Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Entertainment Technician

🎯 Role Definition

As a vital member of our production team, the Entertainment Technician is the hands-on expert responsible for bringing live events, shows, and experiences to life. You are the technical backbone of our productions, ensuring flawless execution of audio, lighting, video, and staging elements from setup to strike. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem-solver with a deep understanding of live production technology and an unwavering commitment to safety and quality. You will collaborate closely with performers, designers, and managers to transform creative visions into technical reality.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Stagehand / Rigger
Audio Visual (AV) Intern or Assistant
Production Assistant

Advancement To:

Lead Entertainment Technician / Head of Department (Audio, Lighting, Video)
Technical Director
Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Broadcast Engineer
AV Systems Integration Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Set up, install, and operate a wide range of complex audio equipment, including digital mixing consoles, wireless microphone systems, and speaker arrays for live performances and events.
Program, operate, and maintain sophisticated lighting systems, including moving lights, conventional fixtures, and lighting control consoles (e.g., GrandMA, Hog, ETC).
Manage and operate video systems, including LED walls, projectors, video switchers, and media servers (e.g., Resolume, ProPresenter) to deliver dynamic visual content.
Execute the safe and efficient load-in, setup, and load-out of all technical production elements for shows, concerts, and corporate events.
Perform comprehensive pre-show system checks and diagnostics on all AV and lighting equipment to ensure complete operational readiness and reliability.
Collaborate directly with Stage Managers, Show Directors, and performers to execute technical cues with precision and impeccable timing during rehearsals and live shows.
Act as a general stagehand, assisting with scene changes, performer flying effects, automation, and the placement of props and scenery as required.
Read, interpret, and execute technical specifications from riders, stage plots, lighting plots, and system diagrams to meet the needs of touring productions and clients.
Conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs on all entertainment technology to ensure equipment longevity and peak performance.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with audio, video, and lighting systems in real-time during high-pressure live show environments.
Operate follow spots for theatrical and concert-style performances, ensuring performers are lit accurately and effectively.
Manage power distribution for all onstage and front-of-house technical equipment, adhering to strict electrical safety standards.
Ensure a safe working environment at all times by complying with all company policies, OSHA standards, and industry best practices, particularly concerning rigging and electrical work.
Interface with clients and guest artists to understand their technical needs and provide exceptional customer service and technical support.
Mix in-ear monitors (IEM) and stage wedges for on-stage performers, ensuring they have a clear and comfortable audio experience.

Secondary Functions

Maintain and organize a comprehensive inventory of all technical equipment, consumables, and spare parts in storage areas.
Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies to recommend equipment upgrades and process improvements.
Assist with the creation and maintenance of technical documentation, including system diagrams, cue sheets, and maintenance logs.
Provide technical assistance, training, and guidance to guest artists, clients, and non-technical staff as needed.
Participate in production meetings to discuss technical requirements and contribute to the planning and execution of upcoming events.
Operate atmospheric effects, such as fog and haze machines, in a safe and show-appropriate manner.
Assist in the installation and integration of new audio, video, and lighting systems as part of venue upgrades or expansions.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Live Audio Engineering: Deep proficiency with digital audio consoles (e.g., Yamaha CL/QL, DiGiCo SD, Midas Pro), signal flow, and wireless frequency coordination.
Lighting Control: Expertise in programming and operating lighting consoles (e.g., MA Lighting grandMA series, ETC Eos family) and knowledge of DMX, Art-Net, and sACN protocols.
Video Systems: Experience with video switchers (e.g., Barco, Blackmagic), media servers (e.g., Resolume, d3), projection, and LED wall technology.
Rigging: Foundational knowledge of entertainment rigging principles, hardware, and safety standards for hanging speakers, lighting, and video elements.
Signal Flow Troubleshooting: Advanced ability to quickly diagnose and resolve complex signal chain issues across audio, video, lighting, and network systems.
Basic Electronics Repair: Skills in soldering, cable termination (XLR, BNC, RJ45), and performing minor repairs on equipment.
Power Distribution: Understanding of 3-phase power, load calculation, and safe electrical practices in a live event context.
Show Control Software: Familiarity with software like QLab, ProPresenter, and Vectorworks or AutoCAD for executing cues and understanding plots.
A/V Networking: Knowledge of networked audio protocols such as Dante and AVB.
Automation and Mechanics: Basic understanding of stage automation systems, motors, and mechanical effects.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving Under Pressure: Ability to remain calm and think critically to resolve unexpected technical failures during a live show.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A positive attitude and ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including creative and performing artists.
Adaptability: Flexibility to handle last-minute changes, varying work schedules, and diverse event types in a fast-paced environment.
Communication: Excellent verbal communication skills to clearly convey technical information to both technical and non-technical personnel.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to setting up systems, executing cues, and maintaining equipment.
Safety Consciousness: An unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for yourself, your colleagues, and the performers.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time efficiently to meet strict production deadlines.
Proactive Initiative: A self-starting mentality, constantly looking for ways to improve processes and anticipate needs before they arise.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, or completion of a certified technical theatre/live production program.
Certifications in specific technologies (e.g., Dante, manufacturer-specific training for consoles) are highly desirable.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Technical Theatre / Theatre Production and Design
Live Sound and Show Production
Electronics Engineering Technology
Media Production

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2-5 years of hands-on professional experience as an AV Technician or Entertainment Technician in a live performance environment.

Preferred:

Proven experience in large-scale productions, including concerts, theatrical tours, corporate events, or on-board cruise ships.
A strong portfolio or list of previous shows/events demonstrating experience across multiple technical disciplines (audio, lighting, and video).