Overhire Head Electrician
Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA), an innovative organization located on Stolp Island in the Fox River in the heart of the richly diverse community of historic Aurora, Illinois (one hour from downtown Chicago), is seeking an Overhire Head Electrician. ACCA is the parent organization, which also includes a 501(c)3 arm under the name of Paramount Arts Centre, Inc. It operates four performance venues: the 6,000-person RiverEdge Park, the 1,843-seat landmark Paramount Theatre, the 165-seat, newly renovated Copley Theatre, and the brand new Stolp Island Theatre: a 9,000 square foot development that includes an intimate 98-seat 4,600 square foot theater. ACCA produces and presents over 500 performances each year, including star-studded touring productions, a self-produced Broadway Series of musicals (which has the largest theater subscription base in the country) and the self-produced Bold Series for an annual audience of 350,000 patrons from over 250 communities. ACCA proudly operates the Paramount School of the Arts in the new John C. Dunham Aurora Arts Center, right next door to Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora. Paramount Theatre also hosts free community events, $1 Classic Movie Mondays and its opulent interiors provide a spectacular backdrop for private functions such as wedding receptions or corporate galas. Across the street from Paramount Theatre are the gorgeous Meyer Ballrooms, which play host to multiple wedding receptions and rental events throughout the year.
The Paramount Theatre/Aurora Civic Center Authority is committed to being a defining catalyst for personal and community transformation by:
- making the performing arts accessible for every age and socioeconomic background,
- introducing the magic of live theater across generations to encourage expansive imaginations and broad views of people and the world,
- and contributing to the future stability and growth of Aurora’s downtown.
DEPARTMENT – Production
DIRECT REPORTING – Lighting & Media Manager, Crew Manager
WORKS CLOSELY WITH – Lighting & Media Manager, Lighting Designers, Audio Manager, Technical Directors, Lead Stagehands, Stagehands, Production Manager, Director of Production, Crew Manager
POSITION STATUS & SCHEDULE –
Part-time, hourly; hours vary and include evenings and weekends. Position is hired on a show-by-show basis.
COMPENSATION –
Hourly rate range is $30-$34.95/hr
HIRE DATE –As soon as 01/13/2025
POSITION SUMMARY – The Overhire Head Electrician will be involved in loading in and striking shows that ACCA produces on a show-by-show basis. These venues include the Paramount Theatre and the Copley Theatre. In addition to loading in the shows ACCA produces, the Overhire Head Electrician will work with the Lighting & Media Manager to maintain all shows, spaces, and equipment in separate work calls.
ACCA also presents productions from a variety of touring artists in both our Paramount Theatre and at RiverEdge Park, where the Overhire Head Electrician will be responsible for leading the charge on loading in/out any touring equipment, rented equipment, and/or hanging rep plots in those spaces. The Overhire Head Electrician will have the opportunity to run lights on a GrandMA or APEX console for these events when applicable. These events are staffed on a show-by-show basis.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES –
- Execute maintenance schedule as directed by Lighting & Media Manager for lighting fixtures, dimmers, accessories, and atmospherics
- In pre-pro work call, review the plot with Lighting & Media Supervisor and determine what color, patterns, atmospheric fluids, etc. need ordered; ensure there is enough color for burn-through and added fixtures
- In pre-pro work call, predetermine where each fixture should be plugged in and how it should be addressed; determine power distribution paths and relay these to Lighting & Media Manager and TD; update Lightwright with dimmer/address information
- Before and during load-in, check measurements (on drawings and on-site) for air clearance and claim space on the deck during load-in
- Before and during load-in, work to identify things that aren’t being installed correctly and/or things for which the installation plans aren’t working and require adjustment
- During hang, ensure fixtures are hung with precision and cables are dressed neatly
- During hang/install, drop all color/pattern and ensure entire plot is fully patched and wrung out (confirm all aspects of units work, not just that it turns on)
- During hang/install, ensure intelligent lighting fixtures are pre-programmed, addressed, and patched
- During focus, ensure focus points are laid and crew is working efficiently; provide designers with necessary support throughout
- Throughout tech and run, ensure all lighting equipment is in working condition and power up the system for any programming sessions for designers
- Throughout tech, maintain a list of physical notes and communicate to Lighting & Media Manager, PM, and design team when notes are completed
- Communicate repair needs to Lighting Supervisor, PM and design team, as applicable
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS and ABILITIES –
- At least 3 years working in a regional theatre environment as an electrician
- Attention to detail and aptitude for leadership
- Communication and collaboration with team members
- Ability to work with multiple departments sharing the stage at the same time
- Understanding of electrical concepts and safe practices at both low and high voltage
- Basic rigging and fly system knowledge
- Cable picks and cable management knowledge
- Fundamental knowledge of Lightwright, Vectorworks, and how to read light plots
- Knowledge of ETC Eos software, networking, and consoles
- Ability to estimate how long notes will take to accomplish
- Ability to troubleshoot and estimate how long troubleshooting will take
- Ability to hang the plot precisely as designed, while also identifying any issues with design
- Plan for and lead crews in circuiting, hanging, and patching lighting instruments and practicals
- Ability to balance ACCA structure and systems with preferences/needs of individual designers
- Ability to lead a crew of 6-10 stagehands with a variety of skill levels
- Ability to work unsupervised
- Eagerness to learn about new equipment and systems
- Experience soldering LED tape
- ETCP Electrician certification
- OSHA 10 Training
- 5+ years working in a regional theater environment as a Head Electrician
- Experience with touring electrical systems and tying in power
- Familiarity with video walls and projectors
- Familiarity with media programming software, such as Watchout, Isadora, and QLab
- Advanced understanding of MIDI shows controls
- Experience building and integrating practicals, such as LED tape, into scenery, props, and costumes
- Understanding of RC4 Wireless dimming technology
- Experience with GrandMA consoles
Please submit a cover letter and resume using the online job application at https://paramountaurora.com/opportunities/
Or mail/drop off to: Aurora Civic Center Authority, ATTN: (Kelly Lipsey), 8 East Galena Blvd., Suite 230, Aurora, IL 60506
ACCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment, and applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability status, marital or familial status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ACCA encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and others who are eager to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
ACCA participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, ACCA is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating the employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
Paramount Theatre - Aurora Civic Center Authority
