  • Electronics, including AC & DC voltage control systems
  • Pneumatic control systems
  • Hydraulic control systems
  • Theatrical rigging
• Training and understanding of safe practices for the theatre.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Alternates with prolonged periods of standing and moving
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds alone or with the aid of a team
• Ability to work at heights of up to 70 feet
• Ability to wear and safely use a fall arrest harness
• Work includes prolonged periods of standing, ladder work, work on MEWPs (personnel lifts).
• Work includes climbing and crawling in cramped and otherwise limiting job sites required.
• Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where directions and priorities can change rapidly.
• Hours vary with the production calendar. Work shifts include daytime, evening, and weekend hours, and holidays.

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Paid vacation, floating holiday, and sick time.
• 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible).
• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Bi-Weekly $4 Discounted Parking.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Employee wellness program & EAP.
• Houston, TX is one of the most affordable cities in the nation with no state or city income tax.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, please go to the following link on the Alley’s website and apply.

https://www.alleytheatre.org/about-us/opportunities/employment

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Salary : $21