Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1968 that provides arts education in a camp setting, where fun, creativity, and learning intermingle freely in the beautiful outdoors. Our goal is to instill in our community a desire and drive to contribute creatively to the world now and for the rest  of their lives.

Each summer, teachers and artists — actors, directors, playwrights, painters, sculptors, musicians, composers, dancers, poets, and novelists — come together to teach and collaborate with our campers, grades K–12. Set on 140  acres of natural beauty in Wheatley Heights, Long Island, NY, Usdan is a safe, welcoming place within which campers have the freedom to build new friendships, explore nature, gain personal independence, and have fun,  while developing new skills and techniques in their chosen artforms.

At Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts, our students’ safety, growth, and happiness are at the heart of everything we  do. We are proud to share that we are officially an ACA Accredited camp — a mark that shows our commitment to  the highest standards of student health and safety.

The Amphitheatre Technician is responsible for overseeing and running all technical and production aspects during the summer camp season including daily Festival performances, primarily at its outdoor amphitheater. Shows range from all different mediums including dance, music, theatre, poetry, etc. This position will also be responsible for running events in October during the Rise. These could be in the amphitheater as well as other locations on campus. The role ensures seamless execution of loading in and breaking down performances, lighting, sound, staging, and video elements while maintaining safety standards. The Amphitheatre Technician collaborates with professional artists, staff, and students to create outstanding live experiences. This could be a full-time or part-time position.

TECHNICAL OPERATIONS & PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

• Basic knowledge of stage lighting and sound instruments.
• Lifting and carrying.
• Has live performance and theater experience (Lighting, mixing sound, stage changes, stage management, production, etc.)
• Oversee and run all technical aspects, events, including lighting, sound, hanging backdrops, video, and livestream (livestream will have support from a student).
• Coordinate and execute load-in, setup, sound check, rehearsals, live performances, and load-out procedures.
• Quick turnover between rehearsals and performances on the Amphitheatre stage.
• Arrange for and manage equipment rentals as needed.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues before and during events.
• Ensure sound level for the event.
• Supply house music before and after Festival performances to set the vibe.

COLLABORATION & COMMUNICATION

• Works closely with artists and production teams to meet technical requirements.
• Works closely with Chairs, Director of Education, and Executive Director.
• Mentorship of high school student who will be in the Amphitheatre full time. The role will oversee the safety, supervision and assignments of the mentee.
• Attend production meetings and provide technical expertise in event planning.

SAFETY & COMPLIANCE

• Always have student safety as a top priority.
• Ensure all technical equipment is operational, maintained, and compliant with safety regulations.
• Develop emergency procedures for technical failures and adverse weather conditions.

GENERAL

• Attend department and staff meetings and trainings as required.
• Use unstructured time constructively.
• Create schedule for Festival rehearsals.
• Handle confidential information with sensitivity and in a trustworthy manner.
• Help to create a joyful, fun and engaging atmosphere for all students and staff at Usdan.
• Model the behaviors of artists; how they think, work, and live.
• Other duties as assigned.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of experience in live event production, preferably in outdoor venues.
• Degree in Technical Theater or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency in stage lighting, live sound mixing, video projection, and rigging.
• Experience managing technical crews and production teams.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and ability to perform under pressure.
• Be able to work individually and as a part of a team.
• CPR training is not required but a plus.
• Have reliable transportation to Usdan’s campus. (Requests for accommodations are subject to approval by senior management.)
• Must complete New York State required trainings, including but not limited to a Sexual Harassment Prevention training and a Child Abuse and Neglect/Maltreatment Identification. Links to required trainings will be provided after hiring.

2026 SUMMER SEASON DATES AND TIMES

• Monday – Friday, June 29 – August 21, 2026, 8:30 A.M. – 3:30 P.M., closed July 3.
  (Could be full days or full weeks. TBD)
• Pre-season commitments include:
  • New Staff Orientation: Saturday, May 16, 11:00 .A.M. – 2:00 .P.M.
  • Staff Orientation: Saturday, May 30, 9:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.
  • Family Orientation: Thursday, June 18, 4:00 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• $25 Hourly rate, (possibly whole days or weeks)
• $25 per hour for trainings.
• Complimentary use of studio space for their own artistic purposes, pre- and post-season, pending availability; semi-weekly use of swimming pool after camp hours; and occasional use of other facilities (e.g. tennis courts).
• Workshops in subjects like yoga, ceramics, and archery with other faculty and staff, if offered.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Usdan is a 140-acre campus with facilities spread throughout – distances vary and are along uneven surfaces, up and down hills. Some facilities are elevated and require one to two stairs to enter. Some staff walk an average of two miles per day. Other physical demands include the ability to work in a hot, humid environment; the ability to speak clearly and understand the speech of another person; and the ability to prioritize sounds and focus on one sound among many.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential physical functions of this position.

• Please apply through our online application: https://www.usdan.org/employment.
• Cover letter required.
• PDF files are preferred attachments. No phone calls please.