Description

POSITION: Lighting Supervisor

CLASSIFICATION:  Seasonal - Full Time

STATUS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Director of Production and Operations

SUPERVISES: Lighting Staff 

LOCATION: Williamstown, MA

COMPENSATION: $1200-$1500 Weekly 

HIRING TIMELINE: Applications to be accepted until filled with a priority application deadline of 2/2/2023. Application review and interviews to be conducted starting 2/5/2023 with an anticipated start date of 06/03/2023.

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Williamstown Theatre Festival, renowned for its commitment to artistic excellence, is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our team as the Lighting Supervisor for the 2024 Season. As a department head within the production department, this position offers an exciting opportunity for an individual to lead and mentor a team of talented emerging designers who will take charge in designing for productions this summer. 

Reporting to the Director of Production and Operations, the Lighting Supervisor will play a crucial role in shaping the visual aesthetic of our performances and ensuring the seamless execution of technical aspects related to lighting design. This position will begin remotely on a part-time basis on March 3rd. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lighting Design and Execution:

• Collaborate closely with production directors to understand desired production aesthetics and determine design possibilities within the given constraints.
• Conceptualize and design repertory lighting plots for 3 theaters (Mainstage, Center Stage, and Directing Studio) that will serve and enhance the artistic vision of multiple productions in each venue.
• Assign emerging designers to individual projects and oversee the design process between them and the production directors. 
• Oversee the installation, programming, and operation of lighting equipment during load-in, technical rehearsals, and performances. Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues related to lighting equipment and systems as they arise. 
• Coordinate any necessary lighting rentals for the season, including trucking to and from campus.
• Assist with the load-in and load-out of campus spaces including offices and workspaces, counting of equipment, and storage of items for off-season. 

Team Leadership:

• Lead the hiring process for all lighting department staff and work in conjunction with other production department heads to assist as a second opinion for hiring decisions in other departments. 
• Supervise and lead the lighting team, providing guidance and support to ensure a collaborative and efficient working environment.
• Coordinate with other production departments to integrate lighting seamlessly into the overall production designs.
• Provide training and mentorship to lighting team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development through reviewing and editing paperwork, providing guidance on best practices, and sharing professional experience.

Management:

• Set weekly working hours for lighting department staff, coordinate overtime needs and time off requests, and manage weekly staff hours approval. 
• Track lighting department budgets, materials purchasing, and any required equipment maintenance.
• Ensure that safe working practices are maintained in any facilities used by the lighting department staff. Follow all festival safety protocols. 
• Partake in season debrief meetings and create documentation of notes that will better serve the position and lighting department next summer.
• Customarily and regularly directs the work of two or more other employees, and whose suggestions and recommendations as to the advancement, promotion, or any other change of status of other employees are given particular weight.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• The Williamstown Theatre Festival does not require a specific number of years of experience or have a minimum for educational credentials. 
• Proven experience in a lighting role in a professional theatre setting with demonstrated success in designing and executing lighting for a variety of theatrical productions with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to artistic excellence.
• Technical drafting. Must be proficient in Vectorworks.
• In-depth knowledge of a wide range of lighting equipment and technologies.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and management skills, with a track record of leading diverse teams through a supportive and collaborative approach to management.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic production environment, with the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and timelines.
• Must be able to work long shifts on feet.
• An essential function of this job is in-person work in Williamstown, MA.