On-Call, Scene Shop Assistant
About The Position
The On-Call Scene Shop Assistant supports the daily operations of the academic theatre scene shop. The role assists with construction and finishing of scenery and props, painting, installation, and maintenance of scenic and prop elements for departmental productions. Working alongside faculty, staff, and students, the assistant models professional shop practices and helps students develop technical theatre skills while contributing to a safe, inclusive, and educational environment. The position helps prepare materials, tools, and workspaces for classes, labs, and production sessions; maintains shop organization and equipment; and provides guidance on safety, tool handling, and construction practices. It also provides work direction to student workers, volunteer students, and production crews during shop hours, work calls, load-ins, and strikes. This is a fixed-term, on-call role. The hiring range is $25.05–$30.05 per hour, with compensation based on education, experience, relevant skills, and internal equity.
Requirements
- Two years of experience in scenic construction or technical theatre.
- Knowledge of basic scenic construction methods, including woodworking, prop creation, painting, metalworking, and/or rigging fundamentals.
- Knowledge of safe operation of hand and power tools, theatrical production processes and backstage operations, university safety standards and shop protocols, and common scenery materials.
- Competent carpentry and fabrication skills.
- Clear communication suited to student learners; strong organizational and time-management skills; and basic technical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to model safe and professional shop practices; work collaboratively in a teaching-focused environment; guide inexperienced learners with patience and clarity; maintain a safe, efficient, and inclusive shop; adapt to changing production timelines and academic schedules; and follow technical drawings and construction plans.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in an inclusive multicultural environment and promote and contribute to a respectful workplace.
- Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of materials up to 50 pounds; regular use of hand and power tools, ladders, and shop equipment; and standing, bending, and moving for extended periods.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or a related field.
- Experience working in an educational or mentorship-based environment.
Responsibilities
- Assist with construction, assembly, and finishing of scenic and prop elements for departmental productions.
- Work with students to demonstrate proper construction techniques and safe tool use.
- Support load-ins and strikes in collaboration with faculty, staff, and student crews.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop, including monitoring tool condition, assisting with equipment upkeep, and storing materials properly.
- Prepare materials, tools, and workspaces for classes, labs, and production work sessions.
- Guide students in the shop and reinforce safety protocols, proper tool handling, and professional construction practices.
- Assist faculty and staff in supervising student work calls, labs, and practicum assignments.
- Provide work direction to student workers, volunteer students, and production crews during shop hours, work calls, load-ins, and strikes.
- Collaborate with faculty designers, the Technical Director, and staff supervisors to support student learning and workflow.
- Recommend and implement improvements to quality, processes, and practices; identify problems and present recommendations.
- Use appropriate tools and planned training and performance initiatives to maximize productivity.
- Prepare and submit reports as requested or required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
