Theater Planner

DLR Group•Los Angeles, CA

23h•$65,000 - $87,000•Hybrid

About The Position

DLR Group is seeking a Theater Planner to join its growing Theater Planning team in the Los Angeles studio. The team brings together theater practitioners who understand performance and entertainment venues from the perspectives of patrons, performers, technicians, designers, and arts leaders. Working closely with architecture, interiors, engineering, and other design teams, it plans spaces and technical systems that support storytelling, improve user experience, and adapt to the needs of the performing arts. The Theater Planner contributes to planning, design, and documentation for performance venues and theatrical systems as part of integrated design teams. The role works alongside architects, engineers, project managers, and experienced theater planners to develop functional, technically sound spaces supporting performance, production, and audience experience. It is intended for an emerging professional with technical curiosity, strong communication skills, and an understanding of performance-space operations. DLR Group is 100% employee-owned and expects employee-owners to apply financial acumen to help grow the firm profitably. DLR Group follows a four-day in-office work model, with the flexibility to work somewhere other than the office on Fridays. The position offers a suggested pay range of $65,000–$87,000 USD. Visa sponsorship is not offered, including for temporary visas or applicants who need employment-based sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Theater, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
At least 4 years of professional experience in theater planning, theatrical design, architecture, engineering, or a related field.
Working knowledge of theater-design concepts, including performance-space typologies, seating layouts and sightlines, stage lighting, and stage rigging and machinery.
Understanding of performance-venue operations and the theatrical production process.
Proficiency in computer-aided drafting and/or modeling.
Working knowledge of design documentation, technical drawings, and specifications.
Working knowledge of building materials, construction methods, and applicable building, fire, and electrical codes.
Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Revit proficiency is highly preferred.
Knowledge of Bluebeam and AutoCAD.
Experience preparing theatrical equipment-system drawings and specifications.
Experience working on performing arts centers, theaters, auditoriums, or other assembly and performance venues.
Familiarity with BIM coordination and clash-detection processes.
Knowledge of sustainable design principles and their application to technical design documentation.
Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, or design teams.
Ability to clearly communicate complex theater-planning and technical-system requirements to team members outside the theater-planning discipline.

Responsibilities

Participate in planning and design of performance venues, including performance-space typologies, seating layouts, sightlines, stage lighting, rigging, and stage machinery.
Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and other project documentation for theatrical equipment systems.
Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to integrate theater-planning requirements into projects.
Communicate the functional intent and technical requirements of theater-planning and equipment-system design decisions to project teams.
Apply building, fire, electrical, and other applicable codes and standards to performance venues and places of assembly.
Develop and coordinate project documentation using Revit, AutoCAD, and other design technologies.
Apply BIM standards and participate in project coordination, clash detection, and QA/QC processes.
Review construction materials, methods, and building systems as they relate to theater planning and theatrical equipment.
Manage assigned tasks across multiple projects and phases while meeting established schedules and work plans.
Participate in design discussions, contribute ideas, and continue developing technical and professional expertise in theater planning and design.