Senior Production Technician

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Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives each team member brings. As a Production Technician, Sr., you will play a critical role in delivering exceptional event and performance experiences across campus. Whether supporting theatrical productions, concerts, lectures, or special events, you will work alongside artists, faculty, students, producers, and technical professionals in a collaborative environment where creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation thrive.

Your technical expertise and commitment to excellence will help create memorable experiences while fostering a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for performers, guests, and the Duke community.

Be Bold.

Bring your passion for technical theatre and live event production to one of the nation's leading universities. In this role, you will operate and support advanced lighting, audio, video, rigging, and stage systems while helping ensure every event is executed safely, efficiently, and at the highest professional standards.

You will have opportunities to develop specialized expertise, mentor student workers, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and contribute to productions that inspire learning, creativity, and community engagement.

• Support daily theatre and event operations across campus performance and mixed-use venues.
• Install, maintain, program, and operate lighting, audio, video, stage, and production equipment.
• Execute technical setups, rehearsals, performances, and strikes while ensuring production quality and operational efficiency.
• Operate and troubleshoot modern production technologies, including lighting systems, sound systems, projections, rigging, fly rail systems, and stage machinery.
• Assist with scenic construction, painting, carpentry, and related production activities.

• Partner with event organizers, artists, faculty, students, and campus departments to deliver successful events.
• Coordinate technical requirements and ensure appropriate resources are provided for each event.
• Monitor equipment utilization and maintain accurate event documentation to support operational and billing processes.
• Uphold professional service standards and represent Duke positively during all event interactions.
• Coordinate and oversee student employees and contracted production personnel.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new staff and student workers.
• Foster teamwork by communicating expectations, sharing technical expertise, and promoting a collaborative work environment.
• Support student organizations and campus partners in achieving production goals.

• Help manage event schedules, staffing needs, work hours, and operational timelines.
• Maintain strict adherence to safety standards, policies, and industry best practices.
• Promote a culture of workplace safety during production planning, installation, operation, and teardown.
• Maintain regular communication with venue management, technical staff, administrative teams, and event stakeholders.
• Participate in production meetings and departmental discussions.
• Support departmental initiatives and perform additional duties that contribute to University and division objectives.

Work requires a thorough background in technical theatre normally acquired through a four-year course of study in theatre or closely related field.

No experience beyond the degree is necessary, however four years of directly related technical events support or theatre production experience may substitute for the required degree.

• Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certification in one or more disciplines, including:
• Arena Rigger
• Theatre Rigger
• Experience working in performing arts centers, academic theatres, or live event venues.
• Knowledge of modern entertainment networking and control protocols, including DMX
  512 and Remote Device Management (RDM).
• Familiarity with ETCNet and DMX-based infrastructure.
• Experience programming and operating digital lighting consoles and advanced lighting systems.
• Knowledge of digital audio networking and console operation for live sound reinforcement.
• Understanding of video projection systems, source management, lens selection, and signal routing.
• Working knowledge of industry-standard software such as Vectorworks, Light wright, and QLab.