The view from the Ford’s Theatre stage looking out to the audience. To the left of the stage is the President Box with an American flag, a framed picture of George Washington and American flag bunting draped over the box. To the right is another box with yellow and white curtains. In the center of the stage is a wooden desk. The view includes two levels of seating and rows of lighting equipment on the third level.
Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Head Flyperson

Ford’s Theatre Society (FTS) is hiring a Head Flyperson that is responsible for organizing, maintaining, and implementing all rigging needs of the theatrical productions and educational/special programming.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Provide rigging and general technical support for rehearsals, performances, load-ins, work note sessions and strikes.
  • Set up and run all rigging; pertaining to but not limited to flown scenery, masking, lighting and sound
  • Collaborate and work closely with Designers, Stage Management and Head Carpenter to coordinate all manual and automated rail shifts, including an up-to-date running sheet of cues
  • Organize and maintain rail and grid space as per individual needs of each production in conjunction with Head Carpenter
  • Maintain a line set schedule; including trim heights, scenery placements and masking opening
  • Oversee safe use of all rigging equipment, including a daily check of all rigging and flown items
  • Create and maintain a current inventory of theatre-owned rigging equipment, as well as a current list of future purchases and projects to enhance the production department
  • Coordinate rail personnel in conjunction with the Production Supervisor and Head Carpenter
  • Coordinate safe use of all equipment and safe working procedures with co-workers
  • Attend rehearsals, meetings (including departmental and staff), trainings and notes sessions as required
  • Perform other duties as required, including providing labor support for other production departments.
  • Maintain and initiate repair of all rigging equipment including the recommendation of new purchases to the Head Carpenter and Production Supervisor
  • Adhere to, promote and support Ford’s Theatre Society’s safety and company policies
  • Serve Ford’s Theatre Society’s best interests in the coordination and supervision of technical needs for all education and public programming, as well as additional special events
  • Work respectfully and collaboratively with Ford’s Theatre Society staff, visiting artists and outside vendors and contactors

Qualifications

Required: Demonstrated professional experience is required in theatrical rigging (including computerized rigging systems), and carpentry.

Preferred: Related experience in scenery automation and welding.

Salary

Per FTS/IATSE 22 agreement, for the 26 – 27 season $51.86/hour

Benefits

Additional benefits under current agreement between FTS/IATSE Local 22 include overtime pay, vacation pay, paid sick leave, parking or transportation subsidy; and pension, annuity and welfare contributions to respective IATSE 22 funds.

How to Apply

Email: cover letter and theatrical resume to: [email protected]
Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2026

Ford’s is proud to be an equal opportunity employer where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, family status, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.