Electrician 1 – Lead Lighting Technician (IATSE Local 5)

Department: Electrics
Reports to: Director of Production
Classification: Full-Time, Seasonal, Hourly
Position Start Date: August, 2026
Salary Range: $29.70 per hour

Position Overview:
Responsible for the planning, installation and maintenance of lighting equipment for productions at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park (CPIP). Collaborates with Lighting Designers and CPIP Department Heads on the planning and execution of lighting and electrics elements in both the Rosenthal Shelterhouse Theatre and Mo & Jack’s Place – The Rouse Theatre. Leads over hire crew in collaboration with all employees working in the Electrics Department.

This position operates under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local #5. Candidates are not required to be affiliated with IATSE to apply.

Position Responsibilities:

• Evaluate and implement lighting designs for Cincinnati Playhouse productions.
• Collaborate with Production Management Dept on rentals and/or purchases necessary for all productions.
• Collaborate effectively with designers and other members of the creative and production teams to implement lighting-related elements and special effects, with an emphasis on creative problem-solving and smooth workflow across departments.
• Consult with the Production Management Dept to work within budget guidelines and create budget solution strategies.
• Lead and participate in overhire crew calls necessary for load-in, hang, focus, notes, maintenance, and strike.
• Communicate a clearly defined plan and process for crews working on prep, installation, notes, and focus calls prior to their commencement of work.
• Build and wire lighting practicals and special effects as required.
• Trouble shoot issues with lighting equipment, console, wireless lighting effects, fog, haze, and other effects.
• Attend load-in, focus, technical rehearsals, work calls, production meetings and staff meetings as required.
• Read rehearsal reports, production/show reports, rehearsal schedules and production calendars. Report any anticipated challenges, inter departmental challenges, equipment issues or expendables shortages.
• Maintain tools and equipment and make recommendations for equipment upgrades and purchases.
• Manage the upkeep, cleanliness, organization of lighting areas.
• Work with Production Management Dept and Technical Director on the creation, maintenance, and distribution of information related to the production capabilities of CPIP performance venues, such as technical drawings of the spaces, technical specification and inventories, and other information.
• Work with all departments to facilitate a safe environment for employees and audience members.
• Promote a positive and inclusive culture in the electrics department by setting a positive tone for the work environment and demonstrating a strong spirit of collaboration, creativity, and respect.
• Support the production department with other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills and Attributes:

• Respect for diverse backgrounds and voices and a commitment to inclusion and equity.
• A minimum of 3-5 years leadership experience in theatrical electrics or equivalent.
• Possess strong team building and leadership skills.
• Advanced knowledge of programming and operation of ETC Eos series lighting consoles
• Ability to work long hours, i.e. Over 40 hour weeks, weekends, and evenings as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and to navigate shifting and competing priorities with patience and diplomacy while maintaining a spirit of creative thinking and problem solving.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD, Vectorworks and Lightwright.
• Advanced knowledge of current theatrical lighting technologies, including lighting instruments, pixel tape, computer networks, special effects, atmospheric effects, strobes, and wireless dimming.
• Skilled in repair and maintenance of standard and automated lighting equipment.
• Ability to effectively communicate by asking informed questions, relaying information to others, and professionally receiving criticism.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Knowledge of safety procedures necessary to maintain a safe working environment.
• Knowledge of safe rigging practices.
• Basic Microsoft Office skills including creation of Excel spreadsheets, email, and Sharepoint file sharing.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Forward-thinking team member who works to anticipate problems.
• Ability to collaborate with and support co-workers as a team.
• Ability to identify and promote skill advancement/learning for the electrics crew team.
• Ability to collaborate on building and maintaining a network of overhire crew to effectively staff crew calls as needed.
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to research new techniques/materials/solutions.
• Knowledge of QLab, MIDI/OSC control, and/or WATCHOUT a plus.
• Skill with projectors, LED walls, and other video equipment is helpful.
• Experience with Vari*Lite Moving Lights is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Architectural Lighting Controls, specifically ETC Paradigm.
• Ability to design and draft a repertory lighting plot for varied productions while not in production.
• Experience leading and working under CBA rules a plus.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Potential work schedule requires working up to 6 days per week, including frequent evenings and weekends. Hours will vary according to the needs of the production and the season calendar.
• Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Lift, carry, push, pull: generally up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds alone or with assistance.
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, aerial work platforms, at heights, and in hard-to-reach places including, but not limited to, focus tracks.
• Speaking and hearing are essential to the communication needs of the position.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The physical demands and safe working expectations described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation.

While this description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily exhaustive of all responsibilities, duties, requirements, or expectations. Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park reserves the right to revise or amend this description based on business needs or changes to the work environment.

To Apply:
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and references to Josh Escajeda, Director of Production (josh.escajeda@cincyplay.com). This is a rolling application process, and the position will stay open until filled. If you would like to submit a digital portfolio, please attach it in .pdf form or provide a link to an online source in the body of the email. Hard copies of portfolios will not be accepted at this time. No phone calls, please.