Lighting and Sound Supervisor - Kirkland Fine Arts Center & Albert Taylor

Division of Academic Affairs     

Job Description

Position Title: Lighting and Sound Supervisor, Kirkland Fine Arts Center/Albert Taylor Theatre                                  

Department: College of Fine Arts           

FLSA Category:  Exempt                         

Working Relationships:

• Reports to:  Production Manager, College of Fine Arts/Kirkland Fine Arts Center
• Works Closely with:  KFAC Director and staff, CFA faculty, staff and students
• Directly Supervises:  Student Crews

Job Summary: The Lighting and Sound Supervisor is responsible for the efficient and effective provision of technical elements including lighting, sound, rigging and installation of concerts, visiting artists, and campus events in KFAC (2000-seat roadhouse), and Albert Taylor Theatre (270-seat proscenium).  The Lighting/Sound Supervisor will also collaborate with technical staff for touring artists and facility rentals. Reporting directly to the Production Manager, the Lighting/Sound Supervisor will manage the inventory, usage, maintenance and repair of facilities and equipment in both venues as well as oversee student crews during crew calls.

This position facilitates the events that occur in KFAC and AT [LL1] by implementing appropriate lighting and audio design for 1 School of Theatre and Dance musical, 4 Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra concerts, Vespers (annual choral/symphonic Christmas concert), 3 Percussion Ensemble concerts, 3-4 Symphonic Wind Ensemble concerts, and 5-6 additional student ensemble performances, music workshops, festivals, and recruiting events.  KFAC and AT host 4-5 university events (Commencement, Convocation, etc.), contract visiting artists and groups for the Kirkland Series (3-4 events annually), and the Albert Taylor Series (3-4 events annually)

VALUES

All employees are expected to uphold the values of the University.  At Millikin University, we value:

• Commitment to the discovery of knowledge
• Civil debate
• Passion and enthusiasm
• Dignity and respect for individuals
• A diverse and inclusive community
• Integrity and responsibility
• Advancement of the greater good

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Establish and facilitate open and frequent communication with all users, internal and external, of campus venues including KFAC and AT, regarding artistic and technical needs and expectations. Provide clear explanations of time requirements, facility/equipment capabilities, estimated expenses, and labor needed to realize the conceptual and operational needs of performances/events.  Negotiate alternative options where appropriate.
2. Collaborate with the PM in the development of production/event calendars and scheduling of onsite rehearsals, load-ins, tech/dress rehearsals, performances and strikes.
3. Work within production budgets and complete paperwork necessary to assist with tracking of expenses.
4. Collaborate with the PM to hire/assign duties to student workers/interns and provide documentation necessary for payroll and faculty evaluation of practicum and internship performance.   
5. Provide clear expectations and thorough training to all student workers/interns working on stage management and production crews.  Manage time to maximize efficiency and supervise work.  Oversee work calls as necessary. Conscientiously enforce all rules, regulations, and safety protocols. Document and address conduct and performance concerns promptly with the student and the PM.
6. Working with the Production Manager and student stage/production managers, provide support and supervision at all onsite rehearsals, load-ins, tech/dress rehearsals, performances, events, and strikes
7. Advise PM and KFAC Director on contracts and riders for visiting artists and renters in relation to facilities, equipment, and labor.
8. Provide theatre specs, equipment inventory, technical drawings, tech riders, and forms to users and staff as needed.  Revise and update as needed.
9. Maintain up-to-date inventory, service records, and documentation for all technical equipment; arrange/perform preventative maintenance and repair of equipment and facilities; prepare recommendations for capital improvements or purchases for the PM, KFAC Director, and CFA dean; and maintain good working conditions of all backstage spaces.

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) in technical direction, lighting/sound, or related field
• Practical knowledge and experience with rigging, lighting, and sound engineering in an academic or professional theatrical setting
• Thorough knowledge and experience in the methods, tools and equipment of stage lighting and/or sound systems in medium and small venues, including entertainment networking systems, ETC EOS, Yamaha digital sound consoles, and Dante.
• Basic skills in trades, such as painting, plumbing, carpentry, scenic construction, electrical and mechanical repair
• Ability to read and produce technical drawings
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and discipline-specific software (Dante, AutoCAD, VectorWorks, Lightwright, IOS Eos Ti 3 Light Board, Yamaha CL5, etc.)
• Demonstrated communication and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and motivate college-age students working for wages or credit

Work Environment:

Manual Dexterity:

• Must be able to hang lighting instruments and operate counterweight fly systems, cable equipment 

Physical Effort: 

• Lifting, bending, carrying up to 50 lbs

Working Conditions:

• Average backstage conditions

Hazards:  heights, falling objects, electrical equipment, and wiring (safety protocols observed)