What are the responsibilities and job description for the Head Electrician, Stephen Sondheim Theatre position at Roundabout Theatre Company?
DESCRIPTION
Roundabout Theatre Company (RTC) seeks a Head Electrician for their producing space on Broadway in New York City, at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre. Position to commence at beginning summer 2026. This is an IATSE Local One position.
The Head Electrician is instrumental in all production and facilities needs at the theatre. The Head Electrician provides regular ongoing maintenance of the theatre's electrical systems and theatrical lighting equipment and works closely with production management and each show's creative team to facilitate the realization of the overall show design. The Stephen Sondheim Theatre is currently utilized for the commercial production of & Juliet but can be utilized for either Roundabout or rental productions for up to three productions per season.
The Head Electrician works under the agreement between RTC and IATSE Local One. The Head Electrician is involved in the pre-production, production, and post-production process for the Electrics department, including being a member of the running crew, as well as making sure the electric needs of the facility are in working order. This position works closely with RTC staff, directors, designers, stage managers, technical crews, consultants, and vendors. Critical for success in this position is the ability to work in concert with others, train and manage staff, and track and prioritize multiple short term and long-term projects at once.
Requirements:
- This is an IATSE Local One position.
- Experience and background working in technical theatre at a high level, advancing, running and maintaining shows; Experience on a Broadway level is preferred.
- Minimum five years’ experience as a Production Electrician.
- Knowledge of OSHA Safety Practices.
- Experience managing people and setting a strong example in the workplace.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to always exercise professional courtesy and discretion and maintain confidentiality as required.
- Strong attention to detail, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
- A positive attitude, concern for other people and community, and self-confidence.
- A commitment to advancing the values of our Building a Better Roundabout plan in all aspects of backstage work.
- Ability to read and execute technical drawings.
- Proficiency with electrical wiring, soldering, and high amperage services.
- Strong knowledge in standard theatrical lighting practices, including power distribution and safe rigging practices.
- General computer skills including Microsoft Office and Dropbox.
- Must be able to climb and work from ladders and lift and carry at least 50 lbs.
- Comfortable working overhead and at night.
Additional Skills a Plus:
- Fluency in AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks, Lightwright, Word, and Excel
- ETC EOS Programming
- Show networking
- OSHA 10 and OSHA 30 Certification
- ETCP Electrical Certification
The ideal candidate is self-motivated and excellent at problem solving. Creativity and willingness to work as a team member required, as the Head Electrician works closely with the Carpentry and Properties Heads. Evening, early morning, late night, and weekend hours are often required for this position.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for the operation and maintenance of all stage electrical equipment. Includes but is not limited to control consoles, dimmers, lighting instruments, moving head fixtures, and follow spots.
- Load-in, load-out, running, and maintenance of all productions in the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (i.e., three productions per season or commercial rental(s)).
- Attend production meetings during pre-production, rehearsals, tech, and preview performances as determined by production management.
- Hire and supervise electric crews for the prep, load-in, run, and load-out of all productions and special events at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.
- Create accurate daily timesheets in accordance with Local One Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for crew calls and submit weekly for payroll processing.
- Maintain a call list of electricians/stagehands.
- Oversee and train Local One Apprentice, alongside Head Carpenter and Head Properties.
- Maintenance and upkeep of Stephen Sondheim Theatre equipment and long-term planning for Capital Equipment upgrades. Coordinate with Building Engineers on the maintenance and repair of electrical systems as related to the theatre.
- Serve as a working member of the crew, which includes physical labor for extended periods of time with night and weekend work.
- Purchase materials for load in, tech rehearsals, run of show, and load-out as needed.
- Maintain a safe working environment in the theatre. Enforce standards of operation in production equipment that are safe for both personnel and equipment.
- Assist onsite RTC Education, Development, and Marketing Departments with events.
- Attend and participate in training sessions and workshops as required by RTC.
- Perform other duties as assigned by Production Manager and/or General Manager.
Pay & Benefits:
Wages per the Roundabout Theatre Company Stephen Sondheum Theatre-Local One CBA. Standard performance weekly rates applicable to this venue range from $2,369.12-$2,856.59 per week. Other higher rates of pay may be earned for other activities in accordance with the CBA.
IATSE Local One Benefits, including Pension, Annuity, Vacation, and Welfare in accordance with Roundabout Theatre Company Stephen Sondheim Theatre-Local One CBA.
To Apply:
Please forward a cover letter and resume in PDF or Word format: [email protected] and use code SST-0526 in the subject line. If you require reasonable accommodation to participate in the interview process, please indicate in your email. No phone calls please.
Roundabout celebrates the power of theatre by spotlighting classics from the past, cultivating new works of the present and educating minds for the future
As a theatre company and a long-standing member of many communities, Roundabout believes in the importance of words, the impact of action, and the healing capacity of shared stories. That belief demands that we make our work accessible to all. Read our five-year strategic plan on how we intend to build a better Roundabout.
To this end, Roundabout Theatre Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to represent individuals from all walks of life in its workforce. We want our employment community to be a representation of the diverse world we live in. As such, we strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups to apply, and we ensure that every candidate who applies for a position at Roundabout Theatre Company is treated equally and fairly without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status and any other factor prohibited by law. We believe diversity in our teammates is paramount to our success as a not-for-profit theatre serving all communities in New York.
SALARY
$2,369.12 – $2,856.59 per week
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UNION
IATSE Local One