» Production Technician(s)
» Box Office Manager
» Web Developer
» Master Carpenter
» Director for Research
» Lead Video Engineer for Research, Arts and Imaging

Occasional Job Opportunities

This talent pool will be utilized as needed or defined by specific events. There are multiple openings in each category. Successful candidates must be very organized and team oriented with a strong background in their respective area of expertise.

Production Technicians

- Areas include Stage Electricians, Stage Carpenters, Riggers, Lighting Console Operators, Follow Spot Operators, Wardrobe personnel, Stage Managers, Stage Hands, Deck Crew, and Running Crew.

Event Technicians

- Skill areas include sound reinforcement, video projection, video recording and console operation and general support in all areas of audio and video set-up and takedown for EMPAC events and installations.

Front of House/Box Office

- Ushers, ticket handlers, coat check and general audience services caretaking and support. First aid, CPR and prior customer service experience a plus.

To apply please email all inquires, resumes, and references to Kimberly Gardner at .

Box Office Manager
POSTED 08.05.2008

The Box Office Manager creates, implements and documents all Box Office and Information kiosk procedures and methods of operations. Critical involvement with ticketing software to prepare for opening. Supervise staff and activities to ensure efficient and effective operations.

Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.

To apply, and for more information about this position please make your way to the Rensselaer Jobs website. On the left in blue click "search postings" and in the "department" pulldown select EMPAC. This will bring up a list of all available jobs, including this one, search #20080293.

Production Technician(s)
POSTED 08.05.2008

EMPAC seeks experienced Stage Electricians, Stage Carpenters, Riggers, Lighting Console Operators, Follow Spot Operators, Wardrobe personnel, Stage Managers, Stage Hands, Deck Crew, and Running Crew personnel for multiple openings of the position Production Technician to be hired on a temporary, as needed basis. EMPAC comprises studios for artists in residence and four venues for performance, production and research.

A concert hall seating 1200, a theater with computer controlled rigging seating 400, one black box studio of 3500 sq ft. area and 32' high tension mesh grid, a second black box studio of 2500 sq ft and 16' high tension mesh grid. In addition to the multiple level lobby spaces, there is a construction shop for wood and metal fabrication.

Job Summary

Applicant must be motivated and capable to work under the conditions of a "start up" and high pressure environment for fast paced productions in a new (four venue) performing arts center with avant-garde programming. Must be self-motivated and able to organize time effectively to support a wide range of artistic mediums, while delivering consistent quality in a production schedule. Requires a strong background in the applicant’s respective expertise. Knowledge and experience with tour methods, construction and stage operations.

Electrician -

Responsibilities include helping to hang, focus and strike high end lighting instruments for shows and rental events. The Electrician reports to the Master Electrician. Qualified candidates should have 2-3 years professional theatrical lighting experience. Light board experience a plus.

Stage Carpenter -

Responsibilities include helping to construct, coordinate and adapt scenery and scenic elements for all productions and events, load in/out and assist with strikes and rentals. Must be able to read and work from scenic drawings and possess skills in the use of scene shop equipment; hand and power tools, and major wood, metal, and welding equipment. Should possess a working knowledge in stage rigging.

Rigger -

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: running the rail for load-ins, outs, rehearsals and performances; should possess a working knowledge of automated motorized rigging, hemp rigging, chain motor spotting, general theatrical rigging practices, lighting, sound, and stage carpentry.

Lighting Console operator -

Responsibilities include programming and operating the Lighting Console for a production and assisting with load-ins, focus and strike for a production.

Follow Spot Operator -

Responsibilities include operating a Follow Spot for a production and assisting with load-ins, focus and strike for a production.

Wardrobe Manager -

Responsibilities include: strategic planning and organization of wardrobe area, creation of wardrobe paperwork, preparation of dressing room areas, load-in and strike of costumes, assisting actors with dressing and quick changes, maintenance of costumes and supervision of wardrobe crew.

Stage Manager -

Responsibilities include supervision of the cast and crew, organization and running of all rehearsals and calling of the production. Must have strong organizational and management skills, the ability to work well with different types of personalities, and to function calmly under pressure along with strong professional stage management experience. Solid working knowledge of all theatre aspects, especially quick turn-arounds. Qualified candidates should have a minimum 3 years professional experience in stage management .

