DEPARTMENT: Production / Stage Operations
REPORTS TO: Head Electrician
PAY: $28/hr; Seasonal, Full-time; Non-Exempt (eligible for overtime)
BENEFITS INCLUDE: Medical, vision, and dental insurance; paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and holiday time; paid parental leave; flexible spending and health savings accounts; employer-sponsored life, supplemental, long-term and short-term disability insurance; a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution and match, access to free parking, and various other perks.
LOCATION & SCHEDULE: This is an in-person position reporting to our production office located at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ with a schedule largely based on the performance calendar and other departmental needs. This may include evenings, weekends, and holidays, as scheduled in advance.
START DATE: This position is preferred to start on or around August 4th, 2025.
POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
McCarter Theatre Center is seeking an Electrician to work under the direction of the Head Electrician and Stage Supervisor to maintain and operate lighting systems and equipment across our theaters, rehearsal spaces, and public areas. As one of two on-staff electricians, this is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that makes every performance possible. Join the team that helps bring McCarter’s productions to life; we’d love to hear from you!
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & FUNCTIONS
· Assist in the load-in, focus, and programming of the lights for mainstage productions.
· As assigned by the Head Electrician and/or Stage Supervisor:
o Implement the lighting for presented performances, serving as house lighting director for some presented events.
o Receive light plots and designs for Princeton University productions and implement the design to designer’s specifications.
o Oversee the load-in, focus, and programming of the lights for all Princeton University productions in the Berlind Theatre.
· Organize and maintain the electrics department storage rooms.
· Work load-in, strike, and run crew for produced and presented shows as scheduled.
· Assist the Head Electrician in completing any other electrics department tasks.
· Assist on other Stage Operations projects as time permits.
· Stay informed of and prioritize health and safety issues regarding materials, equipment, and working environment.
· Engage in the ongoing work of fostering an equitable and inclusive environment at McCarter. Actively seek ways to improve work practices to ensure greater accessibility, representation, and belonging for all, while upholding and exhibiting our stated values of “justice and joy, beauty and belonging.”
QUALIFICATIONS
· Skilled at programming electronic theatre controls (ETC) lighting consoles.
· Demonstrated proficiency in industry-standard computer programs, including Microsoft Office, Vector Works, and LightWright.
· Strong knowledge of theatrical lighting equipment, including both moving fixtures and LED fixtures.
· Ability to read and understand technical ground plans, sections, lighting, and sound plots.
· Ability to maintain safe work practices in physically challenging environments, including heights and confined spaces.
· Ability to regularly lift and move heavy materials as part of daily responsibilities.
· A collaborative mindset, with the ability to work harmoniously with individuals from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and work styles, always approaching challenges with optimism, civility, and a solutions-oriented approach.
· Final candidates must successfully complete a background screening with motor vehicle record check.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
· Led by our core values, McCarter fosters and expects a culture of care and respect for the wellbeing of our staff. We seek individuals who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace, where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.
· Work will primarily be completed in our theaters and production office spaces located at 91 University Place, subject to HVAC cooling and heating.
· This position entails extended periods of standing and sitting, manual dexterity for operating equipment and the ability to read and interpret documents, while requiring lifting, pushing and carrying objects up to 70 pounds, repeatedly, either alone or with a partner; engaging in repetitive tasks, walking, bending and reaching within various work environments, including stairs and climbing and working on ladders up to 35 feet. Employees should be comfortable with these physical demands and able to maintain productivity and focus throughout the workday.
· Ability to work in various levels and colors of lighting and brightness/visibility, as well as exposure to dust and theatrical haze or fog.
· Potential for moderate to high noise environments depending on production and performance elements; ability to hear and speak clearly in areas with significant background noise.
· Availability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
· Employees may be asked to occasionally use a personal cell phone in order to access authenticator apps and related software necessary for work credentials/multi-factor authentication (MFA). Applicants should be comfortable using their personal devices for these purposes as part of their job responsibilities, as workarounds cannot be guaranteed in order to access certain platforms.
This job description may not be inclusive of all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described, and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of McCarter.
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres, a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts, and a key cultural anchor for Central New Jersey. Located on the campus of Princeton University and incorporated as an independent, charitable nonprofit, the company is a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages.
A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. A home for new play development and world premieres, the company has launched numerous works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world.
Among the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 7,500 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust arts-in-education offerings. The company offers more than 20 annual in-school residencies in classrooms in Princeton and Trenton, hosts schools from throughout the region for student matinee performances, and offers need-based scholarships to every one of its dozens of educational after-school and summer programs each year. Co-led by Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and Executive Director Martin Miller, McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMMITMENT
McCarter is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring, supporting, and promoting a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. As such, McCarter seeks team members who: contribute to a diversity of backgrounds and experiences to support an expansive artistic vision; are committed to engaging in ongoing anti-racism and anti-oppression work collectively and individually; value collaboration, curiosity, flexibility, and an openness to continuous personal and professional growth.
We encourage all candidates to apply, even if they do not currently meet all the qualifications. We know there are great candidates who may not have all the qualifications listed above but possess intuitive knowledge or other fully transferable skills. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. McCarter is committed to on-the-job training and mentorship. We also encourage candidates who do not live within commuting distance to apply; We are eager to tell you about the area, which includes many vibrant communities and towns outside of Princeton.
McCarter Theatre Center is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in the application and hiring process for individuals with disabilities if needed and requested. To request disability accommodation, please contact (609) 258-6500 and connect with Human Resources or email [email protected].
Please visit our Career Center page to apply for this position. While resumes and cover letters are optional, we welcome any additional context you would like to share about your experience and interest in this role. We look forward to learning more about you!
