Aquatic Stage Staff

The Aquatic Stage Staff (STAA) is responsible for all the duties and responsibilities that are outlined in the Technical Stage Staff (STAT) Job Description. The STAA is not only responsible for assisting with dive shows and underwater activities in the AquaTheater, as requested by the Aqua Cast Support Divers, Entertainment Performer Flying Specialists, and/or the AquaTheater Stage Production Manager, but also acts as a safety diver in the unlikely event of an Aqua Show related emergency. Additionally, will support non-SCUBA diving venues on a rotational basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a shipboard position. All duties and responsibilities are to be performed in accordance with Royal Caribbean International’s The Royal Way, SQM standards, USPH guidelines, environmental, and safety policies.

In accordance with Royal Caribbean International’s philosophy of Anchored in Excellence, each employee conducts oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times. This consists of physical and verbal interactions with guests or fellow shipboard employees and/or in the presence of guest contact and crew areas.

Each shipboard employee may be required to perform all functions in various service venues and throughout the ship.

1. Reporting Structure

• The STAA reports directly to the assigned entertainment venue’s Stage Production Manager(s).
• The STAA’s direct supervisor is the Head Stage Staff (who provides a daily schedule for all shipboard duties).
• Works closely with the SASD and ACSDs on a daily basis to perform duties.

2. Aqua Show-Related Duties

• In the unlikely event of an Aqua Show related emergency, the STAA acts as a safety diver and is the communication link between the AquaTheater Stage Production Manager and Aqua Cast Support Diver.
• Participates in and assists with the presets and strike of equipment, props and scenery for all shows, events and activities that take place in the AquaTheater.
• Assembles and disassembles all SCUBA gear required to perform their underwater duties, which must then be inspected by the Aqua Cast Support Diver.
• Assists the Aqua Cast Support Divers by securely storing and maintaining all SCUBA equipment used in the AquaTheater. In the event the STAA finds any damaged or malfunctioning equipment, or has any concerns with any of the equipment, this must be communicated to Aqua Cast Support Divers and AquaTheater Stage Production Manager.
• Performs underwater show tracks for all rehearsals and performances in the AquaTheater including, but not limited to, the:
  • sharing of air with performers
  • setting of flying points
  • calling clears for performer flying and/or lift movements
  • moving of props underwater
  • assisting cast members during costume changes
  • communicating either verbally (over comms) or by way of approved hand signals.
• Participates in all scheduled rescue trainings.

3. Maintenance

• Works with the AquaTheater Stage Production Manager, Entertainment Performer Flying Specialists, and venue technicians to maintain all props and set pieces of all produced entertainment as it was originally designed and installed.
• Assists the AquaTheater Stage Production Manager, Entertainment Performer Flying Specialists, and Support Divers with underwater maintenance and safety inspections.
• Communicates any maintenance needs with the AquaTheater Stage Production Manager, Head Stage Staff and/or Aqua Cast Support Divers.
• Ensures that all props and set pieces in all entertainment venues onboard are secured, attached and/or properly stored to prevent damage or equipment loss in cases of rough seas or high degrees of list.

4. Administrative Function

• Communicates any maintenance needs with the Aquatheater Stage Production Manager, Head Stage Staff and/or Aqua Cast Support Divers.
• Attends applicable shipboard related meetings and trainings as required.
• Ensures that backstage underwater track sheets for produced entertainment is accurately updated; copies of which must be given to the Head Stage Staff for archiving.

Performs related duties as required. This position description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the shipboard employee occupying this position. Shipboard employees will be required to perform any other job-related duties assigned by their supervisor or management.


QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of high school or basic education equivalency required.
• 1-2 years’ experience with the assembly and disassembly of stage equipment and props.
• Bachelors or Associates in Technical Theater, Sound, Lights, A/V preferred, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Minimum Open Water certified by PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) or other globally recognized equivalent diving agency is required (SSI, SDI, NAUI). Ideally Advanced Open Water from PADI or equivalent, although further certification can be acquired while already in the position.
• Ability to dive utilizing SCUBA apparatus, including full face mask, and work under water in a confined freshwater pool for up to 60 minutes or more during a live performance.
• Completion of CPR, first aid, water rescue or related courses is highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge and understanding of theatrical terms, and technical disciplines: sound, lights, and rigging.
• Ability to perform minor theatrical repair work (i.e., carpentry and painting).
• Must have the ability to solely move heavy sets and/or props underwater.
• Familiarity with ship’s operation in relationship to production.
• Well versed in various software applications applicable to entertainment technology preferred.
• Maintaining knowledge of technological and software advancements in the live entertainment and SCUBA industry.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to speak English clearly, distinctly and cordially under all circumstances.
• Ability to understand and apply the SCUBA industry approved hand signals.
• Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures (equipment manuals, operations manuals, memos, technical procedures and necessary rules and regulations). This includes the ability to give and receive instructions in written and verbal forms, and to effectively present information to subordinates and colleagues.

PHYSICAL, VISION AND HEARING REQUIREMENTS

• Physical: Must pass the company required medical evaluation.
• Vision: Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

All shipboard employees must be physically able to participate in emergency life saving procedures and drills. Full use and range of arms and legs as well as full visual, verbal and hearing abilities are required to receive and give instructions in the event of an emergency including the lowering of lifeboats. Therefore, the ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds is necessary.