Technical Assistant - Nashville Children's Theatre

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE (NCT) is hiring a full-time seasonal Technical Assistant specializing in scenic carpentry and electrics to help continue the tradition of high production values associated with the company.



ABOUT NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE:

Ranked as one of the top five children’s theatres in the country by TIME magazine, Nashville Children’s Theatre has an annual operating budget of ?$1.7 million, and is headquartered in The Martin Center, a purpose-built theatre, adjacent to thriving downtown Nashville. A successful leadership transition concluded in early 2017, which installed a new Executive Artistic Director, Managing Director and Director of Development to build on a strong institutional foundation for the next chapter in this regional theatre’s growth.



Founded in 1931, NCT is the oldest children’s theatre in the United States, and produces 6 professional productions for audiences ranging from pre-school through middle school and their families. Every production is backed by a team who share a common commitment to children's theatre and arts education. NCT casts adult, professional actors and is affiliated with Actors' Equity Association, the union for professional actors in the United States. The season spans 36 weeks and features more than 200 performances for both school groups and family audiences. As part of the theatre's "School Performance Series," between 45,000 and 60,000 schoolchildren attend performances each year, and an additional 20,000 kids and adults attend the theatre's "Weekend Family Series." The theatre offers school and weekend tickets to ensure that students and families from throughout the regions can attend at an affordable price. NCT offers a line-up of productions ranging from plays which explore issues and experiences young people encounter in contemporary society to adaptations of classic literature, historical subjects, and award-winning children's books.



NCT offers year-round arts education programming to supplement NCT's regular season of performances, and the theatre's education initiatives also provide arts experiences that develop children's creativity and encourage a lifelong interest in the arts. Altogether NCT serves 80,000+ children and adults annually. Each year NCT provides free or reduced-priced tickets and many camp scholarships to children in financially challenged homes.



Led by a Board of Trustees of committed leaders working in partnership with a dynamic and innovative administrative team, NCT has a strong track record in civic participation, cultural inclusion, and advocacy. NCT has produced notable world-premieres of Jack’s Tale, original versions of The Wind in the Willows, Cinderella, and Treasure Island, and critically acclaimed adaptations of literature such as Charlotte’s Web and Junie B. Jones Is Not A Crook. In fall 2017, NCT will prototype a theatre for the very young model for children 0-5 years old, and is launching a new works incubator which will premiere new works each year through 2022.



ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Proficient carpentry skills

• Reading and interpreting technical drawings

• Knowledge of theatrical lighting

• Ability to read light plot and assist in hang/focus

• Serving as crew for all NCT productions. (Deck hand or Audio/Video Operator)

• Completing other duties as assigned



REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERTISE:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• One year of professional experience preferred

• Demonstration of theatrical production work in professional, summer stock, or internship experiences

• Ability to work independently and carry projects through to successful completion, coupled with strong collaborative skills and a history of success in a team-driven environment 

• Willingness to learn new skills

• Comfortably lifting 50-75 lbs.

• Safely climbing heights up to 60 ft.



COMPANY PHILOSOPHY AND VALUES:

NCT believes a cultural heritage is the right of all children, and that the culturally curious child is our future. Through theatre, today's youth will develop the tools to solve tomorrow's challenges with creativity, imagination, and empathy.



Our core values reflect excellence and integrity: All employees are expected to promote and advocate for NCT and its mission both inside and outside the organization. Likewise, they are expected to support the following enduring values:



• Professionalism: We strive for excellence in all we do. We deliver on our commitments. We work collaboratively, and respect each other’s time. We admire and support each other’s skills and abilities, understanding that the diversity of our experience builds capacity and strengthens our overall creative impact. We are accountable for our actions and our decisions. We solve problems constructively and politely with good will. We keep the company’s best interests in mind.

• Respect: We treat everyone as we would like to be treated. We think the best of each other and help each other succeed. We support each other’s professional growth. We communicate kindly, openly and directly. We listen and respond to our patrons, and we are cognizant of the diversity in the communities we serve.

• Flexibility: We understand that working in a not-for-profit organization and the performing arts requires us to be nimble. We value positive outlooks and the ability to respond quickly and efficiently to unexpected needs. We focus on what we need to accomplish, and keep each other informed.

• Creativity: We know that the future of the company depends on the imagination and innovation we bring to our work. We welcome new ideas and help create an atmosphere in which everyone feels empowered to grow artistically. We share the fun and excitement of everything we are doing.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position will report directly to and work alongside the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director. Start date negotiable, but hoping Technical Assistant can start A.S.A.P. and continue until late May 2018. Pay starting at $500/week depending on experience. Paid twice per month, direct deposit available. Year round health and dental included. Vision available to add.



To submit your confidential application, please email the items below in one PDF-formatted file with your name as the filename to mtaylor@nashvillect.org with “Technical Assistant” in the email subject line.



1) A cover letter including where you found this information, your interest and qualifications in the position and NCT, the date you are available to start, and your current contact information.

2) A resume detailing your professional work and descriptions of your duties

3) A list of at least three professional references including mailing address, contact phone number and email, and the nature of your professional affiliation. The references provided will not be contacted without prior notice and approval.



Only individuals selected for further consideration will be contacted. Incomplete applications will not be considered, nor will submissions sent via postal mail or fax. Prospective candidates are strongly encouraged to review our website at www.nashvillect.org prior to submitting materials for consideration. Early submission is encouraged. No phone calls will be accepted or returned. Thank you!



Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative to those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to handle, feel, talk and hear and frequently required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms above the shoulder. The employee is frequently required to sit and occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate, however during classes and performances the noise level can be loud. Customary to a theatrical environment, the employee may be required to operate in a low-light backstage environment. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 25 pounds.



Disclaimer: This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate description of the current job, it is not intended to exclude that other, different tasks may be required when circumstances change (e.g.: emergencies, change in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments or advancements).



Equal Opportunity Employment: Nashville Children’s Theatre Association is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by state or local law.