Carpenters need carpentry skills; welding experience is a plus.
Scenic artists need scenic painting and/or fine art skills.
Props artisans may need skills such as upholstery, carpentry, or model building.
Run crew members must be capable of lifting and moving 25 pounds, reliable, and able to keep time; theatrical carpentry background is helpful but not essential, and backstage theatre experience is a plus. Training may be provided based on skill level.
Electricians need to read plots and paperwork, safely lift more than 50 pounds, and work safely at heights above 15 feet. Rigging, fly-system, and loading and unloading weight from a fly system experience are preferred. Knowledge of Vectorworks, Lightwright, or EOS is preferred.
Lightboard operators need general knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment, the ability to read lighting paperwork and plots, and the ability to operate ETC Eos Family consoles. Programming knowledge and fly-system experience are preferred. They must operate common power tools, safely lift more than 50 pounds, and work safely at heights above 15 feet.
Spotlight operators need experience operating a spotlight in a theatre setting and must be reliable and detail oriented; training may be available based on skill level. Working at heights is essential.
Soundboard operators must be proficient with Q-Lab.
Sound mixers need line-mixing experience.
A2 crew members need previous experience running microphones.
Costume shop stitchers need demonstrated experience in hand and machine sewing techniques, industrial or domestic, and garment construction skills. Previous professional theatrical costume shop experience is preferred. They need time-management and interpersonal skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills, detail orientation, and the ability to prioritize, multitask, work independently, and take initiative. Physical requirements include prolonged sitting and sewing-machine work and lifting and moving 25 pounds; weekend and holiday flexibility may be needed.
Wardrobe supervisors must be qualified seamstresses for costume-repair emergencies and need knowledge of all Wardrobe Run Crew running tracks.
Wardrobe Run Crew need a sewing background; knowledge of makeup or hair is preferred.
The work requires flexibility to occasionally work nights and weekends.
Responsibilities
Technical staff provide technical theatre expertise in costumes, lighting, sound, loading, rigging, props, and carpentry on an as-needed, project-based basis.
Carpenters construct set pieces and assist with load-ins, load-outs, scenic notes, and other assigned duties.
Scenic artists assist the Charge Scenic with painting and finishing scenic elements and backdrops.
Props artisans assist the Prop Supervisor with activities and safety in the Prop Shop and storage spaces; construct, fabricate, and acquire props for performances and rehearsals; maintain and repair props; document and maintain rented prop packages; keep the workspace safe, secure, clean, and organized; and fabricate hand props, set dressing, and furniture for productions.
Run crew assist with supervision and operation of a production’s technical aspects during performances.
Electricians load in and change over lighting and electrical elements for each show and keep electrics shops and work areas clean and safe.
Lightboard operators run the light board during assigned rehearsals and scheduled performances, maintain equipment during production runs, and complete required pre-show and post-show duties.
Soundboard operators tune the house, run show cues, and operate the theatre’s audio control system.
A2 crew assist with audio-system load-in, set up cast microphones, fit actors with microphones, and maintain wireless microphones during performances.
Costume shop stitchers stitch, alter, and finish costumes under the supervision of the Lead Cutter/Draper and Costume Shop Manager.
Wardrobe supervisors supervise Wardrobe Run Crew; create and execute garment-cleaning schedules; coordinate backstage paperwork with stage management, costume shop management, and the costume designer; assign crew tasks and create quick-change plots; inventory and inspect costumes; coordinate repairs and end-of-run strike; arrange in-house laundry or dry-cleaning; and maintain costumes through the final performance. They may add or coordinate elements needed for quick changes.
Wardrobe Run Crew care for, maintain, repair, and clean costumes, shoes, undergarments, hats, and costume-related personal props; assist actors with quick changes.
Desired Qualifications
Welding experience for carpenters.
A background in theatrical carpentry and experience working in a backstage theatre environment for run crew.
Experience with rigging, fly systems, and loading and unloading weight from a fly system for electricians.
Knowledge of lighting software such as Vectorworks, Lightwright, and EOS for electricians.
Programming knowledge and fly-system experience for lightboard operators.
Makeup or hair knowledge for Wardrobe Run Crew.
Previous professional theatrical costume shop experience for costume shop stitchers.
Description
We create exceptional theatre experiences, inspiring generations to explore the wonder of their world.
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte (CTC) is proud to be an organization where a dynamic mix of talented, committed, and enthusiastic people gather to do their best work. As we inspire generations to explore the wonder of our world, we desire to see the unique and amazing, expanding tapestry of this world and community reflected in all our programming, behind the scenes, and in our team members, board, and volunteers.
WHAT WE DO…
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is a national leader in Theatre for Young Audiences and is recognized for the breadth and strength of its programs. We are dedicated to creating vibrant and engaging theatre experiences, both on the stage and in the classroom. Our typical season consists of large book musicals, as well as more intimate productions. Generally, we produce 7 - 9 Mainstage shows, 2 elementary school tours, and a preschool tour annually. We are a professional theatre creating shows for children, not by children, however we generally cast student actors in one or two shows throughout the season. Our production season runs September to June.
