School of Arts & Design - Theater Scene Shop Staff

Job Title: School of Arts & Design - Theater Scene Shop Staff

Department: Theater and Dance

Supervisor:  Brandon Wallace

Starting Rate of Pay:  $8.00

Length of Time: Eligible for rehire on a semester basis.

Department Description

The Department of Theater and Dance offers a wide variety of collaborative, hands on learning opportunities for students. The scene shop staff will assist the Technical Director in constructing scenery for all department main stage and black box productions in the department season.

Job Description

Students will likely work in a variety of roles as scene shop staff. These roles include carpenter, painter, rigger, and welder.  We will be using hand tools, power tools, and potentially MIG welders to construct scenery.  Students should be able to lift and carry stick lumber, sheet lumber and steel in and around the scene shop.  Safety is paramount, and as such, students should work together to ensure a clean and safe work environment.

Job Location/ Hours Required

The majority of the time students will report to either the offsite scene shop, the Pauline Theater in Hayworth Fine Arts Center or the Black Box also known as the Empty Space Theater. Occasionally shows will happen in other locations on campus and in those cases students will be notified ahead of time. The total number of hours a student employee may work per week is 20 hours, this position requires up to 15 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

• Report to work as scheduled to either the designated theater facility or scene shop
• Read and comprehend working drawings for scenic elements (flats, platforms, step units, etc.)
• Utilize hand and power tools in a safe manner
• Alert the Technical Director if a tool needs adjusting, repair, or replacement
• Always wear appropriate attire and PPE in the scene shop
• Clean up the space before the workday ends
• You may be asked to climb into the rigging system or onto ladders to assist with hanging scenery. If you have a fear of heights, please inform the technical director.
• As we load a show into the theater space from the scene shop, weekend and/or evening hours may be necessary
• Other duties as necessary for individual productions

Required Qualifications:

Students must demonstrate organizational and time management skills.  The scene shop is a hazardous place, so it is necessary to be attentive to one’s surroundings.  Previous experience in woodworking required.  Previous welding experience is welcomed, however, students with an interest in welding will be provided with an opportunity to learn during the semester.  Most important, students will work with fellow students and with staff as a team to realize the scenic elements of a given production.     

Desired Skills:

• Must have a minimum 3.4 overall GPA
• The ability to measure accurately is an asset
• Students are strongly encouraged to ask questions along the way. It is always better to stop and ask a question than risk injury
• There may be opportunities for scenic painting during the semester. If you have previous experience, please inform the technical director
• Access to a car is helpful, as the scene shop is located off campus
• A desire to learn more about technical theater and scenic design