Lighting Shop Manager & Designer
Job Location
1460 University Drive, Winchester, Virginia, United States
Tracking Code
3107-306
The Shenandoah Conservatory is seeking applications for a highly qualified candidate to join our team as the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer. This is a full-time, benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.
Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory's Executive Director for Performances and Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer supports the general operation and production needs of the Conservatory, with a specialized focus on the lighting design and production needs of the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as guest artist performances and other university events, as needed.
In addition to managing the lighting shop and inventory in the theatre facilities, this position serves as a lighting designer for select performances; works in consultation with Executive Director and Theatre Division faculty, to assign designers, electricians, and light board operators to performances and events; mentors student lighting designers; supervises and supports the lighting design team during technical rehearsals and performances as needed; trains and supervises work study students.
Responsibilities:
Lighting Shop Manager:
- Oversee and manage year-round lighting shop operations, which supports productions by the Conservatory's academic departments and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist performances
- Train, schedule and supervise work-study students and seasonal staff
- Manage and mentor students completing lab hours for academic credit in the lighting shop, ensuring that they receive necessary training and mentorship and that they complete required hours for credit
- Establish and schedule lighting shop hours; maintain a consistent presence in the shop to supervise students and ensure safe practices
- Manage and maintain lighting shop tools, equipment and organization; restock shop supplies on a regular basis; maintain and track shop budget in coordination with the lighting design faculty
- Ensure a safe working environment in the lighting shop and in all Theatre Department instructional laboratory facilities and performance spaces
Production Electrician:
- Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to provide lighting and staffing support for productions and events held in theatre facilities during the academic year, including serving as Production Electrician or mentor on the following productions:
- Six theatre productions (three musicals, two plays and one opera)
- One annual Holiday Gala
- One annual Conservatory Convocation
- Guest Artist productions as needed (one to two per academic year)
- Additional university events, including those hosted by Admissions, Advancement/President's Office, and graduations and ceremonies
- Serve as Production Electrician for three productions during the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) summer season - working with designers to implement designs; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal lighting staff; overseeing safe and effective use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting issues as they arise; and assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed
Lighting Designer:
- Serve as the Lighting Designer and/or act as a mentor for students in design or technical positions for up to two Theatre Department productions per academic year, providing the guidance, support and structure that students need for their design and/or production work, as well as assisting as needed during the hang, focus, tech week and strike
- Draft lighting plots and prepare cue sheets and/or oversee student designers as needed
- Serve as the Lighting Designer for the annual Holiday Gala
General Lighting Support:
- Assist lighting design faculty and other production staff in the management of office operations including:
- Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to effectively coordinate lighting and staffing needs
- Schedule and prepare resources and personnel to run events
- Prepare and edit production paperwork and drafting
- Attend and actively participate in production meetings
Adjunct Teaching:
- This position offers an opportunity to be separately contracted, as needed, for adjunct teaching responsibilities in theatre production. Adjunct teaching assignments are at the discretion of the Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance and based on the needs of the Theatre Department.
Reporting Relationships:
- This position reports to the Executive Director of Performances & Engagement and works in close collaboration with the Theatre Department, Lighting Design and Theatre Design Production (TDP) faculty and staff, and SSMT leadership.
Required Skills
Required Qualifications:
- BA or BFA in Design/Technical Theatre or related field
- 2-4 years professional experience in lighting design or technology
- A deep understanding of emerging technologies matched by a driving passion for mentorship, students, and education
- Demonstrable knowledge and experience in stage electrics
- Strong organizational and communication skills
- Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the capabilities to supervise student workers, efficiently schedule
- student staffing for the lighting shop and effectively administer policies
- Competence in Microsoft Office or Google Suite
- Proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, and VOR
- Proficiency in ETC EOS Family consoles
- Ability to read and prepare production documentation, including light plots, sections, magic sheets and cue lists
- Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy working collaboratively as part of a team, including working with diverse personalities and constituencies.
- Must be able to handle multiple tasks, work under deadlines and prioritize workload.
- Current driver's license
- Ability to safely operate a counterweight rigging system
- Must be able to climb ladders and multiple flights of stairs, navigate in dim production passageways, and lift up to 50 pounds regularly
Desired Qualifications:
- MA or MFA in Lighting Design and Production or in a related field
- Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry
- Experience teaching at the university level
Required Experience
An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: assisting designers in a professional or academic setting; ability to provide a full set of documentation (light plot, section, magic sheet, cue list, etc.) for a show they have designed or assisted on; knowledge and experience in stage electrics (i.e. Production Electrician) and ETC EOS Family consoles; proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, VOR, Microsoft Office suite, G suite; management and mentorship of variously skilled labor; and time and project management.
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through its faculty, administration, and staff diversity. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.
Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire.
Authorized to work in the United States is a pre-condition of employment. At this time, Shenandoah University is not in a position to sponsor international visas.
Shenandoah University values individuals and communities'' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic or national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran's status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.
Salary Range
$45,000.00 - $46,000.00
Salary Type
Not Applicable