Stage Hand/Deck Crew/Running Crew -

Skills should include any/all of the following: electrics work, carpentry, rigging, wardrobe/dresser, sound/light board operation, properties, asst. stage mgmt., and/or long-distance driving. Positions require the ability to: work under pressure, think on your feet, multi-task, work safely and efficiently, lift up to 50 lbs, have a good attitude, be a team-player, possess valid driver's license and a clean driving record. Tour experience highly recommended, but not required.

For more information, about either of these positions please contact Bob Bovard at

Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.

Web Developer
POSTED 06.19.2008

We need a code whisperer!

Rensselaer’s Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) is at the apex of Art, Research and Technology. Under one roof lies an unprecedented interface between the virtual and the physical worlds, where art and technology interact on a truly human scale to create immersive experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.

You are an artist with code. You can wrangle and shape systems into masterpieces that will make us cry tears of joy… a code whisperer… making our back-end web-based systems worthy of what EMPAC embodies: – art, technology, and the melding of the two together.

Job Summary

We seek a seasoned Web Developer to complete our two person team creating multi-audience user experiences and systems across all of our web-based application services, with the ability to integrate standards-based XHTML/CSS design templates into dynamic web-based content systems. The Web Developer should be capable with both front-end and back-end web development technologies, with a strong foundation in various back-end frameworks. Front-end technologies include XHTML, CSS, and AJAX. On the back-end we require PHP/MySQL with openness for experimentation in other frameworks. We hope to move to Flash/Flex-based elements/frameworks for future iterations (video).

As Web Developer your job will primarily be to create and maintain content systems (PHP/MySQL, etc) from cross-browser, standards-based XHTML/CSS templates. The Web Team will also work to integrate our ticketing system into our website – creating templates and integrating it seamlessly into our front-end. A good personality and positive attitude are as important as strong skills and diverse abilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent of five years demonstrated experience in web development or related field; product/project references and portfolio required.
• Expert in at least one scripting language: PHP (Drupal, Joomla)/MySQL required.
• Experience and/or strong interest in at least one or more frameworks: Ruby-on-Rails, Python (Django, Zope), Drupal, Flex, and/or other MVC-pattern web frameworks.
• Ability to hand code standards compliant cross-browser markup for multiple browsers and resolutions (computer, handheld) if needed using: XHMTL, CSS, HTML-DOM, Javascript, AJAX/JQuery/Prototype with a strong understanding of SEO (against various target engines).
• Experience with source control: svn, sourcesafe, perforce, cvs, etc.
• Experience mingling with Apache + Linux as it pertains to your job (rsync, configs, basic understanding of Linux OS and Apache web server configuration).
• Knowledge of and passion for user-centered design principles, UX/IA/UI, web standards, usability and accessibility.
• Thrive in an environment centered around brainstorming and collaborating on projects with a diverse groups of technical and non-technical contributors and peers.
• Strong communicator with the ability to express ideas about technical solutions in a clear and demonstrative way.
• Work collaboratively with our UX/visual designer/XHTML-CSS markup writer.
• Troubleshooting/problem-solving skills a must!
• Attention to detail and highly self-motivated.

Desired

• Experience with media-streaming technologies a plus. (Quicktime, Flash, Real, VBricks)
• Experience in audio/video production, editing, and/or processing a plus.

We offer cubicle free workspaces, plenty of mental and physical stimulation + inspiration, and an espresso machine that will knock your socks off. Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.

How to apply:

Please share your resume including urls/portfolio, a brief cover letter, and any questions with Shannon Johnson at

Master Carpenter
POSTED 06.19.2008

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center has an immediate opening on its Production team for a theatrical Master Carpenter, responsible for stage construction, load in, and strike of scenic environments for EMPAC venues in avant-garde artistic productions as well as traditional performances in the production spaces. EMPAC comprises studios for artists in residence and four venues for performance, production and research.

