Lighting Technician

Dance Place is hiring!  We are seeking a dynamic, motivated, and talented individual to join our team as the Lighting 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 Lighting 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 Lighting 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 theater’s lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, the Lighting Technician works collaboratively with the production team, including the Audio & Video Technician, the Artistic Director, and technical theater interns. Additionally, the Lighting Technician supports all artists in the Dance Place season in realizing their artistic visions across live, hybrid, and virtual performances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

Production & Lighting Operations

• Communicate with visiting and resident Lighting Designers to understand and support their artistic and technical needs.
  


• Advance external lighting designs and prepare the space when designers are not present.
  


• Serve as primary light board programmer and operator for Dance Place performances.
  


• Set up, focus, program, and strike lighting for performances, rehearsals, special events, and rentals.
  


• Offer lighting design support for small-scale events as needed.

Crew Leadership & Supervision

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


• Train and support technical theater interns, work/study students, and Dance Place staff on lighting systems.
  


• Supervise interns, volunteers, and overhire staff when assigned or when senior staff is unavailable.

Equipment, Systems & Documentation

• Maintain Dance Place lighting equipment and systems on an ongoing basis.
  


• Keep lighting inventory, the Cafritz Foundation Theater lighting plot, and related paperwork current for internal and external use.
  


• Advise on lighting equipment rentals and overhire staffing needs.
  


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

Facilities & General Technical Support

• Assist with audio/visualsetup, scenic builds, deck moves, and general theater operations as needed.
  


• Support virtual and hybrid performances, including lighting for camera and livestream/broadcast platforms


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


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

Collaboration & Venue Support

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


• In the absence of the Technical Director, serve as a venue point person for artists in the Dance Place season, in collaboration with the Audio & Video Technician.


• Support 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:

• Fluent with ETC lighting consoles (EOS family and ION XE preferred)
  


• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment and systems


• Prior experience with Vectorworks and lighting documentation


• General lighting maintenance and troubleshooting skills


• Strong communication and interpersonal skills


• Effective time management and organizational skills


• Ability to work collaboratively with individuals 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)

• Knowledge of DMX, networking, and basic electrical principles.


• Experience supporting dance and multidisciplinary performance.


• Familiarity with video, livestreaming, and lighting techniques for on-camera applications. 


• 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 Lighting 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.