Deck Chief - SignatureTheatre

ABOUT SIGNATURE THEATRE

Founded in 1989, Signature Theatre is a Tony Award®-winning regional theater that broadens and brightens the region’s cultural landscape with its bold productions of challenging new and established works and engaging education and outreach programs. Today, attracting talent from the DC metropolitan region and New York, Signature has grown to reach more than 100,000 people annually from the Washington, DC region and beyond.



SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Technical Director, the Deck Chief leads Deck Hands in the successful running of the scenic and properties elements of all productions. The Deck Chief is also responsible for the safe and successful programming, operation, and maintenance of all automated scenic elements. During the run of each show, the Deck Chief reports to the Stage Manager. Signature produces about 6-8 full-scale company productions and several additional one-off stage productions annually. This is a full-time hourly position.



ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as run crew for productions as assigned by Production Manager.

• Hire, maintain, and dismiss Deck Hands on all productions.

• Lead Deck Hands and full-time staff Props Runner in the running of scenic and properties elements of all productions.

• Perform and oversee maintenance done by run crew for all scenic and properties elements of a production. Coordinate more complex repairs with Technical Director.

• Program and operate all automated scenery shifts, including assisting Director, Scenic Designer, and Technical Director in the composition of the cues.

• Take a leadership position and assist the Technical Director in the assembly and installation of all automation systems.

• With the Technical Director, take lead on the tuning of all automation systems, and ensure their safe and orderly operation and maintenance.

• Assist the Stage Management team in updating and maintaining scenic run sheets.

• Assist the Stage Manager in overseeing and executing security and safety procedures for the theatre facility during performances (i.e. fire alarm, power outages).

• Assist with all technical/scenic needs for special events occurring at the theatre.

• Perform additional labor in scene shop, at direction of the Technical Director, as needed.

• Other duties as assigned.



ASSIGNED MEETINGS AND REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

The Deck Chief must attend all assigned production meetings and company-wide meetings. They may also attend Department Heads meetings, when available. This position reports directly to the Technical Director, with additional reporting to the Production Manager and Stage Manager.



QUALIFICATIONS

• 2+ years working in a professional theatrical backstage setting is preferred.

• Experience managing run crew and carpentry teams is strongly preferred.

• Exceptional organizational and communication skills.

• Familiarity with rigging systems for automation and best practices.

• Familiarity with Creative Conners automation systems is preferred.

• Comfort driving an 18’ box truck is preferred.

• Ability to work collaboratively with Production colleagues to create a healthy, hard-working, team-oriented environment.



WORKING REQUIREMENTS

• Employee must be able to lift 50 pounds unaided and in repetition, move around an office and shop, and frequently ascend/descend ladders or steps.

• Will be frequently exposed to the following shop conditions among others: loud noises, working at heights, in confined spaces, and in adverse weather/temperatures.

• This position often works nights and weekends, as is typical for a professional theatrical schedule.

• Employee must maintain a safe and orderly working environment.

• This position is based at Signature Theatre in Arlington, VA.



COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The Deck Chief position offers an hourly rate of $25.25 per hour, with overtime paid in accordance with the Signature-Local 22 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Signature offers a competitive benefits package for full-time hourly employees that includes the following:

• Medical, dental, disability and life insurance (this role has the option to choose between enrolling in Signature’s or IATSE’s medical coverage plans);

• Paid vacation, sick, and parental leave;

• 403(b) retirement savings plan options;

• Complimentary discount tickets; and

• Qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).



Please note: This position is covered under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Signature Theatre and IATSE Local 22. Union membership is not a requirement for application.



TO APPLY

Email resume and cover letter to jobs@sigtheatre.org. Please include the phrase, “Deck Chief” in your subject line. No mail or phone submissions, please.



Signature Theatre is committed to the professional development of all employees and encourages any interested individuals, internal and external, to apply even if you don't believe that you satisfy all of the preferred qualifications.



Signature Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer who celebrates diversity and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Signature Theatre is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.


Salary: 25.25/hr