A concert hall seating 1200, a theater with fly-tower seating 400, one black box studio of 3500 sq ft. area and 40’ height, a second black box studio of 2500 sq ft and 30’ height. Each venue has its dedicated control and machine room which are tied to a building-wide central machine room that hosts discrete audio and video production rooms.

Job Summary

Master Carpenter

Applicant must be motivated and capable to work under the conditions of a “start up” and high pressure environment for fast paced productions in a new (four venue) performing arts center with avant-garde programming. Must be a self-motivated, able to organize construction time and crews effectively to support a wide range of artistic mediums, while delivering consistent quality in a production schedule. Requires substantial expertise and knowledge with scenic and staging technologies, shop operation, and implementation of state-of-the-art rigging. Is versed in CAD aspects of design, and preferably experience with the mechanized systems of stage events. Knowledge and experience with tour methods, construction and stage operations.

The Master Carpenter (Rigger) will manage the construction shop, stage load-in and load outs for EMPAC productions, and will assist in the installation and load out of audience risers in the studio spaces. As assigned, the master carpenter will assist in the ongoing research of performance technologies and media applications. Detailed construction knowledge of wood and steel scenery along with rigging and staging methodologies are expected.

The Master Carpenter reports to the Director for Stage Technology/ Production Manager and collaborates with the Assistant Director of Stage Technology, Lead Video Engineer, Lead Audio Engineer, Master Electrician, and Project Managers to create a highest level professional environment for experimental media.

Qualifications

• BA/BFA in theater with emphasis on production technology (Technical/Staging, Theatrical Design, or related Performance Arts) or equivalent documented experience as a Theatre Carpenter in a high level production environment.
• Experience with managing crews for production construction, load-ins and strikes.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with wood and steel scenery construction, shop and stage operations, and typical stage rigging methods as well as computer aspects of state-of-the-art rigging.

To apply, and for more information about this position please make your way to the Rensselaer Jobs website. On the left in blue click "search postings" and in the "department" pulldown select Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center. This will bring up a list of all available jobs, including this one.

For more information, about either of these positions please contact Bob Bovard at

Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.

Director for Research
UPDATED 06.23.2008

The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, is a center where arts, science, engineering and technology come together under one roof in a unique, newly constructed facility. EMPAC provides large-scale venues and studios designed and constructed to the highest quality required for contemporary artistic development, production and performance in all domains of time-based arts, and are equally enabled for any research and development that links sensory perception and human expression with computational processes.

EMPAC is slated to open in the fall of 2008. The artistic program for EMPAC has ramped up over the past five years laying the foundation for the arts program in the new building. As part of the construction of the building, a research program involving the acoustical characteristics of the canopy for the concert hall was used in the design of the concert hall.

This new Director for Research position at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is charged with creating a research program for scientific and engineering disciplines that also may engage perceptual and artistic knowledge and practice. A broad mandate for enhancing understanding of challenging real-world problems is also charged with creating new research directions and solutions for human-scale immersive environments.

The Director for Research at EMPAC will coordinate and initialize inter- and trans-disciplinary research activities that utilize the unique facilities at EMPAC at the intersection between the physical and the digital domains in the context of Rensselaer’s multi-faceted fields of research (e.g. nanotechnology, biotechnology, environmental engineering, future chip research). Rensselaer recently opened one of the most powerful super computer systems in the world - based at a university. Initiatives are underway to integrate EMPAC in research projects with this computational super cluster.

The Director for Research will establish the EMPAC research program in the national and international context of research in areas such as augmented reality and virtual reality, scientific visualization, audification, haptics, and multi-modal modeling in this large-scale fully media-integrated, multiple-user facilities. This would be expected to cover domains as disparate as modeling and projection of interacting proteins in living systems to artificial intelligence (including 3-dimensional and synthetic sentient designs) to engineering and architectural design in massive spaces, with 360° projection capabilities and synthetic holography.

The Director for Research will advance interdisciplinary research in the fields of science and engineering as they relate to multi-modal representations and interfaces, will facilitate knowledge transfer in research and development between traditionally separated disciplines within or between science, engineering and the arts, will establish interdisciplinary project-groups in research and development in collaboration with Rensselaer’s schools, departments and centers, and in conjunction with EMPAC’s arts-based projects and productions.

