A/V Manager/Technician - Lighting & Video | Azamara Cruises

ABOUT RWS GLOBAL

RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, consumer products and more.

RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando and Sydney with dedicated
RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.

The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit rwsglobal.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The A/V Manager/Technician - Lighting & Video oversees all audio-visual equipment and personnel, ensuring the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of A/V systems across all entertainment venues. This role is responsible for supporting performances by guest entertainers as well as all programmed activities produced by the onboard entertainment team.

The A/V Manager/Technician – Lighting & Video is primarily responsible for the effective operation of all lighting- and video- related needs for assigned venues and operations. Reporting to the Cruise Director, this role is responsible for the programming of all events, running of performances, and general maintenance of the lighting and video systems. The Technician is expected to maintain a moderate level of proficiency in programming and operating media servers for visual effects playback.

This position is responsible for the safe setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of equipment used by cast and crew, and for participating in all technical setups and strikes. As needed, the A/V Technician – Lighting & Video acts as the primary technical crew member for the venue and supports rehearsals, special events, and show execution across Deck, Lighting, and Sound disciplines.

KEY TASKS

Role & Responsibilities:

Professional Standards & Conduct:

• In accordance with Azamara Cruises’ Go Further Standards, conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times. This includes physical and verbal interactions with guests, fellow shipboard employees, and behavior in guest-contact and crew areas.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Direct, coach, support, supervise, and evaluate the job performance of the A/V Operator.
• Supervise and coordinate the A/V Team’s daily schedules, including conducting weekly meetings.
• Provide technical management for all shows and onboard activities.

Scheduling & Production Planning:

• Responsible for scheduling all rehearsals, training sessions, and performances, including required personnel scheduling.
• Establish and oversee the weekly maintenance schedule for show props and sets.
• Schedule and perform regular safety and inventory checks to ensure proper storage and readiness of all equipment and materials.

Show & Event Operations:

• Set up all events occurring throughout the ship in collaboration with the A/V team.
• Move, set, operate, strike, and store all audio-visual equipment, including lighting, sound, scenery, and props, throughout the ship on a daily basis.
• Oversee all cast pre-sets and post-performance put-away, coordinating tasks with the Vocal Captain or Dance Captain as appropriate.
• Preset, program, and run all events taking place across all venues.
• Complete pre- and post-show duties for each performance and rehearsal, ensuring all technical equipment and scenic elements are safely stored.
• Assist as needed with all events, trainings, and venue activities, including technical setups, playbacks, and other production-related duties as reasonably requested.

Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting:

• Act as the primary audio-visual troubleshooter, resolving equipment, system, or stage-related issues as they arise.
• In conjunction with the Broadcast Manager, oversee the maintenance of all technical equipment used in presentations and performances.
• Ensure all entertainment equipment functions properly and that any equipment sent ashore for repair is accompanied by appropriate documentation.
• Ensure repaired equipment is returned to the vessel in a timely manner and that repair records are properly maintained.

Lighting Design & Programming:

• Program, operate, and update lighting cues on GrandMA3 series lighting consoles for performances, rehearsals, and special events.
• Design, busk, and adjust lighting looks in real time to support special events and changing operational needs

Cross-Discipline Technical Support:

• Basic knowledge of audio playback and mixing, spotlight operation, and stage deck crew duties, including moving set pieces and assisting with quick changes.
• Keep a working knowledge of other technicians’ show tracks and responsibilities to support operational continuity.
• Support audio playback, basic mixing, spotlight operation, and stage deck activities, including moving set pieces and assisting with quick changes, as needed.

Video, Media, and Special Effects Systems:

• Operate shipboard media servers for playback, content loading, output routing, and basic troubleshooting.
• Troubleshoot and maintain LED walls, projectors, and related video systems to support reliable show and event execution.
• Assist with the setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting of special effects systems as assigned.

Equipment, Inventory & Documentation:

• Oversee all shipboard Entertainment property and, in conjunction with the Broadcast Manager, Vocal Captain, Dance Captain, and other stakeholders, maintain accurate inventory lists reflecting the condition and status of all equipment.
• Report equipment requiring repair or replacement to the Cruise Director, Hotel Director, Onboard Engineering Personnel, and other shipboard management as appropriate, and escalate to shoreside stakeholders as required.
• Maintain complete records of equipment failures, repairs, replacements, and inventory related to both equipment and supplies.
• Keep detailed notes on the ongoing status of equipment and all A/V operational areas and provide formal handover notes to a successor.

