Lead Production Technician

Description

The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, with campuses in New York City and Hollywood, is one of the foremost post-secondary performing arts colleges in the country. AMDA offers Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance Theatre and Performing Arts, as well as two-year conservatory programs.

The Lead Production Technician coordinates with the Technical Direction team to support and lead the execution of technical production elements for AMDA productions, capstones, Artist’s Lab projects, and other educational or extracurricular events. This position provides hands-on technical expertise across multiple areas of theatrical production including scenery, lighting, audio, video, properties, and stage operations while helping maintain safe and effective production environments for students, faculty, and staff.

The Lead Production Technician also provides technical support during rehearsals and performances, assists in training and guiding student crews, and helps ensure productions are executed safely, professionally, and in alignment with departmental standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Coordinate with the Technical Direction team and assist in leading the execution of production technical operations.
• Perform scenic construction, scenic art, painting, load-in, strike, maintenance, and modification of scenic and production elements.
• Construct and maintain stage properties, scenic elements, and theatrical resources using a variety of materials and techniques.
• Assist with theatrical lighting installation including hanging, circuiting, focusing, programming, and maintenance.
• Operate and support sound, lighting, projection, and video systems during rehearsals and performances.
• Program lighting, sound, and/or projection systems for various levels of AMDA productions.
• Pull, organize, catalog, maintain, and repair props, furniture, scenic dressing, and production equipment.
• Monitor rehearsals and performances for technical issues and assist in resolving problems as they arise.
• Support the training and oversight of student crews to ensure adherence to operational and safety procedures.
• Assist with opening and closing production spaces and ensuring proper setup and shutdown procedures are followed.
• Support house and performance operations as needed in coordination with Stage Management and Production teams.
• Assist with inventory management and maintenance of production equipment, tools, and theatrical spaces.
• Set up, operate, and strike production and AV equipment for on-campus and off-site events.
• Maintain safe working conditions and utilize industry-standard theatrical production practices.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience working in multiple areas of theatrical production including scenery, scenic painting, props, lighting, audio, and/or video.
• Experience operating theatrical production equipment and tools in live performance environments.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality.
• Proficiency in theatrical production equipment, tools, and software systems.
• Ability to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of standard theatrical production practices and safety procedures.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical production issues in live performance settings.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining safe theatrical environments.
• Experience programming ETC EOS family lighting consoles preferred
• Experience with Yamaha and/or Behringer sound consoles preferred
• Experience programming QLab audio and video playback systems preferred
• Experience working with wireless microphone systems preferred
• Experience working in educational or higher education theatrical environments preferred
• Able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Able to stand and/or walk for extended periods.
• Able to use hands to operate tools, theatrical equipment, and technology.
• Able to frequently lift, carry, push, and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Able to climb ladders and work at heights as necessary for theatrical production support.
• Able to work in backstage, theatrical, shop, and performance environments with varying noise and lighting conditions.
• Local travel between campuses or off-site event locations may occasionally be required.
  
  

Position Information

• The work schedule for this position is Monday – Friday, generally 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; evenings and weekends required based on production schedules and departmental needs
• The pay rate for this position is $33.00 per hour.
• This position is subject to a background check upon a conditional offer of employment and a reference check
• This is a fully in-person Position
  
  

Diversity And Qualifications

AMDA is fully committed to diversity, inclusivity, and equity throughout the teaching and learning process. We encourage applications from individuals who have extensive experience working with students from diverse backgrounds. Successful candidates will have a sensitivity to, and understanding of, the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of our students, including disabilities that may affect students' development and learning styles. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

AMDA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in which no person is subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, supervision, promotion, working conditions, termination, layoff, demotion, transfer, compensation, and training.