Show Automation Technician

Sight & Sound is an organization of diverse talents united in Christ to tell His story through our work. We foster a culture of love for God and others, trust, teamwork, and collaboration, enabling everyone to do their best work every day.

About the role

The Show Automation Technician supports technical elements during show runs, performs repairs on department equipment and systems, and assists the Automation & Effects department with development, installation, programming, implementation, maintenance, and updates of projects and systems. This role requires understanding show-related programs and systems to run, troubleshoot, and repair, as well as operating automation and control consoles during shows while maintaining consistency in executing cues safely and on time.

Responsibilities

• Uphold, model, and encourage a culture of oneness consistent with our shared commitment to Jesus as Lord and reflect biblical truth in life and work.
• Provide exceptional customer service to Show Operations departments through clear and timely communication about technical production elements.
• Perform immediate repairs on lighting, projection, special effects, communications, and other show-related equipment during performances, rehearsals, and as needed to maintain show quality.
• Maintain and operate automation consoles, software, and equipment during shows, including preparation for daily start-up and shutdown.
• Operate flight, vehicle, effect cues, drops, legs, ramps, media, and stage lift cues during shows, rehearsals, sectionals, and demos.
• Maintain working knowledge of rigging equipment, including boom lifts, chain motors, power lifts, fall arrest systems, performer flying systems, knots, wire rope, and cable terminations.
• Assist in creating and maintaining detailed cue sheets and start-up/shutdown checklists.
• Serve as primary contact for communicating show element status with Automation & Effects, Media/Art, Deck Chief, and Stage Management during shows and technical challenges, supporting the authority of the Stage Manager.
• Communicate and execute cues using proper headset protocol while maintaining a calm, professional demeanor.
• Provide emergency show support for absent Lighting/Deck Technicians, including executing cues while in costume in view of the audience if needed.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of electronic and electrical systems.
• Hardware, software, and network computer skills.
• Advanced electronic and mechanical troubleshooting skills for lighting, projection, special effects, and communications equipment.
• Knowledge and experience in live stage and production.
• Knowledge of programming and operation of video media servers.
• Must be available to work flexible hours, including during shows, rehearsals, and other shifts as needed for department projects.
• Associate degree and 1-2 years of electronics troubleshooting experience preferred.
• Live production experience preferred.

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing and walking; occasional running.
• Occasional positioning on top of or underneath objects, including stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Occasional balancing, ascending, and descending ladders.
• Frequent communication and conversation with others.
• Occasional transport of weights or exertion of force up to 50 pounds; seldom up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to observe details at close range, detect color, peripheral objects, depth, and adjust focus between close and distant objects.
• Valid driver’s license may be required to operate motorized passenger vehicles and heavy equipment.
• Operation of computers and other digital workstations may be required.

Work Environment

• Exposure to moving mechanical parts, odors, fumes, aerosols, and airborne particles.
• Risk of electrical shock and work around special effects, including explosives.
• Work in high, precarious places and moderate noise levels.

Schedule

Most hours run approximately from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. throughout the year, shifting to 8:00 or 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. during changeover. Overnight work may be necessary during changeover or rehearsals.