HEAD ELECTRICIAN | FOX THEATRE ATLANTA
Location: Atlanta, GA - Fox Theatre
Department: Production
Reports To: Director of Production
Employment Type: Hourly (per IATSE Local 927 Collective Bargaining Agreement) This position reports to the Fox Theatre Director of Production and Production Team. This is an hourly position, the wages, conditions, and terms of which, is governed by the CBA with IATSE Local 927. The Fox Theatre provides a full benefits package as outlined in the Fox Theatre benefit policies. This does not guarantee 40+hrs a week, it is based on activity in the theatre.
Job Summary
The Head Electrician serves as the department head for all lighting operations at the Fox Theatre. This role acts as the primary liaison between traveling productions and the local crew for all electrical and powerrelated needs. While the position may assist in other production areas, such tasks must not interfere with the safe and professional execution of the core lighting responsibilities. The Head Electrician is responsible for operating all stage electrical fixtures, wiring, and control systems; reading and creating light plots; programming lighting consoles; running cues; and supporting all touring productions' lighting requirements. The role also supervises electricians and stagehands in the preparation, installation, and operation of production lighting, atmospheric effects, and follow spots. As a department head, this position is responsible for inventory, maintenance, scheduling, training, budgeting, planning, and any other needs assigned by the Fox Production Managers to support the Lighting Department's operations
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Technical & Operational Duties
- Operate the house lighting console, house lighting systems, and incandescent and LED fixtures.
- Utilize and understand conventional lighting systems, intelligent lighting systems, and spotlight operation.
- Maintain all in-house lighting inventory and ensure work areas remain clean, organized, and well maintained.
- Apply working knowledge of electricity, wiring, voltage calculations, and power tie-ins.
- Provide strong leadership and direction to crew members working under the department.
- Maintain full availability for show needs and ensure all lighting requirements are met.
- Develop and implement training programs, budget plans, operational procedures, repairs, and maintenance-in collaboration with the Production Director.
- Ensure all tenant installations comply with applicable fire and safety regulations, including maintaining fire lanes and clear access to exits and emergency equipment.
- Serve as a house crew department head, fulfilling daily and weekly operational needs.
- Occasional replacements may occur in accordance with the CBA.
DaytoDay Show Operations
- Load and unload trucks with production materials as needed.
- Set up lighting, props, video, sound, and other production equipment.
- Move and rearrange equipment, furniture, props, and scenery.
- Perform cues during shows, including operation of light boards, spotlights, scenery moves, drapery, risers, and backline changes.
- Program, patch, operate, and run lighting systems for performances and rehearsals.
- Tie in power for productions, applying voltage load calculations and electrical knowledge.
- Troubleshoot and repair lighting equipment as needed.
- Operate theatre lighting software (current and legacy).
- Safely use tools including wrenches, meter readers, drills, hammers, saws, and other equipment.
- Operate lifts, loading dock doors, pit mechanisms, and organ systems.
- Remove and replace the organ cover when required.
- Complete department payroll after each call for management submission.
Leadership Responsibilities
- Demonstrate strong leadership, delegation, communication, and taskmanagement skills.
- Respond effectively and quickly to shifting priorities and production needs.
- Coach, teach, and advise crew members; serve as a technical and creative problemsolver.
- Work collaboratively as part of a diverse production team to achieve shared goals.
- Follow and communicate complex instructions accurately.
- Lead training, planning, budgeting, and daily departmental activities.
- Communicate operational needs, inventory requirements, repair needs, and workcall scheduling.
- Respond promptly to emails, phone calls, and assignments.
- Be present for daily and weekly show requirements, with replacements assigned only per CBA guidelines.
General Knowledge Requirements
- Understanding of electrical wiring and ability to calculate voltage loads.
- Familiarity with theatre terminology and industryspecific language.
- Basic knowledge of ropes, knots, and rigging principles.
- Understanding of safety procedures with the ability to implement guidelines for crew.
- Ability to demonstrate proper lifting, pushing, pulling, and moving of heavy equipment
Experience Requirements
- 7-10 years of professional theatrical lighting experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading a crew in a theatrical environment, demonstrating strong leadership, delegation, crew oversight, performance feedback, and taskmanagement skills.
- High school diploma or GED required; theatrerelated degree preferred.
- Touring experience and/or venue experience is a plus.
- Strong communication skills across written, verbal, phone, and email platforms.
- Exceptional multitasking skills in a fastpaced production environment.
- ETCP or similar certifications are a plus.
- Experience with ETC APPEX Console required; experience with additional consoles preferred.
- Proficiency with conventional, LED, and moving light fixtures.
- Experience with lighting software including Lightwright, Paradigm, Vectorworks, and other industry tools.
- Demonstrated ability to read and create light plots, develop hang tapes, and prepare for lighting hangs.
- Proven experience leading and executing lighting hangs, focus calls, and related tasks.
- Ability to create basic lighting looks and run cues for comedians, corporate events, and smallerscale productions.
- Experience working with three-phase power, camlocks, pigtails, company switches, and meeting the power requirements of touring productions; ability to perform accurate powerload calculations.
- Demonstrated knowledge of OSHA/NFPA 70E and other safety regulations related to onstage power and theatrical operations.
- Knowledge of follow spots, including Lycian 1295, RoboSpot systems, and other brands.
- Familiarity with modern lighting trends, industry standards, and technological advancements.
- Broad understanding of stage operations, including theatrical lighting, sound, rigging, and basic carpentry.
Physical Qualifications
- Ability to lift and maneuver 50 lbs or more repeatedly, alone or with assistance.
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to crouch, twist, bend, stoop, climb stairs and ladders, and sit for long durations.
- Ability to rotate body and work in physically demanding environments.
- Clear vision and ability to hear and speak clearly over radio/headset communication.
- Ability to reach above, below, and at neck level; comfortable working at heights.
- Ability to climb ladders up to 30+ feet with safety equipment.
- Ability to work in a loud, fastpaced environment.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changing needs and problemsolve calmly.
- Experience with troubleshooting and repairs.
- Ability to safely use rigging harnesses, electrical PPE, and related equipment.
- Ability to work long or extended hours-up to 24 hours when necessary.
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