Asst Lighting Designer

PURPOSE: To assist in the overall management, coordination, creation and successful execution of lighting designs for all seasonal productions and associated programming at San Francisco Opera.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

- Perform duties as a first or second assistant to guest Lighting Designers and/or Resident Lighting Director on productions as assigned. Liaise between designers, electrics team members and staff members.

- Works with the in-house Lighting Director, plus the lighting and technical teams to review, research, determine and communicate lighting design requirements of designers for SFO repertory productions, rental productions and co-productions.

- Create lighting designs or assist with designs as assigned for special events and non-mainstage opera productions and related programming.

- Be an active participant of the production department, helping to coordinate the competing priorities of a repertory schedule.

- Provide information as necessary to technical and electrics team members for projects.

- Assist in the supervision of the electrics focus during changeovers.

- Serve as lighting representative for performances as assigned to ensure integrity of the lighting design, including calling or assisting with follow spot cues and coverage.

- Create and maintain lighting plots, lighting paperwork and other archival information.

- Support and adhere to the onstage safety program including, but not limited to, state and federally mandated safety programs and risk assessments.

- Communicate lighting design needs with other departments in a clear and concise manner.

- Gain familiarity with stagehand union Collective Bargaining Agreement.

- Manage priorities and paperwork assignments for all seasonal lighting assistants in conjunction with Lighting Director.

- Assist in the management of lighting intern(s)

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

- Schedule and manage lightwalkers.

- Provide general office assistance and support.

- Prepare and maintain lighting department files as assigned.

- Provide support for assigned non-mainstage events or projects when necessary.

- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT OR MACHINES, IF ANY, THAT MUST BE OPERATED TO PERFORM THE POSITION ACCEPTABLY: Computer, printer, plotter, headset, stage technology, copier, telephone and other general office equipment and machines.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Indoors and occasionally outdoors with temperature and noise levels typical of a stage environment.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

- Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university theater department, or equivalent work experience.

- Completion of an accredited VectorWorks training course is required, or proven expertise.

EXPERIENCE:

- Minimum three to five (3 to 5) years assistant lighting design experience in a professional environment (non-academic).

- Repertory experience preferred but not required.

PREREQUISITE SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

- Knowledge of modern stage lighting, theater production, intelligent lighting/moving lights, and light board programming.

- Highly skilled with Lightwright, VectorWorks, Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, etc.) and Moving Light Assistant software, among other programs, systems and platforms.

- Experience with conventional, LED, scroller and intelligent light programming.

- General knowledge of and/or interest in projection design and related software.

- Experience working in a professional environment with union team members (i.e. stage crew) preferred.

- A team-oriented approach is critical.

- Ability to work independently and to meet deadlines.

- Ability to use a stage intercom system (headset and microphone) with clarity.

- Ability to maintain confidentiality.

- Ability to organize, prioritize and complete varied tasks quickly and accurately.

- Assist with the coordination of the day to day and weekly schedule

- Ability to exercise good judgment and initiative.

- Ability to maintain several projects of equal priority at once and sustain productivity under pressure.

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment.

- Ability to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

- Assist on filming projects and other events.

- Clear and effective verbal and written communication skills with an emphasis on gathering and sharing information to ensure the best possible productions.

- Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with artists, staff, the public, and volunteers in a professional, confidential and tactful manner.

- Able to sit at a computer and/or production desk for over eight hours per day; see clearly in low-light situations such as are common backstage and in the theater; and walk on complex stage settings to accomplish tasks such as lighting focus, etc.

- Must perform the functions of the position in a safe manner.