Tech Crew

RIT Tech Crew is a technical production department within Campus Life that provides sound reinforcement, lighting design, power distribution, staging, and rigging services. Tech Crew collaborates closely with local production and rental companies to offer a diverse range of services.

Services

Tech Crew provides a variety of services to support events held on the RIT campus, supporting over 600 events annually, and encompassing a range of events from small meetings to large-scale concerts. Learn more about available services here.

Available sound systems range from speakers on stands for smaller events to concert-grade array systems in our larger venues. The inventory of mixing consoles ranges from small-format analog to large-format Yamaha digital audio consoles.

Lighting fixture inventory includes: 

  • Ellipsoidals
  • PAR56
  • PAR64
  • ColorSource PARs
  • ColorSource Spots
  • LED Par and Wash fixtures
  • Black lights
  • Strobe lights

Tech Crew has over 400 fixtures to meet all concert, event, or theatrical requirements. Control equipment ranges from several small 6- to 12-channel dimmers to a 48-channel touring rack, along with lighting consoles that can operate anywhere from a couple of fixtures to several hundred fixtures.

In larger venues (gym, field house, and ice arena), some equipment may be flown from the ceiling. Equipment includes industry-standard ground support lifts and CM Lodestar chain hoists. We work with local, union-certified riggers to provide support for any events that require flown equipment.

In-house, stage risers are available, ranging in height from 16” to 24”. Through vendors, stage risers can range in height from 16” to 72”. 

There are electrical services installed across campus that we can utilize to provide power for a wide range of events.

The portable dance floor is comprised of 3’x3’ oak parquet interlocking sections and can provide up to 900 square feet of dance area. It is only available in the Student Alumni Union (SAU) or Clark Gym.

Additional equipment available for Ingle Auditorium includes projection equipment, soft goods, and intercom systems.

The team can work with outside vendors to assist in providing backline equipment for events and performers. For example: 

  • Drum sets
  • Keyboards
  • Pianos
  • Guitar amplifiers
  • Other large instruments generally are not carried on flights

Tech Crew consists of roughly 70 experienced employees who can provide all necessary support for events.

Operating Facilities

Collage of images from different tech crew room setups for small - large events (SAU Cafe, Clark Gym, Gordon Field House, Ingle Auditorum)

Tech Crew can operate almost anywhere on campus. Here are some common areas:

  • Student Alumni Union (all areas)
  • Gordon Field House and Activities Center
  • Gene Polisseni Center
  • George H. Clark Gymnasium
  • Frank Ritter Arena
  • Kilian J. and Caroline F. Schmitt Interfaith Center
  • Grace Watson Dining Hall
  • Susan R. Holiday Center
  • Global Village Stage 
  • University Galleries (Bevier Gallery, University Gallery, William Harris Gallery)
  • Other outdoor areas on campus 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Reserve a space through the RIT Events Management System (EMS) 
  • Scroll through the Services Tab and select TC-Tech Crew
  • Select "Tech Crew Submission Form" and follow the prompts 
  • Tech Crew Coordinators will reach out within 7 days to clarify your needs 

Requests for services must be submitted at least three weeks prior to your event!

You will be billed for labor and equipment. To provide an accurate estimate, please note the following:

  • Event location 
  • Event duration
  • When you will need Tech Crew services ready
  • Technical needs 
  • Budget

All student groups receive a 50% discount off Tech Crew standard rates!

Our team consists of approximately 70 student employees and two RIT staff members. Our student technicians plan and execute setups for each event. 

Our student employees are hired as supervisors, technicians, and production assistants. No prior experience is needed, and student employees receive weekly paid training. Due to our training schedule, Tech Crew only hires new student employees during Orientation week each year.

Because of the training schedule, Tech Crew only hires new student employees during orientation week each year. During Orientation week, additional information will be passed out around campus, posted to information boards, and Tech Crew social media channels.