On-Call, Scene Shop Assistant
About The Position
The Scene Shop Assistant supports the daily operations of the academic theatre scene shop by assisting with construction of scenery and props, painting, installation, and maintenance of scenic and prop elements for departmental productions. The role contributes to a safe, inclusive, and educational environment, working alongside faculty, staff, and students, modeling professional shop practices, and helping students develop technical theatre skills. The assistant provides work direction to student workers, volunteer students, and production crews during shop hours, work calls, load-ins, and strikes, and collaborates with faculty designers, the Technical Director, and staff supervisors to support student learning and workflow. This is an on-call, fixed-term position.
Requirements
- At least 2 years of experience in scenic construction or technical theatre.
- Knowledge of basic scenic construction methods in woodworking, prop creation, painting, metalworking, and/or rigging fundamentals.
- Knowledge of safe hand and power tool operation, theatrical production processes and backstage operations, university safety standards and shop protocols, and common scenery fabrication materials.
- Competent carpentry and fabrication skills.
- Clear communication suited to student learners; strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to model safe and professional shop practices; and basic technical problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Ability to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff in a teaching-focused environment; guide inexperienced learners patiently and clearly; 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 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 during work calls and builds.
- May be required to travel between campus buildings or to off-site performance venues.
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, demonstrating proper techniques and safe tool use to students.
- Support load-ins and strikes in collaboration with faculty, staff, and student crews.
- Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop by 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 working in the shop, reinforcing safety protocols, proper tool handling, and professional construction practices.
- Assist faculty and staff in supervising student work calls, labs, and practicum assignments to support learning outcomes.
- Provide work direction to student workers, volunteer students, and production crews during shop hours, work calls, load-ins, and strikes.
- Recommend initiatives and implement changes to improve quality; identify problems and present recommendations to improve processes and practices.
- Use appropriate tools and planned training and performance initiatives to maximize productivity.
- Prepare and submit reports as requested and required.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Education Level
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