Equipment Maintenance, Safety & Reporting:

• Regularly inspect and maintain lighting and video equipment to ensure safe and effective operation.
• Complete equipment inventories and maintenance as required, following all reporting procedures established by Azamara and RWS.
• Assist with general maintenance of technical equipment, scenic elements, and prop assets as needed

Communication & Liaison Responsibilities:

• Act as liaison between Shoreside Entertainment Management, Producers, and onboard production personnel.
• Acquire and maintain working knowledge of shipboard standard operating procedures to assist guests and crew members with inquiries.
• Attend meetings, including monthly Hotel Maintenance meetings, as well as required trainings, courses, and work-related activities.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Communicate professionally and effectively with cast members, technicians, and onboard maintenance teams.
• Work collaboratively with the technical team to troubleshoot and report issues with all technical equipment, including but not limited to lighting and video systems.
• Play an active role in cast and technician changeovers and the installation of new programming, recognizing that work hours may increase during these periods while remaining compliant with ILO and Maritime labor laws.

Safety, Compliance & General Duties:

• Attend all mandatory crew and guest safety drills as required.
• Perform any other job-related duties assigned by supervisors or management in support of shipboard operations and by shipboard leadership to support entertainment operations.
• Maintain awareness of shipboard standard operating procedures in order to assist guests and crew with operational inquiries.
• Adhere to onboard operational procedures and safety standards.

Please Note: All work performed in this role is the property of Azamara Cruises and/or RWS Global. This includes all material, whether intellectual or artistic in nature, and includes programming of controllers; creation of graphics, both raw and edited video; lighting or sound cues/programming; rigging cues/programming; computer programs/routines/files, and any other work done for or utilized by Azamara Cruises/RWS Global. There is no additional compensation for such work.

Qualifications & Skills:

Education & Professional Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre (Production or Technical) or equivalent in-field experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as an A/V Manager in an upscale hotel, resort, cruise ship, entertainment, or recreational industry (shipboard experience preferred).
• Demonstrated programming proficiency on GrandMA 3 series lighting consoles.

Technical & Analytical Skills:

• Working knowledge of technical equipment, including sound, lighting, and video systems (automation and rigging experience a plus).
• Ability to analyze and evaluate technical support needs for various events and performances.
• Intermediate computer software skills.
• Ability to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Advanced lighting design and programming skills to support special events, including the ability to live busk and quickly create new looks for events.
• Working knowledge of media servers with playback interfaces; ability to learn shipboard media servers sufficiently for basic troubleshooting, content loading, and proper output routing.
• Advanced knowledge of LED wall and projector troubleshooting.
• Working knowledge of various special effects systems.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate technical support needs for various events and performances.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making abilities.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills:

• Strong communication, problem‑solving, organizational, decision‑making, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent communication and time‑management skills, with strong work ethic and professional attitude.
• Superior customer service, team‑building, and conflict‑resolution skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with multiple onboard departments and understand how the entertainment team integrates into the broader shipboard operation.

Work Style & Professional Expectations:

• Ability to remain professional in high‑stress environments while working under tight deadlines and maintaining a high‑level product.
• Willingness to think quickly, assist outside the direct scope of work when needed, and learn new skills to support team success.
• Comfortable working across multiple venues and learning multiple tracks for running shows and events as needed.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and excellent time-management skills.

Language:

• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Ability to read and write English in order to understand and interpret written procedures; give and receive instructions verbally and in writing; and effectively present information and respond to questions from guests, supervisors, and coworkers.
• Ability to speak additional languages such as Spanish, French, or German is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at height using harnesses, Genies, and ladders.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time and consistently lift up to 50 lbs / 25 kg in fulfillment of job responsibilities.
• Specific vision abilities required, including close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Physically able to participate in emergency lifesaving procedures and drills, including full use and range of motion of arms and legs, and full visual, verbal, and hearing abilities to give and receive instructions in emergency situations, including lifeboat operations.
• Ability to learn and comply with all onboard safety regulations as outlined in the ship’s Safety Management System.
• Ability to successfully complete the required pre-employment medical screening, including comprehensive vaccination requirements.

Shipboard Employment Requirements:

• Ability to work seven (7) days per week for contract periods of up to six (6) to eight (8) months.
• Comfortable living and working in close quarters with coworkers from varied backgrounds.
• Valid passport with a minimum of seven (7) months remaining beyond the contract end date.
• Possession of or ability to acquire a Seaman’s book.
• Ability to obtain all required visas for the ship’s sailing itinerary.
• Completion of required STCW training prior to embarkation.

Please Note: While this is intended to be an accurate description of the job, this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the position. In addition to the listed duties above, team member performs any additional duties, as assigned by leadership.

ROLE BENEFITS:

• Food & lodging included
• Double occupancy cabin
• Select privileges in guest dining facilities
• Upon embarking the ship, reimbursement for visas and select pre-employment medical exam expenses

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

DIVERSE IS WHO WE ARE

Way more than a box to check, diversity is core to RWS Global culture. We value it, promote it, protect it and hire it. All differences are welcome here. We know for a fact that each employee’s individual background, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and capabilities are a contribution to our culture, as well as our reputation and achievements. So, bring all of who you are, no questions asked.