Oasis Arts Inc. Technician San Francisco, CA · Part time Company website

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Oasis Arts is a San Francisco–based nonprofit dedicated to raising the impact of queer arts both locally and globally. Drawing on a decade of legacy in the queer arts community, Oasis Arts provides artists — especially those from LGBTQ+ and BIPOC backgrounds — with space, mentorship, resources, and platforms to create and share innovative work. In partnership with community organizations and civic arts agencies, the organization nurtures diversity, fosters intergenerational artistic exchange, and amplifies voices that have historically been excluded from mainstream arts spaces.

Employment Type

Part-time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reports To

Technical/Production Manager

Workplace Type

On-site; primarily evenings and weekends in alignment with the performance schedule

Compensation

$25/hr

Hours

Variable — per-show/event call schedule; number of hours determined by programming calendar

Position Summary

Our Technicians are the backbone of every show we produce. From high-energy drag spectacles and immersive theatrical productions to intimate cabarets and community events, Oasis Arts presents over 300 performances and events a year — and each one depends on a skilled technician to bring it to life. This role requires confidence running all technical elements of a live show, including lighting console operation, live sound mixing, and general technical support throughout load-in, show run, and load-out.

This position is perfect for someone who is technically sharp and creatively engaged — someone who takes pride in the craft of live production and finds energy in the fast-paced, dynamic environment of a nightlife-adjacent performance venue. Technicians at Oasis Arts work directly with the Technical/Production Manager and in close collaboration with show producers, directors, and artists to deliver technically excellent performances that serve the artistic vision and create a memorable experience for every audience member.

Key Responsibilities

Show Operation — Lighting

• Operate the lighting console for live performances with confidence, precision, and responsiveness to the artistic needs of each show — from programming and cueing to live execution
• Execute lighting cues accurately and in real time during performances, following show documentation (cue sheets, prompt scripts, or running order) and adapting fluidly to live performance variables
• Program, edit, and update lighting cues and looks in the console as directed by the lighting designer or Technical/Production Manager before and during the production process
• Troubleshoot lighting system issues — including console, dimmer, DMX/Ethernet network, and fixture problems — quickly and calmly during time-sensitive pre-show and show periods

Show Operation — Live Sound

• Mix live sound for performances, balancing vocals, instruments, playback, and effects to deliver a clear, professional, and artistically appropriate audio experience for each show
• Set up and operate the venue's audio system for each event, including microphone placement and patching, monitor mixing, signal routing, and front-of-house mix
• Operate digital audio consoles, adapting quickly to different console platforms and show configurations
• Coordinate with artists, musicians, and show producers during soundcheck and tech rehearsal, responding to feedback professionally and efficiently
• Troubleshoot audio issues - including feedback, signal loss, gain staging, and wireless microphone performance - promptly and without disrupting show readiness

Load-In, Setup & Technical Preparation

• Arrive at scheduled call times to execute load-in and technical setup, including rigging, hanging, focusing, and cabling of lighting equipment; audio system patching, line checks, and console setup; and any AV, video, or projection elements as required
• Read and interpret technical riders, light plots, channel lists, and stage plots provided by artists or show producers, and implement them accurately within the venue's capabilities
• Communicate advance technical requirements to the Technical/Production Manager, flagging any riders or requests that fall outside standard house capabilities
• Participate in technical rehearsals and soundchecks, working collaboratively with directors, designers, and artists to realize the technical needs of each production
• Ensure all equipment, cabling, and rigging is set up safely and in compliance with venue safety standards and industry best practices before each performance

Show Run & Artist Support

• Serve as the primary technical operator during performances, executing all lighting and/or audio responsibilities with focus, professionalism, and creative sensitivity
• Monitor all technical systems throughout each show, proactively addressing any issues that arise while minimizing disruption to the performance
• Communicate with the stage manager, show producer, or manager on duty throughout the show as required
• Provide technical support for artists and performers backstage and onstage as needed, including mic placement, monitor adjustments, and show-specific technical assistance
• Maintain a calm, solutions-focused presence under pressure - particularly during technically complex productions or when unexpected issues arise during a live show

Load-Out, Maintenance & Equipment Care

• Execute complete load-out after each event, including striking, coiling, and storing all equipment in an organized and safe manner
• Perform basic maintenance and upkeep of technical equipment - including lamp and gel changes, cable repairs, wireless microphone battery management, and fixture cleaning - as directed by the Technical/Production Manager
• Report any equipment damage, malfunction, or safety concerns to the Technical/Production Manager promptly and in writing
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe work environment in all technical areas - including the tech booth and backstage areas
• Stay current with industry developments in theatrical and live event technology and be willing to learn new systems, platforms, and techniques as the venue's technical infrastructure evolves

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience working as a technician in a theatrical, live performance, or event production setting
• Demonstrated confidence operating a lighting console (preferably experience with ETC Eos Console) during live performances - including programming, cueing, and real-time show execution
• Familiarity with video projection, media servers, or LED display systems
• Demonstrated experience mixing live sound in a performance environment - including front-of-house mixing, microphone technique, monitor mixing, and digital console operation
• Strong troubleshooting skills - able to identify and resolve technical issues quickly and calmly in a live production environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with artists, directors, producers, and production team members
• Availability to work evenings and weekends consistently in alignment with Oasis Arts' performance schedule
• Ability to work calmly, efficiently, and with good judgment under pressure in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Alignment with Oasis Arts' values of radical inclusion, community care, and queer and BIPOC cultural celebration

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move continuously throughout load-in, show run, and load-out
• Ability to lift or carry up to 50 pounds of equipment, including lighting fixtures, audio gear, cables, and cases
• Ability to work at heights - including climbing ladders and working on catwalks or lifts - when required for lighting hang and focus
• Ability to perform repetitive physical tasks associated with cable management, rigging, and equipment setup and strike
• Ability to work in high-volume noise environments consistent with live performance and nightlife events
• Ability to work in variable light conditions including near-darkness backstage and in technical areas during performances

Compensation

$25 per hour

Equity & Inclusion

Oasis Arts is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and underrepresented candidates.