Stagehand Assistant

The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 07/12/2024.

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job Purpose

The Stagehand Assistant is an IATSE position in the Backstage Department and reports to the Supervising Stagehand. The Stagehand Assistant is responsible for assisting in the implementation (Load In, Maintenance and Strike) of Theatre Company productions as specified by Technical Direction, as well as the successful running of assigned performances. The Backstage Department also provides support to ancillary projects as needed throughout the Center. All employees are expected to model and champion the DCPA’s core values of artistic excellence, community, equity, diversity and inclusion, and fiscal responsibility.

Duties And Responsibilities

The Stagehand Assistant will work closely with designers, stage managers, electricians, stagehands, and actors while maintaining the Denver Center’s values of collegiality, inclusivity, and collaboration. The Stagehand Assistant must be able to commit to a standard production schedule consisting of daytime, evenings and weekends, and a combination of both. Typical performance schedules vary from 6 to 10 shows per week on our mainstages and can vary greatly in our off-site and experimental work. Production assignments are dependent upon the Theatre Company’s seasonal calendar and will change from year to year.

• Load-in scenery and technical effects for productions
• Assist in rigging of scenic units to catwalk, grid or counterweight system
• Perform work required for the technical rehearsals and performance of a production, including moving scenery and props before, during and after a performance, preparing food & beverage products consumed onstage and keeping the stage and backstage areas clean.
• Participate in and encourage a safe, healthy and inclusive working atmosphere. Support, enforce and recommend improvement to DCPA policies and procedures.
• Maintain a positive, flexible and respectful attitude while under periods of stress
• Communicate clearly and regularly with Supervisor about department or show-running issues
• Demonstrate efficient time-management and ability to work unsupervised as required
• Additional duties as assigned by Supervisor
  
  

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with theatre production in general, run crew in specific
• Knowledge, ability and experience in the hanging, rigging, and focusing of theatrical lighting and projection equipment
• Ability to assist an audio engineer in a theatrical setting
• Clear understanding of the artistic process
• An active listener and clear communicator
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated
• A positive, professional, and collaborative attitude even during periods of high pressure
  
  

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Working conditions

The Stagehand Assistant is a dynamic position that requires working in a variety of different environments which may include wood shop, traditional theatre space (onstage, in house, backstage and in technical areas such as grids), and off-site or non-traditional theatre spaces. Position requires a flexible schedule, including periodic long hours, irregular hours, and nights, weekends and holidays as required. The Stagehand Assistant may be asked to work at heights up to 70’, drive a vehicle, lift up to 50lbs and use industrial tools.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is constantly required to see, talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers to handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may at times be required to wear an air-purifying respirator. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Direct reports

No direct reports.

Compensation

$26.52

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.