Production Assistant - River to River Festival

Founded as Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, LMCC is a dynamic non-profit organization that serves, connects, and makes space for artists and community. Since 1973, LMCC has been the champion for independent artists in New York City and the cultural life force of Lower Manhattan.

LMCC seek part-time temporary Production Assistants between the dates of May 31st to June 30th, for the 2023 River To River Festival running from June 9-18, 2023.

Production Assistant(s) will report to the Senior Producer and Technical Producer and support the Public Programs department. The Production Assistant(s) will work with the Festival Production Coordinator to provide technical needs for all River To River Festival events, support load-in, run, and load-out for site-based performances and the installation of visual art projects, operate sound and lighting equipment as needed, and coordinate with FOH staff.
The dates are flexible from May 31 to June 30, 2023, with the greatest concentration of shifts between June 6th and June 18th.

The Production Assistant positions are an opportunity to work closely on the production of events across several varying artistic disciplines and types of venues, including historic landmarks, parks, and plazas. The festival takes place in Lower Manhattan, with some events on Governors Island.

Compensation
The contract fee for Production Assistants will range from $1,500 to $1,750, depending on experience, technical ability, and shift availability.

Each contract fee will be calculated based on hourly commitment needed for the assigned projects of each role, with the Production Lead compensated at a comparatively higher rate.

Responsibilities include:

● Working with LMCC Production Coordinator and the Producing team to discuss technical needs for projects and assist in development of production plans.
● Prepping equipment for Festival projects, under direction of Production Coordinator.
● Coordinating and assisting in transportation of equipment rentals, purchases, and LMCC inventory to and from Festival sites and venues.
● Assisting in the operation of several distinct projects, including artist management, run, strike and load-out of performing arts events, and varying technical needs depending on the venue and type of event.
● Working with Front of House and other festival staff on site
● Ensuring all established COVID-19 protocols in accordance with New York State health and safety guidelines are followed by events attendees
● Representing LMCC through interactions with audience and artists
● General administrative tasks related to production (i.e. inventory management, etc.)

Requirements

Strong candidates for this position will have:

● Experience working on production of live performing arts events (dance, theater, music)
● Knowledge of setting up and operating sound, lighting, and video equipment preferred. Varied levels of experience needed, depending on the project.
● Experience and interest in stage management and/or technical and production management.
● Experience in technical production for outdoor or site-specific work a plus
● Knowledge of New York City and cultural sector
● Excellent organizational and administrative skills
● Ability to remain calm in periods of hectic activity
● Strong communication skills
● Willing to work independently and problem-solve when needed, with support from Production staff.

● Knowledge of computer programs including Gmail and Google calendar, and Mac OSX.. Familiarity with Airtable is a plus.
● Willingness to work outdoors transporting, setting up, and striking equipment.
● Ability to work evenings and weekends and follow a varied schedule during the festival.
● Ability to lift 50 pounds (accommodations can be made, however).
● Driver’s license a plus

The ideal Production Assistant has exceptional organizational skills, comfort with setting up, using, and putting away technical equipment (especially sound equipment), an outgoing personality and friendly attitude when representing LMCC through interactions with both audiences and artists, and the flexibility to adapt to the needs of many different kinds of tasks, performances, and venues.