When it is formed, the Director for Research will work closely with the EMPAC Constellation, a group of internationally acclaimed researchers with a highly focused research agenda.

Constellations are established at Rensselaer to create unique new research thrusts. Constellations are multidisciplinary teams of senior faculty, junior faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates. The Director for Research will ensure a close link between the long-term research of the constellation, and the wide-spread research and artistic activities of EMPAC in general and its linkage across the broader campus.

The Director is the clearinghouse for projects and teams where scientific and artistic computing are engaged with the senses (media and physical rendering).

The Director for Research will collaborate with researchers on campus to prepare and write grant proposals that incorporate specific technologies and infrastructures of EMPAC. The Director for Research will develop and write grant-proposals for scientific and engineering research and development projects as they pertain to interdisciplinary arts-based projects in collaboration with EMPAC curatorial and development staff.

Prerequisites:

• Experienced in interdisciplinary research and in managing interdisciplinary teams.
• Preferred experience in research and development of immersive environments, multi-modal interactive systems, augmented reality or other related fields.
• Ph.D. in a relevant area
• Familiarity with international activities in related fields.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills.

Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.

How to apply:

The Division of Human Resources has retained the services of Technology Partners, LTD to source applicants for this opportunity. Interested parties are asked to send their CV, cover letter and references to:

Paul J. McCartney
President
Technology Partners, Ltd
14001 N Dallas Parkway, Suite 1200
Dallas, Texas 75240
(Office) 972 735 0550
E-mail:pjm at technologypartnersltd dot com

Lead Video Engineer for Research, Arts and Imaging
POSTED 02.22.2007

EMPAC has an immediate opening on its team for a Lead Video Engineer for Research, Arts and Imaging, responsible for development and implementation of video systems that support creative productions and research projects. EMPAC comprises studios for artists in residence and four venues for performance, production and research.

A concert hall seating 1200, a theater with fly-tower seating 400, one black box studio of 3500 sq ft. area and 40’ height, a second black box studio of 2500 sqft and 30’ height. Each venue has its dedicated control and machine room which are tied to a building-wide central machine room that hosts discrete audio and video production rooms.

The video program of EMPAC includes virtual reality/ immersive environments, panoramic 360-degree projections, fully integrated multimedia theatrical performances as well as traditional and experimental research-based video. Candidates require experience in all aspects of video technology for emerging projects in research and production.

Duties include production of visual elements for day to day program development, the ability to perform fast and competent video editing on current professional grade software and hardware platforms. Excellent camera skills, familiarity with international and internet video standards and experience with real-time video processing and multi channel projections.

Candidate must be able to conceive, deploy and operate high-resolution single and multi-channel video projection systems. Broadcast level controlroom experience preferred. Working knowledge in both SD and HD SDI formats, as well as strong subjective/objective characterization skills. Candidate should have component level understanding of analog and digital video systems including routers, switchers, scalers, noise reduction, compression, frame rate conversion, ADC and DCA’s, color space and color management, edge enhancement, interface standards, de-interlacing, comb filtering and chroma separation, projector and lens definitions. Experience with system design and integration is preferred.

The Video Engineer for Research, Arts and Imaging collaborates with the Lead Audio Engineer and the future Director of Stage Technologies to create a highest level professional environment for experimental media. The Video Engineer for Research, Arts and Imaging reports to the Director of EMPAC.

Required Qualifications

• BA or BS with emphasis on video technology or "arts and technology" preferred
• 8 to 10 years of experience in video for show and concerts, recording and mastering required
• An understanding of and interest in contemporary and experimental time-based arts (theater, dance, music, installations and video production, etc.) is strongly suggested
• SBE (Society of Broadcast Engineers) certification is preferred

To apply, and for more information about this position please make your way to the Rensselaer Jobs website. On the left in blue click "search postings" and in the "department" pulldown select EMPAC. This will bring up a list of all available jobs, including this one, search #20070142.

Rensselaer offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, and is located in Troy, New York. We invite qualified candidates to learn more about EMPAC and the Rensselaer Plan.