WHAT YOU WILL DO…
We rely on our on-call Theatre Technical Staff to provide their technical theatre expertise in all areas of the technical theatre fields including costumes, lighting, sound, loading, rigging, prop and carpentry. These are as-needed, project based jobs that vary from show to show and season to season.
Considering joining our team if:
You are open to project based work that can last for 1-2 days up to 3-4 weeks.
You have the flexibility to occasionally work nights and weekends
You need supplemental income and enjoy a variety of project-based technical theatre jobs.
Requirements
PRODUCTION/SCENIC CREW
Carpenters – Responsible for the construction of set pieces. Carpentry skills are essential. Welding experience a plus. Assist with load-ins, load-outs, scenic notes, and other duties as assigned.
Scenic Artists – Assisting Charge Scenic on painting and finishing scenic elements and backdrops. Scenic painting and/or fine art skills are essential
Props Artisans – assist the Prop Supervisor in all activities and safety of the Prop Shop and storage spaces. Assist in the construction, fabrication and acquisition of all props for performance and rehearsal for all shows in a timely fashion. Assist in the maintenance and repair of props for all performances. Help document and maintain props from rented packages. Maintain a safe, secure, clean + organized office, shop and work space Fabricate all hand props, set dressing and furniture for productions. Necessary skills may include upholstery, carpentry, model building, etc.
Run Crew – Assists in the supervision and operation in the technical aspects of a production during a performance. A background in theatrical carpentry is helpful, but not essential. Experience working in a backstage theatre environment is a plus. Must be capable of lifting / moving 25lbs +, be reliable and a good time keeper. CTC is willing to train based on skill level.
ELECTRICS DEPARTMENT
Electricians –Ability to read plots and paperwork. Load-in and changing over lighting and electrical elements for each show. Keep the electrics shop and work areas clean and safe. Ability to safely lift 50+lbs. Ability to work safely at height 15'+. Experience with rigging and fly system and experience loading and unloading weight from a fly system preferred. Communication skills, ability to work independently and with a time and a positive attitude are a must. Must have the ability to multi-task and work quickly with attention to detail. Knowledge of lighting software programs (Vectorworks, Lightwright, EOS) preferred.
Lightboard Operators – Running light board for some rehearsals and all schedule performances of show assigned to. Check and maintain equipment during production runs. Pre/Post show duties as required by the production. Requires general knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment, ability to read lighting paperwork and plot; operate ETC Eos Family consoles. Programming knowledge is a plus. Must be able to operate common power tools; able to safely lift 50+lbs; able to work safely at height 15'+. Experience with fly systems preferred. Communication skills, ability to work independently and with a time and a positive attitude are a must.
Spotlight Operators - Experience operating a spotlight in a theatre setting. Is reliable, detail oriented, and has a positive attitude. Training is available based on skill level. Working at heights is essential.
SOUND DEPARTMENT
Soundboard Operators– Must be familiar proficient with Q-Lab. Responsible for tuning the house and running the cues for the show among other duties. operates the theatre’s audio control system.
Sound Mixer– A more skilled Soundboard Operator necessary for larger shows in which mics are worn. Experience in line mixing is essential.
A2 –Assist with load-in of audio system, mic set up for cast, getting actors into mics and maintaining wireless mics during performances. Previous experience running mics.
COSTUME SHOP DEPARTMENT
Costume Shop Stitchers- Stitches, alters, and finishes all costumes under the supervision of the Lead Cutter/ Draper and the Costume Shop Manager. Must have demonstrated experience in hand and machine sewing techniques (industrial or domestic), and excellent garment construction skills. Needs to be able to follow directions, with previous professional theatrical costume shop experience preferred. Needs strong time-management skills and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, energized, and quickly changing environment. Must have a proactive approach to problem-solving with strong decision-making skills. Needs to be detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize efficiently and multi-task, be self-directed, and take initiative. Physical requirements and working conditions include prolonged periods of sitting and working on a sewing machine and the ability to lift and move 25 lbs. Typical working hours are during the day, with possible weekend/ holiday flexibility needed.
Wardrobe Supervisor- Supervises all Wardrobe Run Crew. Has the same listed responsibilities as Wardrobe Run Crew, as well as creating and executing the proper cleaning schedule for all garments, ensuring that laundry is done on a regular basis between performances. Coordinates and creates backstage paperwork in conjunction with stage management, costume shop management, and the costume designer, including assigning Wardrobe Run Crew tasks throughout the run of a show, and quick-change plots. Must have knowledge of all Wardrobe Run Crew running tracks in the case of an absence. Regularly inventories and inspects all costumes and coordinates all costume repairs. Must be a qualified seamstress in the case of costume repair emergencies during a show. Coordinates strike at the end of a show run, including all in-house laundry or sending out dry-cleaning. Ensures that costumes look as fresh and new for the last performance as they did on opening night. Either adds elements to aid in quick-changes or coordinates such needs with the costume shop.
Wardrobe Run Crew– Responsible for the care and proper maintenance, repair, and daily cleaning of all costumes, shoes, undergarments, hats, and costume-related personal props, such as gloves, jewelry, parasols, fans, and pocketbooks. Assists actors in quick changes. A background in sewing required, with additional knowledge in makeup/ hair preferred.