Scenic Shop Lab Manager

Utah Valley University • Main Campus - Orem, UT

16d

About The Position

Utah Valley University seeks a Scenic Shop Lab Manager for a laboratory position in the Theatre Department. The role supervises and facilitates student work in the scenic construction shop in support of departmental productions. The Lab Manager oversees safe and effective use of shop tools and equipment, mentors students working on production-related projects, and coordinates with the Technical Director and production staff to select student projects that align with production timelines and instructional goals. The position provides hands-on instruction in scenic construction, including building, painting, and rigging; maintains an organized and professional shop; and reinforces safety and craftsmanship. The position reports to the Department Chair of Theatre.

Requirements

• Two years of experience as a Theatre Technician or working in a theatrical scenic shop.
• Knowledge of scenic construction methods, materials, and processes, including wood, metal, paint, and rigging.
• Knowledge of safe operation of shop tools and equipment, including OSHA or industry safety standards.
• Knowledge of theatrical production processes and timelines.
• Knowledge of stagecraft best practices, including build techniques, and basic rigging principles and equipment use.
• Ability to teach and demonstrate scenic construction techniques in a hands-on environment.
• Ability to supervise and coordinate student work effectively and communicate and collaborate clearly with students, faculty, and production staff.
• Ability to operate tools and demonstrate technical craftsmanship in carpentry, painting, and rigging.
• Ability to support students with varied levels of experience, work collaboratively as part of a production team, oversee multiple projects simultaneously, and adapt instruction and supervision to different learning needs.
• Ability to physically work in a shop environment, including lifting, standing, and using equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre or a related field.
• Previous teaching, training, or instructional experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and facilitate student work in the scenic shop, supporting productive, guided engagement in production-related projects.
• Teach and enforce safe practices in the use of shop tools and equipment.
• Provide hands-on instruction in building, painting, and rigging.
• Maintain a gradebook of student assignments and attendance records, and assist the course professor with providing grades at the end of each semester.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director and production staff to align student projects with production timelines and instructional goals.
• Keep the shop clean, professional, and structured while reinforcing high standards of craftsmanship.
• Perform other job-related duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed