Head Stagehand at Guthrie Theater – Minneapolis, Minnesota

Reports to: Stage Operations Director

Compensation: $34.21 per hour

Benefits: Benefits Eligible

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13.

Position Summary

The Head Stagehand is responsible for technical support of shows mounted by or for the Guthrie Theater, coordinating with other departments in the theater and outside vendors and presenters, providing leadership of crews, facilitating the smooth running of shows, and maintaining the backstage and onstage areas, sets and equipment. The position requires participation at load-ins, technical rehearsals, previews and performances. All employees are expected to center, model and champion the Guthrie’s core values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility.

Schedules:

The show schedule is Tuesday – Sunday nights, midweek and weekend matinees, and some daytime hours.

The load-in schedule is Tuesday-Friday with mostly daytime hours of 8:00 am- 4:30 pm. This schedule is subject to change based on external needs such as viewing the designer run, assisting with lighting focus, and automation preparation.

The technical rehearsal schedule is Tuesday-Sunday, with both daytime and evening hours required as part of the production process, resulting in a 60+ hour week, 11:00 am- 11:00 pm.

There is a guaranteed minimum of 40 hours per week with a guaranteed minimum of 32 workweeks per fiscal (September 1 - August 31) year.

The Guthrie is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building an equitable environment that finds strength in diversity of identity, experience and perspective. We are dedicated to hiring and developing talented teams which are inclusive and welcoming to individuals with different backgrounds, thoughts, and abilities. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theater field are strongly encouraged to apply.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Preparation, Tech Week, Strike

• Assist with the load in of scenery and props before the tech process begins as assigned.
• Attend rehearsals as assigned.
• Set up tech tables for tech week as directed.
• Attend special meetings with scene shop and prop shop to become familiar with scenic elements and props as assigned.
• Attend preparation meetings before and during tech week as assigned.
• Communicate as needed with Stage Operations Director, Stage Management and across other production departments to evaluate use and function of scenery and props to ensure a smooth and efficient tech process.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to changes to support the tech process. Foster a positive and supportive work environment.
• Communicate performance-track changes to Stage Operations Director and Stage Management to ensure maintaining of an accurate record of performance-tracks.
• Following the final performance, load out show, clean and repair props and scenic pieces for long term storage as assigned.
• Assist Props Liaison as needed.

2. Show Run

• Complete assigned track for each performance.
• Support and maintain safe usage of all theatrical elements.
• Operate stage machinery, shift scenery, move furniture, and handle effects during the tech, preview and run of a show to ensure consistently high production values as assigned.
• Creatively problem solve when issues arise during the running of a performance.
• Assist actors with scenic and prop shifts as assigned.
• Prepare stage, scenic and prop elements for each performance.
• Remain calm to support and reassure actors and ensure a smooth performance.
• Do minor adjustments and repairs on props and scenic pieces before and during performances.
• Communicate prop and scenic repair notes to the Stage Operations Director and TD Staff as needed.
• Clean and maintain show workspace.

3. Additional Programming

• Assist with builds, load-in, and load-out of special events, following first right of refusal per the collective bargaining agreement if needed.
• Lead and provide work direction to Overhire Stagehands on specific projects.
• Complete assignments from Events Production Manager or Stage Operations Director to ensure smooth operations of Special Events, Rentals, and Studio Productions.

4. Maintenance

• Participate in the maintenance and safe operations of all performance spaces and elements, including scenery, props, and automation as assigned.
• As assigned, clean scenic elements and props, ensuring they are safe for use and performance ready.
• Organize and restore scenic and prop elements as assigned.
• Clean and repair props and scenic pieces for long term storage as assigned.
• Complete basic scenic/prop repairs as needed, communicating with the scene/prop shop for larger repairs.

5. Lead

• Take an active leadership role in setting and maintaining the levels of production craftsmanship and artistic excellence.
• Pass pertinent information along to Stage Crew employees.
• Proactively problem solve issues as they arise backstage.
• Lead and provide guidance to the assigned work team.
• Advise and assist other Run Crew staff when requested.
• Delegate repairs and maintenance tasks as needed.
• Maintain consistent and proactive communication with Stage Operations Director, Scene Shop, Technical Director, and across departments when needs arise.

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Extensive Stagehand experience or a combination of equivalent experience and training. Leadership experience is helpful but not required.
• Strong organizational skills and understanding of construction techniques.
• Safe operation of and experience working with basic hand and shop tools.
• Experience with safe rigging practices is required.
• Experience working with automation equipment is required.
• Strong commitment to safety and ergonomics in the workplace.
• Can remain calm to support and reassure actors and ensure a smooth performance.
• Forklift experience preferred.
• Can lift 50 pounds and lift, push, and pull with precision.
• Can maneuver in low light or darkness.
• Can work at above floor heights.
• Can stand for extended periods of time.
• Can work a show schedule of Tuesday – Sunday nights, midweek and weekend matinees and some daytime hours.
• Experience with and commitment to working with individuals and teams that exemplify diversity of identity, experience, and perspective, including but not limited to race, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, family and/or marital status, creed, religion, ancestry, disability, national origin, sexual orientation or sexual identity, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, body size/type, status with regard to public assistance or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law.

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

The Guthrie relies on the talents of many artists and staff, both on and off the stage, to create powerful works of theater at the Guthrie. We are dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference. Acknowledging that there are many identities that are underrepresented in the theater overall, the Guthrie strongly encourages candidates who bring diversity of identity, experience and thought to apply. We also acknowledge that candidates can have unique and non-linear and transferable skills. We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification but have transferrable skills and passion for our mission and vision.

WHY SHOULD I APPLY?

Be a part of a leading non-profit organization that is committed to serving not only the local Twin Cities community but the industry as a whole. The Guthrie offers top-notch employee benefits and staff perks which includes:

• Competitive Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Employer contributions to HSA, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, Group Life Insurance, Voluntary Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program, 403(b) Retirement Plan (with employer match up to 4.5% after one year of service)
• Transportation: Subsidized passes for Metro Transit buses and trains, discounted pre-tax monthly ramp parking
• Paid Time Off: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), Volunteer Time Off (VTO)
• Complimentary Tickets: To Guthrie productions
• Discounted Tickets: To all shows produced by the Guthrie and to some performances hosted by the Guthrie
• Classes and Camps: Discounts to Guthrie classes and camps
• Other Perks and Resources: Guthrie Store discount; Employee Affinity Groups

ABOUT THE GUTHRIE

The Guthrie Theater engages exceptional theater artists in the exploration of both classic and contemporary plays connecting the community we serve to one another and to the world. Through its extraordinary artists, staff and facility, the Guthrie is committed to the people of Minnesota, and from its place, rooted deeply in the Twin Cities, influences the field as a leading 21st century arts organization. Every year more than 500 people, both on stage and off, help ensure our success in creating and supporting the highest level of theater. As an organization, we are committed to our values of Artistic Excellence; Community; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility; and Fiscal Responsibility. The Guthrie Theater is located in the historic Mill District along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As the largest city in the state, Minneapolis offers a large variety of parks, lakes, great food, festivals, malls and more.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Guthrie Theater would like to acknowledge that we gather on the traditional land of the Dakota People and honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have stewarded it throughout the generations, including the Ojibwe and other Indigenous nations.

Applicants must submit a resume to be considered for the position.