Job Description

***Le poste étant situé aux États-Unis, la description de poste est disponible uniquement en anglais.***

***As this position in based in the United States, the job description is available in English only.***

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Rigging Technician (Touring) – VStar Entertainment Group

Acrobatic Rigging

Full-Time Position

We are looking for our next Head Rigger to join VStar Entertainment Group’s Touring Theatrical Crew. The main objective of this role is to oversee and manage all rigging aspects of the show. This position would be responsible for assembling and managing all rigging and automation elements; ensuring the safe use of the rigging equipment; operating rigging equipment during performances; maintaining cue track documentation; conducting regular maintenance of all department equipment in an effort to maintain the artistic “look” of the event from performance and operational standpoints; and reflect professionalism of the company and its equipment while adhering to Best Practice Safety Protocols.

The Rigging Tech will have the opportunity to

Supervise in the safe construction, use, security, and continued maintenance of all aspects of truss, chain hoist, and specialized rigging related to the production;
Strive to maintain the artistic “look” of the show from performance and operation standpoints;
Learn, memorize, and effectively perform backstage deck track and aerialist cues assigned to role, and participate in cue track rotation as directed by management;
Run and troubleshoot operation of all rigging elements during performances;
Develop a thorough knowledge of all rigging department equipment specific to the production in order to operate equipment safely;
Train local crews in each venue with backstage deck track assigned to rigging locals;
Make decisions on grid trussing placement;
Participate in special projects including the installation of new rigging show elements, and interdepartmental projects that include rigging elements or other needs that may fall within the technician’s specialty as directed;
Work with carpentry, prop, and wardrobe department heads to make a master track sheet of all event cues and scene changes. Continue to coordinate with department heads and tour management with updates throughout the duration of the tour;
Function as a “hands on” working department head for show support staff, communicating and assessing problems with show equipment and providing possible solutions throughout tour;
Responsible for continually seeking to improve efficiency of rigging department operation;
Plan and implement maintenance procedures for elements pertaining to department, assessing maintenance needs and implement necessary steps to assure operational safety and integrity, in compliance with the rigging equipment safety inspection program;
Communicate maintenance needs and coordinate work call availability to tour management;
Work with tour management to maintain rigging department operation expenses;
Perform assigned duties and responsibilities under minimal supervision, and recognize when assistance is required;
Complete documentation of post-engagement operations reports in a timely fashion as assigned by management;
Assist in directing local crews during load in and load out;
Assist with loading and unloading of trailers and show assets;
Assemble and disassemble all equipment associated with, but not limited to, the rigging department;
Maintain a flexible schedule for work calls, special events, rehearsal/training, maintenance and show performances;
Work with tour management to establish and maintain training and backup plans to ensure continuity of performance operations of the department in the event of unexpected failure of a system, component or piece of equipment;
Coordinate with and provide support as needed for other departments, production management, artistic management, and show support staff during rehearsals, training, load-in, load-out, and performances to maintain safe and consistent tour operation;
Assist with managing inventory of show supplies relevant to the rigging department, working with department assistant and tour management to procure replacements and stock as needed;
Create, update and accurately maintain cue sheets and show documentation, and participate in cue track rotation as directed;
Ensure all rigging departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, maintenance, and inspection logs, special projects, etc. are properly and adequately documented;
Assist in the development and implementation of preventative maintenance routines and inspections – particularly life safety and show critical;
Adhere to and promote all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they pertain to the safe operation of all elements related to the show; participate in all required health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training;
Uphold responsibility for own professional standards of conduct, appearance, workmanship, and personal safety as set forth by VStar Entertainment with fellow tour members, outside vendors, local labor, and clients;
Perform other work-related tasks and projects as assigned by tour management;

What does it take for this role? The following hard skills are the basics of what’s needed to be successful in this position

Related experience, or combination of training and/or education in technical theater and rigging as it relates to live performances;
Ability to effectively train, develop and evaluate assigned staff;
Knowledge of theatrical rigging systems, truss, and chain motor hoist operations;
Experience as a deck hand in backstage settings as it relates to a live performance with rigging elements;
Knowledge of hand tools and some power tools;
Basic understanding of theatrical terms and directions;
Ability to effectively navigate a crowded theatrical backstage work area during load ins, performances, and load outs;
Ability to calculate figures proportions and apply concepts of basic algebra, geometry, and physics as they relate to load bearing concepts, calculations, and forces;
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals;
Ability to understand instructions in oral, written and diagram form in order to apply common sense to troubleshoot and solve problems;
Willingness to work extensive and irregular work hours; early morning, afternoon, evening, late evening, weekend, and holidays is common;
Experience with loading in and loading out in a theatrical setting;
Touring experience appreciated but not required;
If required for position, be an active IATSE union member or willingness to join;
Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
If applicable for the tours travel schedule must be and remain in good standing with all proper authorities throughout the Services Period, including maintaining the validity of one’s passport and the ability to travel internationally;
CDSEG employees travelling in countries where COVID-19 vaccination proofs are required will still need to comply with these requirements as a condition of employment;
Verification of the right to work in the United States for Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, as demonstrated by completion of the Form I-9 upon hire and the submission of acceptable documentation (as noted on the Form I-9) verifying one’s identity and work authorization;
Able to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education, and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law;

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.

About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Industry

Arts & Entertainment

Company Size

1,001-5,000 employees

Headquarters

Montréal, CA

Year Founded

1984

Website

cirquedusoleil.com

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