Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$30 - $38•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) seeks an experienced and collaborative Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist) to join its Production team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled theatre professional to bring a rigorous, professional practice into a dynamic learning environment that produces multiple theatrical productions each year. Reporting primarily to the Technical Director, the Production Technician plays a vital role in supporting the School’s educational mission by helping students, faculty, and guest artists realize ambitious theatrical productions. The ideal candidate is an energetic and self-motivated professional who thrives in a fast-paced production environment, exercises sound judgment, and can successfully manage multiple priorities while mentoring student workers. The Technical Theatre Lab (TTL) Production Technician provides advanced technical expertise in scenic construction, production implementation, and facility operations. Working within a multi-stage, multi-use environment, this position supports the operation, maintenance, and safe use of the Technical Theatre Lab while ensuring the successful construction and installation of scenic elements for all School of Dramatic Arts productions. This position is responsible for implementing academically driven student scenic designs, providing specialized scenic construction services in wood and metal fabrication, and supervising a team of approximately 20–30 student workers. The Production Technician also contributes to facility planning, equipment upgrades, inventory management, and purchasing activities.

Requirements

BA or BFA in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in theatrical production.
Several years of progressively responsible experience in theatre stagecraft, scenic construction, and theatrical production.
Demonstrated expertise in theatrical scenery construction and implementation.
Experience with theatrical stage equipment, counterweight rigging systems, and scenic automation.
Advanced woodworking skills, including operation of portable and stationary woodworking equipment.
Experience with metal fabrication and welding.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.
Ability to prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment in a fast-paced production setting.
Ability to maintain a professional, service-oriented approach while supporting academic and artistic goals.
Ability to frequently move theatrical equipment weighing up to 99 pounds.
Ability to ascend and work safely on stairs, ladders, catwalks, and personnel lifts.
Ability to work safely in low-light backstage and performance environments.
Ability to operate departmental vehicles and maintain a valid state driver’s license.
Minimum 3 years of specialized, progressively responsible experience and training in applicable performing or visual arts.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in an educational, conservatory, or university theatre environment.
Experience supervising and mentoring student workers or early-career technicians.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Experience supporting multiple productions simultaneously in a repertory or academic setting.

Responsibilities

Support students, faculty, and guest designers in the realization of scenic designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions.
Construct, fabricate, and install scenic elements using woodworking and metal fabrication techniques.
Implement student-designed production concepts while maintaining artistic integrity, safety, and budget considerations.
Assist with load-ins, technical rehearsals, strikes, and production changeovers.
Operate and maintain theatrical stage equipment, rigging systems, and scenic automation systems.
Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient Technical Theatre Lab environment.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of shop equipment, tools, and facilities.
Ensure compliance with university safety policies and industry best practices.
Plan for equipment upgrades and manage purchasing activities, including major equipment acquisitions.
Monitor inventory, supplies, and production materials.
Supervise and mentor approximately 20–30 student employees.
Train students in safe and proper use of theatrical tools, equipment, and production techniques.
Provide guidance and instruction in scenic construction methods and shop practices.
Foster a collaborative learning environment that supports student growth and professional development.
Assist with budgeting, project estimates, and resource planning.
Coordinate with faculty, staff, guest artists, and production personnel to meet production schedules and educational objectives.
Support facility scheduling and operational planning as needed.