Technical Productions Staff

Job description

Job Description Job Title: Technical Productions Staff Division: Technology Department: Technical Productions Reports to: Productions Manager Position Type: Unpaid Volunteer Location: Expected to be on-site during convention dates, including the day before and the day after for setup and teardown. About Anthro SoCal Anthro SoCal is a community-driven convention celebrating furry fandom through art, performance, gaming, and social connection. Our success depends on the dedication and enthusiasm of our volunteer team. Anthro SoCal was formally known as Another Furry Con in 2024-2025. Position Overview The Technical Production Staff member is the behind-the-scenes engine that powers the convention’s live events, panels, and main stage performances. In this role, you will work directly with the production leadership team to handle the heavy lifting, smooth transitions, and real-time troubleshooting that keeps the con’s programming running flawlessly. Whether you are an experienced tech wizard or someone who has never touched a soundboard but is eager to learn, this role puts you right in the middle of the backstage action. Time Commitment Year-round: None As convention approaches: Attend online staff meetings and trainings when requested Convention weekend: On-site presence is required with flexible hours. Must plan to work the minimum volunteer hour requirement posted on the website Pre and post-convention: On-site presence is required to assist with setup and teardown activities the day before and the day after the event Key Responsibilities Your shift will involve a dynamic mix of physical setup, technical monitoring, and backstage coordination: Equipment & System Logistics: Assist with the physical setup, testing, operational support, and teardown of production equipment, including audio, video, lighting, and staging systems Live Show Operations: Support the Lead and Assistant Lead staff in executing live show elements, managing backstage workflow, moving equipment, and maintaining neat cable management System Monitoring & Troubleshooting: Keep a close eye on technical systems during programming to respond quickly to issues, assisting with troubleshooting hardware, software, signal flow, networking, and operational glitches Show Flow & Transitions: Help maintain smooth, on-time transitions between events, panels, performances, and stage segments while ensuring the space remains organized and ready Cross-Department Coordination: Communicate effectively with other convention departments to align timing, schedule adjustments, and overall technical readiness Safety & Asset Protection: Strictly follow all event safety procedures to protect expensive production equipment, backstage areas, and attendee spaces Comms Etiquette: Maintain professional, clear, and timely communication over radios, Discord, and designated backstage coordination channels Adaptability: Flexibly adapt to changing schedules, unexpected technical needs, and shifting staffing assignments as the live event evolves Qualifications Required: Punctuality: Strict adherence to schedule and shift start times. Because our events must keep to a set schedule, being on time is an absolute necessity Aptitude for Learning: A proven ability to learn new software and hardware via at-con training Preferred: Industry Experience: Previous experience working in live event production, concert staging, or Audio/Visual (A/V) departments Eagerness to Learn: Has absolutely no prior experience but possesses a strong drive, curiosity, and willingness to learn about live production from the ground up Specializations Volunteers in this role may be assigned to one or more of the specialized teams noted below. Volunteers who have an interest in a specific team or teams may indicate this during the application process. Audio / Live Sound Operate microphones, stage audio, monitors, and playback systems Assist with patching, cable management, and troubleshooting Support live performances, panels, and DJ programming Lighting Operation Operate lighting consoles and cues Assist with fixture setup, focusing, and troubleshooting Support live show cue execution Video / Camera Operation Operate cameras and PTZ systems Assist with video routing, switching, and monitoring Support livestream and in-room video workflows Streaming & Broadcast Assist stream producers with scene changes, monitoring, and recording Monitor stream health, audio/video sync, and production feeds Support remote and on-site broadcast operations Visuals / Media Playback / VR Systems & Dance Support Support media playback and visual content systems VJ (Video Jockey) live visual effects during performances Assist VR performers, dancers, and stage integrations Help maintain synchronization between visuals, audio, and stage programming Breakout Room AV Set up and monitor panel room AV systems Assist presenters with microphones, displays, and connectivity Start and stop panel recordings Troubleshoot common presentation issues Stage Management & Backstage Operations Assist with backstage coordination and performer readiness Help manage timing, stage transitions, and communication Support logistics and operational flow during live programming What We Offer While this is an unpaid volunteer position, we provide: Free convention membership and staff perks Staff hospitality (meals/snacks during your shifts at-con) Exclusive staff events and social opportunities Recognition in convention materials Experience in event management and team leadership A supportive, creative community environment References and recommendation letters upon request Anthro SoCal is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, experiences, and skill levels. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.