Technical Production Designer & Manager

About the Paris Theatre

After four years of careful restoration, the curtain has risen once again inside Portland’s historic Paris Theatre: now home to Can Can, the Pacific Northwest’s award-winning performing arts theatre company. Known for transforming tradition into spectacle, Can Can fuses world-class cabaret, craft cocktails, and culinary concessions inside one of Old Town’s most storied stages.

Every Can Can production is handcrafted: from choreography and costuming to lighting, music, and multimedia. As we open our doors to a new era of performance in Portland, we’re seeking a Technical Production Designer & Manager to help shape the visual and sonic heartbeat of our shows. The right candidate will be a multitasker proficient in lighting and sound systems (ETC EOS, X32, Arena playback, or similar). This position will work closely with our creative and production teams to ensure every performance dazzles with precision, innovation, and theatrical flair.

The Role

The Technical Production Designer & Manager oversees all technical aspects of Paris Theatre productions: from lighting and sound design to projection mapping, cue scripting, and operator training. This role balances creativity with technical excellence, ensuring that each Can Can show maintains the company’s signature standard of immersive artistry.

You’ll collaborate with the creative team to bring concepts to life, lead and train technical operators, and maintain the theatre’s production systems as we continue to evolve this historic space into a world-class performance venue.

Key ResponsibilitiesDesign

• Collaborate routinely with the creative team to plan, design, and implement technical production concepts.
• Design and program lighting, audio, and visual playback systems for live shows and special events.
• Manage mic cues, EQ, dynamics, compression, and vocal FX for live performance.
• Curate and maintain all show-related playlists (preshow, intermission, post-show).
• Coordinate with the Creative Director and Communications Director on visual, projection, and multimedia needs.
• Update operators and maintain cue integrity throughout each production run.

Manage

• Maintain the highest technical quality across all shows, ensuring operators are trained to consistent standards.
• Schedule, hire, and train technicians and operators within approved personnel budgets.
• Supervise payroll, scheduling, and communication for all technical staff and collaborators.
• Coordinate on-site technical days, maintenance work calls, and project installations.
• Oversee tip distributions and communicate transparently with management.
• Maintain a master production calendar with deadlines, tech week schedules, and production milestones.
• Coordinate promotional and archival shoots; capture live show audio or video as needed.
• Serve as backup show operator when required and maintain cueing scripts for all productions.
• Support technical upgrades and improvements to the theatre’s systems and infrastructure.

Maintain

• Oversee and maintain lighting, sound, projection, and power systems throughout the theatre.
• Ensure backstage and onstage areas remain safe, organized, and performance-ready.
• Manage expendables and vendor relationships (e.g., PNTA, Sweetwater, etc.).
• Keep software, show files, and backup systems current and accessible.
• Conduct pre-tech system checks to ensure optimal sound and lighting performance.
• Provide A/V and tech support for the facility, including smart lighting, signage, and power management.

Train

• Train at least two operators per production to ensure coverage and quality control.
• Create and maintain training materials and cue documentation for ongoing shows.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of experience in live entertainment, technical theatre, or production design.
• Proficiency with lighting and sound systems (ETC EOS, X32, Arena playback, or similar).
• Working knowledge of live sound engineering, EQ, compression, and playback systems.
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills; capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Hands-on knowledge of projection and multimedia playback preferred.
• Comfortable with both creative collaboration and practical maintenance work.

Additional Details

• Average Hours: 15–35 per week; up to 60 hours per week during tech or opening weeks.
• Compensation: DOE
• Benefits: 401(k) eligible after 12 months, medical benefit eligible after 6 months
• Remote Work: Select administrative or design prep tasks may be completed remotely.
• Performance Reviews: Conducted every 6 months or upon major role shifts.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $40.00 per hour

Expected hours: 15 – 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance

Ability to Commute:

• Portland, OR 97204 (Required)

Work Location: In person