Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist (Performing Arts Technician II)

About the role

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film (TTF) in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts is seeking a Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist to support and guide technical production aspects for TTF theatre productions. The Theatrical Lighting, Projection, and Audio Specialist will serve as a technical source for theatrical lighting, audio, and projection, independently oversee complex production systems, budgets, and installations while providing hands-on training, coordination, and innovative support to faculty and students across multiple productions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a lead for lighting, audio, and projection support across multiple productions, applying working to advanced knowledge of production systems and design principles to implement designs, effects, and installations under general direction.
• Provide lead work direction, training, and day-to-day guidance to Graduate Assistants and student technicians, ensuring safe work practices and effective execution of assigned production tasks.
• Cook up production support activities including budgeting support, purchasing, and inventory tracking; assist in organizing materials and managing multiple concurrent production needs.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students to support production planning, scheduling, and execution, ensuring alignment with production goals.
• Maintain current knowledge of production technologies and practices and participate in professional development opportunities as appropriate.

Qualifications

• One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production.
• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services in lighting, sound and/or projections for a related unit or discipline.

Benefits

Full Benefits Package Includes: Generous Time Off, Retirement, Health Coverage, Education Support, Optional Offerings, FlexCash, Life and Disability Insurance, Legal and Pet Plans, Campus & Community Access.

Compensation

Initial step placement is not expected to exceed Step 2 ($4,213) for highly qualified candidates. CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,130 – $6,017 per month (Step 1 – Step 20).

Department Summary

The School of Theatre, Television, and Film is an academic unit within the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts. Offering both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, including the terminal MFA degree. It operates and maintains two university theatres: the 350-seat Main Stage Theatre and the 150-seat Prebys Stage as well as television and film production studios and an extensive equipment inventory. Each year, the theatre production schedule includes 5-6 fully mounted plays within these two theatres, plus one or more community outreach productions that tour to schools and other venues. In addition, there are numerous television and film productions and four annual public presentations of student film work. Productions that combine elements from all three disciplines occur regularly. The School also supports a robust slate of student productions produced by multiple registered student organizations.

Education and Experience

One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory or stock company engaged in the applicable production specialty such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting production, and/or sound/audio production. This background normally would be achieved through professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience.

Key Qualifications

• Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services in lighting, sound and/or projections for a related unit or discipline.

Supplemental Information

Apply by May 21st, 2026 to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled. The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position. SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Justin Phung at jtphung@sdsu.edu.