Summary:
Des Moines Metro Opera is a major summer opera festival located in Indianola, IA. The company produces 3-4 new productions each season in a summer repertory schedule, presented within the intimate 467-seat theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center. Our 53rd season includes Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, and Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Coordinate and oversee a rental lighting package that includes 30+ Martin Mac Encore Performance CLDs, Lustrs 2, Chroma Q Colorforce 2, and 200+ conventional lights
• Interview and hire the necessary staff and interns for the summer festival season in conjunction with the Director of Production - The lighting team consists of one head, one supervisor, one assistant head, one programmer, two stage electricians, and two interns.
• Strive to make the technical intern position as educational and worthwhile as possible (This may include running one workshop during the season)
• Work with the Lighting Designer(s) to help prepare, hang, focus, run, and strike all equipment during the DMMO season.
• Oversee the electrical crew’s work to assure their work is to the Lighting Designer’s specifications
• Coordinate with the Director of Production, Scenic, and Props Departments for scenic related lighting projects including any practicals.
• Set up all systems necessary in the running of shows (cue lights, monitors, atmospherics, etc.)
• Plan and execute for any special effects including LEDs, low-voltage, and wireless dimming systems
• Attend necessary meetings including but not limited to bi-weekly production meetings, department head meetings, post tech meetings, etc.
• Maintain and track a budget in collaboration with the Director of Production.
• Communicate schedules for the lighting team to Production Management. Collect and submit crew time sheets to Production Management.
• Help to create and maintain an archive of DMMO inventory
• Other duties normally associated with a Head Electrician position on an “as needed” basis determined by the Director of Production
Dates of Employment:
Sunday, May 11 – Friday, July 25, 2025.
Compensation:
$1,150/week during the festival season, overtime after 50 hours at a rate of $27.60/hour. Preseason work will be paid at a rate of $23.00/hour.
$300 travel stipend to be paid upon arrival.
DMMO will provide a single bedroom in an air conditioned two-bedroom apartment during the festival season.
Skills and Knowledge
Any Combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• BA/BFA in Theatre or equivalent professional experience
• Ability to work in a team setting as well as independently
• Extensive knowledge on stage safety, rigging, ETC EOS family consoles, DMX, Ethernet, and other networking protocols
• 3+ years of head electrician experience
• Experience working in a fly house
• Experience with Lightwright and VectorWorks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted or with the help of a team
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to wear and safely use a fall arrest harness
• Work includes periods of standing, working in low light, climbing stairs/ladders, and working in a personnel lift
Application Process:
Submit resume with 3 references and a cover letter via email with the subject line “Head Electrician” to:
Production@dmmo.org
Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applicant screening process begins immediately.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Des Moines Metro Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.