An exterior view of historic Ford’s Theatre, a three-story brick building with five arched windows on the second and third floor. The bottom floor is white and has five arched entryways.
Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie.

Assistant Stagehand

Ford’s Theatre Society is hiring Assistant Stagehand/Electrics to provide support for all productions, events and programs produced or presented by the organization.

This position requires a versatile theatre technician capable of working across multiple disciplines. The position will maintain the highest standards of safety, craftsmanship, professionalism and respectful engagement with staff, guests, visitors, artists and stakeholders.

Production Support

  • Assistant Stagehands work collaboratively with Production Management, Department Heads, Designers, Stage Management, Ford’s Theatre Society staff and fellow crew members to safely support all phases of production, including load-ins, rehearsals, performances, notes sessions, changeovers, strikes, special events and other programming.
  • Work as a member of the stage crew across multiple technical disciplines, including theatrical electrics, stage carpentry, rigging, audio, deck operations, projections and special effects, depending on the needs of each production.
  • Assist with the installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and strike of theatrical systems.

Experience

Candidates should have professional, educational or equivalent hands-on experience in technical theatre. We are seeking a well-rounded theatre technician with demonstrated skills in several production disciplines rather than a specialist in only one area. Candidates do not need to be experts in every discipline. We are particularly interested in technicians who have a strong foundation in theatrical electrics while also being comfortable working as part of a crew across carpentry, rigging, audio and general stage operations.

Knowledge and Skills

  • Installation of theatrical lighting designs and troubleshooting conventional and intelligent lighting fixtures.
  • Basic theatrical carpentry skills and safe use of hand and power tools
  • Familiarity with theatrical audio systems, signal flow, microphones, speakers and cabling
  • Ability to troubleshoot technical problems calmly and methodically
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a production team
  • Ability and willingness to learn new equipment, systems and production disciplines
  • Valid driver’s license required

Additional experience that is helpful, but not required:

  • Program and operate industry standard lighting control systems
  • Projection/video systems
  • Theatrical Automation systems
  • Driving 26-foot rental box trucks

Physical and Scheduling Requirements

  • Frequently lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Occasionally lift heavier equipment with assistance
  • Work on ladders, personnel lifts, catwalks, grids and other elevated work areas
  • Work in confined spaces and backstage environments
  • Stand, kneel, crawl, climb, push and pull for extended periods
  • Work evenings, weekends, holidays and extended technical rehearsal schedules as required

Successful Candidates Demonstrate

  • Broad interest in technical theatre and a willingness to work across departments
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Excellent communication and collaboration
  • Professionalism under pressure
  • Adaptability in a fast-paced production environment
  • Attention to detail and craftsmanship
  • A team-oriented approach to production
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Commitment to safe working practices
  • Commitment to Ford’s Theatre values
  • A curious mindset and commitment to ongoing learning

Compensation

Per FTS/IATSE 22 agreement, for the 26-27 season $49.28/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 by September 4 to: [email protected]

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.