Technical Theatre Supervisor

The Millikin University School of Theatre and Dance is accepting applications for a full-time staff position in Technical Theatre to begin in August 2025. Millikin is a small, private, comprehensive university of approximately 1800 students located in Decatur, Illinois. The nationally recognized School of Theatre and Dance is a vibrant and highly visible component of the campus community serving 160 students in five-degree programs including a BA in Theatre and BFAs in Acting, Design and Production, Musical Theatre, and Stage Management.

The school is housed in a new $29 million facility, the Center for Theatre and Dance, which opened in 2020. This position is replacing a vacancy.

Contract: 10 months

Working Relationships:

Reports to: Production Manager, Technical Director, and Lighting Supervisor

Works Closely with: Theatre & Dance Faculty, Staff, Students, and Guest Designers

Directly Supervises: Students

Job Summary: The Production Technician Supervisor works on five to six large-scale productions each season and must have the ability to direct and teach students efficiently within a fast-paced schedule.

• Instructing and supervising students in the repair and maintenance of all sound inventory and equipment
• Planning, implementing, and instructing students in the installation and setup of all sound equipment in collaboration with student or guest designers.
• Supervising and instructing students in the safe use of all tools and equipment used in the execution of the sound design.

Scenic Support

• Overseeing students in the scenic studio in the construction, installation, and strike of scenery as directed by the Technical Director.
• Training and supervising students in the use of time, scenic studio tools and materials.
• Other duties as assigned by the Technical Director.

Electrics Support

• Instructing and supervising students in the repair and maintenance of all lighting inventory and equipment, including fixtures, cables, effects, power distribution, dimmers, networking and lighting control consoles.
• Planning, implementing, and instructing students in the hang, cabling, and focus of all lighting equipment.
• Supervising and instructing students in the safe use of all tools and equipment used in the execution of the lighting design.
• Documenting and tracking of all circuiting, addressing, and system configuration in cooperation with the Lighting Designer.

Minimum Position Qualifications:

• BA or BFA in Theatre or related field or equivalent professional experience
• Two years of supervisory experience/professional theatrical lighting, sound, and/or scenic experience
• Valid driver’s license

Specialized Knowledge and Skills (required):

• Ability to work well with students of all skill levels and to train and supervise students at all levels of experience in lighting, sound, and scenic construction
• Ability to drive a 16 foot box truck
• Knowledge and skill in MIG welding practices
• Knowledge of industry standard rigging techniques
• Knowledge of, and experience in all aspects of theatrical lighting, including the safe use of all associated tools and equipment
• Knowledge of, and experience in all aspects of scenic construction, including the safe use of power tools, carpentry and welding
• Ability to read and follow lighting plots and theatre design and construction drawings
• Demonstrated knowledge of computer assisted design/drafting
• Ability to organize work and prioritize tasks
• Knowledge of ETC Lighting consoles and lighting fixtures
• Knowledge of entertainment networking that includes Dante, Madi, MSC and OSC

Specialized Knowledge and Skills (preferred):

• Participation and/or membership in relevant professional organizations and activities
• Ability to communicate effectively with personnel within all aspects of the production process
• Experience working with chain hoists, motors and other mechanical equipment
• Understanding of sound design and production and/or projection design and production

Manual Dexterity:

• Dexterity to operate common hand, power and stationary tools
• Dexterity to operate a keyboard and tools related to lighting

Physical Effort:

• Ability to work with heights and lift a minimum of 50 pounds
• Frequently lifting 25 lbs. or more
• Typically standing or…