Seasonal Lighting Director

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER SEASONAL LIGHTING DIRECTOR

(APPROX. 35-40 WEEKS PER YEAR; $2,250 PER WEEK)

Position Summary:

The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is seeking an experienced Lighting Director for its upcoming 2023 Domestic and International tours. Prior experience in a similar position is required.  The LD should possess strong communication, time management skills and interpersonal skills. Demonstrate a self-starter, dynamic and dedicated work ethic and must be willing and able to carry out duties as needed and required to ensure a safe and positive environment for the dancers and crew. Must have the ability to adapt to a wide range of venue types and technical capabilities and ensure the highest quality lighting possible with the resources available. Must demonstrate a history of successful team-work in a small work group environment where mutual support, flexibility and trust are key factors of a productive and friendly work environment.

 Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Accurate development, distribution, maintenance and archival of the lighting paperwork, such as but not limited to: light plots, plans, sections, focus charts, instrument schedules, channel hookups, magic sheets, line set schedules, rental shop orders for all performance venues of the company worldwide

• Advance of all venues with local technical manager, discussing appropriate lighting positions, and use of house gear 

• Review of line set schedules and stage layouts with Head Carpenter and Technical Director

• Review of desired programming and communicating technical, operational and budget challenges to management for all venues and performances

• Work with guest lighting designers and choreographers to deliver their artistic vision for new works while managing available resources, budgets and equipment

• Research and develop lighting information for the recreation of company revivals.

• Coordinate and manage all lighting equipment based on programming needs of each individual venue/or performance

• Provide strong leadership amongst the Ailey team, providing information, advice and direction to production staff

• Making decisions quickly, often regarding load in scenarios or emergency performance elements while providing clear and quick communication with Stage Management and Artistic Directors.

• Supervise and instruct focus of light plot with local and touring crew.

• Supervise AAADT’s Associate Lighting Director, Head Electrician, Assistant Electrician, Overhire prep electricians and all local lighting crews.

• Oversee development and revision of drawings and other paperwork of all production related items (e.g. lighting plots, line schedule, ground plans, elevations, sections, color change books, channel/dimmer hookups, instrument schedules, rental shop orders) as needed

• Manage electrics team to provide consistent equipment maintenance and minimize loss.

• Manage lighting budget, under direction of AAADT Technical Director and Director of Production.  The lighting budget consists of lighting equipment rentals, purchases, consumables, and video systems on estimated production schedules, estimated venue choices and estimated new work development.  Budget must be managed throughout the year taking into account changes in production schedules, venues and new works to maintain approved lighting budget.   Lighting Director works with Technical Director on the lighting team’s individual working schedules in advance based on the needs of the Company’s performance and technical schedule.

• Develop and maintain important relationships with associated vendors and venues

• Provide, maintain and develop a significant archive, working knowledge and familiarity with performance venues worldwide

• Develop and maintain high level of quality and aesthetic of lighting designs

• Oversee live performances, communication abnormalities of focus, cue placement, followspots implementation and scenic to production team

• Maintain company’s archive lighting paperwork for all ballets, including but not limited to: focus charts, magic sheets, cue tracking and console files

• Positively represent the company when on tour in all public arenas.  Lighting Director must represent the company in the highest regard, acting as a professional both in the venue and anywhere company business is conducted including but not limited to transportation hubs, hotels, restaurants and any and all public places while representing the company.  Lighting Director may be asked to speak on behalf of the company.

Required skills and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of four years of live theater, touring dance, concerts, and/or production experience
• Functional competencies in use and operation of production lighting equipment
• Computer skills highly recommended: Mac OS X, Windows OS, MS Office, Apple, Mail, Dropbox, Vectorworks , Lightwright , ETC offline and console programming software, moving light programming knowledge, strong lighting networking knowledge
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to take initiative, multi-task, and work graciously in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work with diplomacy and tact
• Experience working with the stagehands in union and non union environments
• Ability to lift a minimum of 30 lbs
• Valid Passport and Drivers License
• Ability to communicate in non-English speaking environments, foreign languages highly recommended

To apply for this position, visit www.alvinailey.org/jobs, click on the apply link and upload one file (accepted formats include .doc, .docx, .txt, or .pdf) that contains the following items:

• Cover letter detailing your interest in this position and salary requirements
• Resume
• Contact information for two references

No Phone Calls Please