House Technician – Scenic

Position: House Technician with a focus on supporting the Scenic Department
Status: Hourly up to 29 hours per week
Reports to: Associate Technical Director
Compensation: $22/hour

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization located in the heart of Arlington Heights, Illinois. It houses a 329-seat professional theater and a school of performing arts offering drama, dance, and music lessons to artists of all ages. Metropolis’ mission is to create an artistic home for performers, students, and audience members by making the arts accessible in our community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

The Scenic House Technician is responsible for supporting the technical execution of all productions. This position works as part of the production team to ensure safe, professional, and efficient operations. Primary responsibility will be supporting the Scenic Department. Secondary responsibilities include supporting the Sound and Electrics Departments as needed. The ideal candidate is a hands-on technician with a broad understanding of theatrical operations, with proficiency in carpentry skills and sound, as well as a flexible, team-oriented approach.

To apply: Email amiller@metropolisarts.com with your resume and a paragraph telling us about yourself.

RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:

• Assisting with scenic builds, load-ins, load-outs, set-ups, and strikes for productions and events.
• Representing the Scenic Department during Technical Rehearsals.
• Following safety protocols to ensure compliance with OSHA and venue policies.
• Communicating clearly with the General Manager, Associate Technical Director, Head of Lights and Electrics, and Head of Sound to ensure seamless technical support.
• Performing basic maintenance and inventory of equipment and supplies.
• Supporting emergency procedures and crowd safety protocols when necessary.
• Assisting with upkeep and cleanliness of the stage, backstage, and tech areas.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with and understanding of standard scenic construction methods.
• Ability to safely use scene shop tools and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret scenic design and construction drawings.
• Experience with sound, theatrical lighting, and/or video systems is a bonus.
• Working knowledge of QLab, wireless microphones, digital audio consoles, and ETC lighting consoles preferred but a willingness to learn is will be considered in lieu of experience.
• Comfortable with ladders, lifts, and working at heights.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds with or without assistance and work on your feet for extended periods.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work outside standard hours if required by performance and event schedules.
• Professional demeanor and excellent communication skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work takes place in a scenic construction shop as well as an indoor theatrical environment, including low-light areas such as stages, backstage spaces, dressing rooms, and offices used for meetings and administrative duties.
Must be able to regularly lift 50+ pounds with or without assistance and safely climb ladders up to 24 feet in height.
Evening and weekend availability may be required to serve production and event schedules.

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.