Lead Electrician - 2026

The Contemporary American Theater Festival at Shepherd University is welcoming applications for the position of Lead Electrician. CATF, a LORT D summer festival and leading producer of contemporary plays, is dedicated to telling diverse stories and developing new American theater. The festival premieres or produces multiple plays per season across 3 venues. CATF is committed to supporting the unique needs of new work while fostering an environment of fun and company community. Located 90 minutes from DC, CATF makes its home in one of America's coolest small towns, Shepherdstown, WV.

CATF’s Electrics Department consists of three Lead Electricians (one per venue) and four Electrics Interns who work together as a team to execute the lighting designs for the festival’s productions.  Lead Electricians (LE) are responsible for the execution of the lighting design in their assigned venue and will lead the other LEs and Electrics Interns in the hang and focus of their plot, so a high degree of comfort leading both peers and less experienced crew members is a must.  LE’s will work closely with their assigned Intern/Board-Op to program their venue and may, depending on their intern’s experience level, serve as board programmer during tech. The festival’s dedication to incubating new work can mean script and design adjustments throughout the build and tech process. CATF values those who are able to collaborate toward practical and artistically-sound solutions in a time-sensitive environment. Flexibility and positivity are key.

Lead Electricians must be able to lift and carry 50lbs, be comfortable working at heights up to 40’ (in a combination of lifts, ladders, and catwalks), and have some experience hanging from fixed grids and single purchase counterweight line sets.  Previous experience with plots of at least 100 instruments, and moving light programming is preferred. A solid working knowledge of the ETC Ion (or other EOS family console) is required.

Position is seasonal, from approximately May 3 - July 12 (an extension through August 7th may be available and discussed during the interview process). All staff and interns are provided free air-conditioned housing within walking distance of the theaters and workspaces (also air conditioned,) 1-2 meals per day during tech, and free use of university gym, pool, and laundry facilities.

CATF is committed to producing and sharing art in an inclusive, collaborative, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive environment. To learn more about CATF’s anti-racist and anti-oppressive values, visit www.catf.org/arao/

Interested applicants should submit a resume and three references (either with your resume, OR in the box below) along with a relevant portfolio (website or PDF). Interviews typically begin in late January and continue through the Spring; this posting will remain open until the position(s) have been filled.  

Please visit www.catf.org to learn more about us and our upcoming summer season.

CATF is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, Veteran, or ability status. CATF makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. If you have any questions or need assistance completing the application, please email us at [email protected]