How to Be Dance Company Touring Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 13, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Dance Company Touring Technician is an important position that helps ensure the success of a dance company's tour. Their responsibilities include setting up and maintaining technical equipment, such as lighting, sound, and video systems, as well as providing technical support during performances. This role is critical for the smooth running of any tour and can have a significant effect on the success of the tour.

A successful Dance Company Touring Technician must have strong technical skills, be organized, and be able to work quickly and efficiently. They must also have a good understanding of the technical needs of the dancers and choreographers, as well as any special requirements of the venue. Their knowledge and skills are essential to ensure that the performance runs smoothly and that all technical elements are in place before each show.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a college degree in a related field such as sound engineering, lighting design, or dance production. Many technicians for dance companies have a background in the arts, so a degree in either of these areas can be beneficial.
Gain experience in the field by volunteering or working in a theater or performance venue. Learn how to set up and operate sound and lighting equipment, as well as how to troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Develop an understanding of the various types of dance styles and how they require different types of technical support.
Build a portfolio of your work that includes photos and videos of your technical work on live events.
Research different dance companies and their touring needs. Make sure you are familiar with their technical requirements so that you can tailor your resume and portfolio to their specific needs.
Create a list of contacts in the industry and reach out to them for potential job opportunities. Networking is an important part of finding jobs in this field.
Apply for jobs as a touring technician with dance companies and other performance venues. Be prepared to travel and provide technical support for live performances.
Once you get a job, remain up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends in the field so that you can provide the best possible service to your employer.

Being a successful dance company touring technician requires a wide range of skills and knowledge. Reliability and capability are two essential qualities that a technician should possess in order to succeed. Having a good understanding of the technical aspects of the show, such as lighting and audio, is important in order to efficiently set up and breakdown the performance equipment.

having a strong knowledge of the venue and production details, such as electrical requirements, is essential to ensure the show runs smoothly. Furthermore, technicians need to be organized and able to work under pressure, as well as having excellent problem solving skills to quickly solve any issues that may arise. Finally, having excellent interpersonal skills is important when dealing with clients and other production staff in order to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that all expectations are met.

You may want to check Dance Company Booking Agent, Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer, and Dance Company Touring Database Administrator for alternative.

Job Description

Ensure that the technical and operational standards of the touring company are maintained throughout the duration of the tour.
Responsible for the installation, operation and maintenance of all sound, lighting and video equipment needed for touring shows.
Troubleshoot technical issues onsite as needed.
Set up and run sound checks prior to each performance.
Perform quality control checks and repairs on equipment.
Load and unload production equipment as needed.
Coordinate with other technicians on the tour to ensure a successful show.
Maintain and update inventory of production supplies and materials.
Assist in any other duties as assigned by the production manager or director.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Extensive knowledge of stage lighting and audio equipment
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose technical issues
Ability to work with minimal supervision
Ability to coordinate with multiple departments
Proficiency in set-up and tear-down of equipment
Attention to detail and a commitment to quality assurance
Good communication skills, both verbal and written
Ability to lift and move heavy equipment and materials
Flexibility to travel and work long hours and weekends
Understanding of safety procedures and regulations

The main skill a Dance Company Touring Technician must possess is an ability to troubleshoot and solve issues quickly and efficiently. This is because when on tour, any equipment malfunctions or technical issues must be resolved as quickly as possible in order to ensure the show goes on. This skill requires a deep understanding of how the equipment functions and a wide knowledge of the various parts that make up the system.

excellent communication and organization skills are essential, as the Technician must be able to coordinate with other members of the production staff and explain technical problems in a way that is easily understood. Furthermore, the Technician must be able to work well under pressure, as tours often involve tight deadlines and a need for rapid problem resolution. With all of these skills combined, a Dance Company Touring Technician has the potential to provide a smooth and successful touring experience.

Dance Programmer, Dance Company Touring Video Technician, and Dance Music Arranger are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with touring dance companies?
Describe your experience working in a fast-paced environment.
What are your technical skills when it comes to setting up and breaking down equipment for a dance performance?
How do you troubleshoot technical issues during a performance?
How do you ensure that the technical setup is safe and meets industry standards?
How do you ensure that the lighting and sound equipment is properly set-up according to the choreographer's specifications?
Describe how you collaborate with other technicians on tour to ensure a successful performance.
How do you handle stressful and challenging situations while managing the technical aspects of a production?
Tell us about your experience with costuming and technical maintenance of costumes.
What strategies do you employ to stay organized and focused on the job while on tour?

Common Tools in Industry

Computers. Used for managing, tracking and updating tour information, such as location, dates, and ticket sales. (eg: Dell Latitude Laptop)
Audio/Visual Equipment. Used for setting up sound systems, lighting, video projection systems and more. (eg: PA system with speakers, microphone and mixer)
Networking Equipment. Used for connecting and sharing data between computers on tour. (eg: Wi-Fi router)
Stage Lighting Equipment. Used for creating special effects and setting the mood for performances. (eg: DMX Lighting Console)
Safety Equipment. Used for keeping performers and crew safe during rehearsals and performances. (eg: Harnesses, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits)
Tools & Supplies. Used for setting up and maintaining equipment on tour. (eg: Screwdrivers, wires and duct tape)

Professional Organizations to Know

Dance/USA
National Dance Education Organization
Association of Performing Arts Professionals
International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees
United Scenic Artists
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees
The Broadway League
Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers
The Dance/USA Task Force on Equity and Inclusion
International Association of Blacks in Dance

We also have Dance Company Public Relations Manager, Dance Performance Technician, and Dance Production Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Lighting Technician. A person who sets up and operates the lighting equipment used in a performance.
Audio Technician. A person who sets up and operates the sound system used in a performance.
Set Designer. A person who designs and builds the scenery used in a performance.
Costume Designer. A person who designs and creates the costumes used in a performance.
Stage Manager. A person responsible for the day-to-day management of a production, including overseeing rehearsals, technical setup, and implementing cues during performances.
Choreographer. A person who creates the dance moves for a performance.
Tour Manager. A person responsible for overseeing the logistics of a tour, including scheduling, booking venues, and handling finances.
Technical Director. A person responsible for coordinating all technical elements of a production, including set design, lighting, sound, and video.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical job title of a Dance Company Touring Technician?

The typical job title of a Dance Company Touring Technician is usually Stage Manager or Tour Manager.

What responsibilities are involved with a Dance Company Touring Technician?

Responsibilities of Dance Company Touring Technicians include creating and maintaining a set that meets the dance company's technical requirements, managing sound and lighting equipment, supervising staff and volunteers, and ensuring that each performance runs smoothly.

What qualifications are required for a Dance Company Touring Technician?

Qualifications for a Dance Company Touring Technician typically include experience in theatre technology, knowledge of sound engineering and lighting design, strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

What is the typical salary range for a Dance Company Touring Technician?

The typical salary range for a Dance Company Touring Technician is typically between $35,000 and $65,000 per year.

What are the benefits of working as a Dance Company Touring Technician?

Benefits of working as a Dance Company Touring Technician include the opportunity to travel to new locations, explore different cultures, and develop strong relationships with other technicians and crew members. Additionally, it can be an exciting and rewarding career with the potential to be involved in some of the most memorable performances in the dance world.