Special Effects Technician
Lighting, Video Projections and Special Effects
On-Call Position
Hold your breath and dive into the action: are you ready to work for one of Cirque du Soleil’s most iconic shows? We are looking for a Special Effects Technician (Atmospherics/Stage Technician) whose role, as part of the Lighting team, will be to install, maintain and operate Special Effects equipment and systems in a safe and consistent manner for the show and provide all other supporting services. All duties are to be performed in accordance with department and property policies, practices, and procedures.
The Special Effects Technician will:
- Run deck Lighting/Special Effects cue tracks, as directed for performances, artist training, and rehearsals;
- Maintain cue track documentation and participate in cue track rotation as directed;
- Inspect and maintain Special Effects, lighting and atmospheric equipment; update maintenance and inspection records, as directed;
- Maintain a safe working environment at all times, by adhering to all established safety policies and procedures; participate in all required safety classes and emergency rescue procedure trainings;
- Maintain a flexible schedule for work calls, special events, rehearsal/training, maintenance and evening show performances;
- Preserve on a nightly, ongoing and long-term basis, the “opening night” quality of the designer’s vision and the artistic integrity of the production, according to the needs of artistic, technical and company management;
- Participate in required safety classes and emergency procedure trainings;
- Work with the Department Supervisor, Artistic and stage management staff, to support their needs during rehearsals, trainings and performances;
- Under the direction of the Department leadership and technical management, ensure all departmental designs, equipment, systems, functions, procedures, show tracks, maintenance and inspections logs, special projects, etc., are properly and adequately documented using standard tools, maintenance databases and other computer tools, drawings, photographs, logs, spreadsheets and other methods that may be appropriate; creation and design intent should be documented as well as on-going changes to the show;
- 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;
- Maintain a safe working environment at all times, by enforcing and conforming to established safety policies and procedures, including the enforcement of fall protection protocols, use of personal protective equipment, safe handling of tools, equipment and hazardous substances, as well as the promotion of respect for the dangers of the working environment;
- Maintain a flexible work schedule for work calls, special events, rehearsal / training, maintenance and evening show performances;
- Develop a thorough knowledge of the Lighting Department Special Effects equipment specific to the production, in order to operate equipment safely;
- Participate in special events, including the installation of new lighting show elements;
- Demonstrate the ability to work well under pressure, be self-motivated and provide a positive environment, both inside the department and theatre-wide;
- Perform all duties as deemed necessary for the success of the department.
The ideal candidate will have the following qualifications:
- At least 1 year of experience as a professional Special Effects technician;
- Previous field experience with repairs, troubleshooting and diagnostics with a wide variety of theatrical special effects;
- Background in electronics, electricity, pyrotechnics, and atmospherics;
- 10-hour OSHA course completion card required
- Previous experience in production, effects system operation, maintenance and repair;
- Ability to perform essential functions of the position such as, but not limited to: working in an environment with limited to no visibility, working with effects like fog, smoke and fire, bending, crouching, climbing for extended periods of time, lifting 50lbs unassisted. Full list of essential functions will be sent in the offer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions;
- Fluent in English, both written and spoken;
- 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;
- Although not a pre-employment condition, this position requires you to be fully vaccinated. If requested, reasonable accommodations will be considered.
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.