Lighting Shop Manager & Designer

Shenandoah University•Winchester, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Shenandoah Conservatory is seeking a Lighting Shop Manager & Designer for a full-time, benefited position on its main campus in Winchester, Virginia. Reporting to the Executive Director of Performances & Engagement, the position supports the Conservatory’s production needs, with a focus on lighting design and production for the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), guest artist performances, and other university events. The role manages lighting shop operations and inventory, designs selected performances, assigns designers and lighting staff in consultation with faculty, mentors student designers, supports lighting teams during technical rehearsals and performances, and trains and supervises work-study students. The position also serves as a Production Electrician for academic-year productions and three SSMT summer productions; supervises seasonal lighting staff; and provides lighting design and general lighting support for productions and events. It may offer separate adjunct teaching contracts as needed, at the discretion of the Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance and based on departmental needs. The position works closely with Theatre Department faculty and staff, Lighting Design and Theatre Design Production faculty and staff, and SSMT leadership.

Requirements

BA or BFA in Design/Technical Theatre or a related field.
Two to four years of professional experience in lighting design or technology.
Deep understanding of emerging technologies and a strong commitment to mentorship, students, and education.
Demonstrable knowledge and experience in stage electrics.
Strong organizational and communication skills.
Management and administrative skills, including the ability to supervise student workers, schedule student staffing, and administer policies.
Competence in Microsoft Office or Google Suite.
Proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, and VOR.
Proficiency in ETC EOS Family consoles.
Ability to read and prepare production documentation, including light plots, sections, magic sheets, and cue lists.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with diverse personalities and constituencies.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize workload.
Current driver’s license.
Ability to safely operate a counterweight rigging system.
Ability to climb ladders and multiple flights of stairs, navigate dim production passageways, and regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

MA or MFA in Lighting Design and Production or a related field.
Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry.
Experience teaching at the university level.

Responsibilities

Oversee year-round lighting shop operations supporting Conservatory departments, SSMT, university events, and guest artist performances.
Train, schedule, and supervise work-study students and seasonal staff.
Mentor students completing lighting shop lab hours for academic credit, provide training, and track completion of required hours.
Establish and schedule lighting shop hours, maintain a consistent shop presence, and ensure safe student work practices.
Manage and maintain shop tools, equipment, organization, and supplies; track the shop budget in coordination with lighting design faculty.
Ensure a safe working environment in the lighting shop, instructional laboratory facilities, and performance spaces.
Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to provide lighting and staffing support for academic-year productions and events.
Serve as Production Electrician or mentor for six theatre productions, the annual Holiday Gala, the annual Conservatory Convocation, guest artist productions as needed, and additional university events.
Serve as Production Electrician for three SSMT summer productions, implementing designs and hiring, training, and supervising seasonal lighting staff.
Oversee safe and effective use of lighting equipment and resources, troubleshoot production issues, and assist or advise production and creative teams.
Serve as Lighting Designer or mentor student designers and technical personnel for up to two Theatre Department productions per academic year.
Guide student design and production work and assist with hang, focus, tech week, and strike as needed.
Draft lighting plots and prepare cue sheets, or oversee student designers doing so.
Serve as Lighting Designer for the annual Holiday Gala.
Coordinate lighting and staffing needs with internal and external stakeholders; schedule and prepare event resources and personnel.
Prepare and edit production paperwork and drafting, and attend and actively participate in production meetings.
May undertake separately contracted adjunct teaching responsibilities in theatre production, as assigned.