Audio and Video Technician

Dance Place is hiring!  We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and talented individual to join our team as the Audio and Visual (A/V) Technician for our nationally recognized, cultural arts center in Washington, DC. This part-time, non-exempt position will support our passion for building a sustainable community of artists, audiences, and students who have been systemically excluded from opportunities by providing high-quality performances, commissions, training, and educational programs. As a primarily on-site role scheduled for 20 hours per week, the A/V Technician position offers an hourly range of $25.00 - $35.00.

Heralded as the “hub of dance activity in Washington, DC”, Dance Place is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages qualified applicants from underrepresented communities to apply. We believe that people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals with disabilities, and women must be centered in the work we do. Hence, we strongly encourage people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities to apply to our openings. Come enjoy an exciting and inclusive team environment of movement artists who share a common goal of strengthening the dance field by investing deeply in artists and centering those who have been systemically excluded from such opportunities.  For more information on our amazing organization, please visit our site at https://www.danceplace.org. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The A/V Technician is a key member of Dance Place’s Cafritz Foundation Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the organization’s audio, video, and theatrical networking systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, the A/V Technician works collaboratively with the production team, including the Lighting Technician, the Artistic Director, and technical theater interns. Additionally, the A/V Technician supports artists throughout the Dance Place season in realizing their artistic visions across live, hybrid, and virtual performances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

At a minimum, the A/V Technician role will be responsible for successfully carrying out the following essential functions and duties:

Audio, Video & Show Control Operations

• Communicate with Sound and Video Designers to understand and support their technical and artistic needs.


• Review artist-provided audio and video content in advance of rehearsals, events, and performances.


• Program and operate QLab or other show control software as required.


• Serve as primary sound, projection, and playback operator for Dance Place performances.


• Support audiovisual integration and lighting-for-camera needs during performances and events.

Production Support & Crew Leadership

• Set up, configure, and strike all audio, video, and networking systems for performances, rehearsals, special events, and rentals.


• Lead and supervise crew during load-ins, performances, and strikes.


• Train and support technical theater interns, work/study students, volunteers, and staff on Dance Place’s audio-visual systems.


• Recommend and supervise overhire audio and video staff as needed.

Systems, Equipment & Documentation

• Maintain and troubleshoot audio, video, and theatrical networking systems, including Dante-based audio networks.


• Assist the Technical Director in maintaining an up-to-date audio-visual equipment wish list.


• Advise on audio, video, and networking equipment rentals as needed.


• Maintain organization and functionality of the performance archive.


• Maintain and support the theater’s captioning system and train staff on its use.

Facilities & General Technical Support

• Assist with light hangs and focus, scenic builds, deck moves, and general theater operations as needed.


• Help maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces, including the theater, booth, shop, backstage, and storage areas.


• Assist with event and equipment rentals in the Cafritz Foundation Theater.

Virtual & Hybrid Performance Support

• Serve as primary operator for livestreaming and broadcasting software.


• Support audio and video systems for virtual and hybrid performances.

Collaboration & Venue Support

• Work closely with the production team to ensure smooth technical operations.


• In the absence of the Technical Director, serve as venue point person for artists in the Dance Place season, in collaboration with the Lighting Supervisor.


• Support performances and events on the Dance Place campus and at off-site locations throughout the Washington, DC area.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EXPERIENCE AND OTHER SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

High school diploma or diploma equivalent (e.g., GED) is required. 

Experience:

Minimum of two years of direct working experience in a theater, performance space, or music venue is required.

Other Necessary Skills and Abilities:

• Experience with Dante Controller and networked audio systems


• Working knowledge of QLab, sound, video, lighting, and general theatrical systems


• Fluency with Allen & Heath Sound Boards


• General maintenance and troubleshooting skills


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Effective time management and organizational skills


• Ability to work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds and experience levels

Computer/Technology Skills:

Proficient with Google Suite (Google Docs, Google Sheets, Gmail), Microsoft Office products, or similar web applications for day-to-day office administration tasks.

Physical Demands:

This position requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged times; walking moderate distances; frequently lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs.; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, or crouch; frequently communicating verbally with others; ability to safely work at elevated heights using ladders and mechanical lifts (e.g., Genie lifts); repetitive motions with wrists, hands, and fingers due to typing; and viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods. 

DESIRED SKILLS, QUALITIES, AND ABILITIES (not required)

• Experience supporting dance and multidisciplinary performance.


• Familiarity with captioning systems and accessibility technology.


• Experience with livestreaming and hybrid performance environments.
  


• An appreciation for the art of dance and Dance Place’s mission.


• Positively contribute to Dance Place’s workplace culture and values.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Our staff is diverse, small, lively, and highly collaborative. We have frequent interactions with visiting teachers, artists, and students of all ages. While some of Dance Place staff currently work a hybrid schedule, splitting time between our main office in Washington, DC, and remote work, the A/V Technician performs most duties as an on-site position. Due to the in-person aspects of the position, all employees are required to adhere to Dance Place’s current COVID-19 policy.