Scene Shop Lead

Priority application deadline: Monday, September 7th @ 11:55pm PST. Hiring preference given to on-campus applicants in CSUEU Bargaining Units 2, 5, 7, and 9.

About the Role

In collaboration with the Production Coordinator and Department Chair, the Scene Shop Lead provides general technical direction for all theatrical and dance productions and oversees construction in the Theatre Department shop. As part of the Production Team, this role participates in weekly production meetings to plan and update the preparation and completion of settings, properties, and furnishings for each department production.

The Scene Shop Lead coordinates complex and highly skilled production projects, manages scenic area budgets, and provides technical support and leadership for the department. This position requires expertise in multiple areas of stage and construction, including translating design specifications into production, creating and proposing production budgets, and maintaining budget responsibilities for multiple projects concurrently.

Responsibilities include constructing scenery and properties, operating and maintaining stage equipment, inspecting and repairing rigging, and ensuring safety standards. The role also involves training students and faculty on technical aspects of production, communicating rehearsal and performance needs, and conducting classroom demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Provide coordination, lead work direction, design, and technical support for theatrical and dance productions.
• Translate design specifications, blueprints, or drawings into scenic, lighting, or sound production and effects.
• Create and propose estimated budgets for individual productions and participate in season budget planning.
• Maintain budget responsibilities for multiple projects concurrently.
• Construct scenery and properties from design through final product.
• Operate and maintain stage equipment, including rigging, and perform regular safety inspections.
• Train students and faculty on technical aspects of production, backstage organization, and safety protocols.
• Communicate rehearsal and performance report needs provided by stage managers.
• Set up and conduct classroom demonstrations related to stage and set construction.
• Attend production meetings, provide updates, and coordinate stage usage, supplies, and schedules for 3-5 performance labs concurrently.
• Maintain, repair, and improve department performance labs and equipment.
• Oversee and support students in coursework, practicum, and employment within the Theatre and Dance Department.
• Manage and coordinate the use of theatrical facilities, including grid assignments, set changes, and line assignments.
• Read, create, edit, and maintain production drawings and plots.

Requirements

• One to two years of experience working for a theater, repertory, or stock company in production specialties such as costume construction, stage and set construction, lighting, or sound/audio production.
• Professional training or applicable college coursework and practical experience in technical theater.
• Commitment to maintaining a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and collaborate with individuals at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to provide training for stagecraft staff, assistants, and crew members.
• Sophisticated knowledge of design theory and principles to translate specifications into production.
• Substantial experience in multiple technical aspects of production support and managing theatrical facilities.
• Practical knowledge of directing and stage management for performance lab needs.
• Comprehensive knowledge of technical aspects of construction, staging materials, and safety measures.
• Proven experience in creating and constructing props and scenery from design through final product.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain, repair, and inspect stage equipment and rigging.
• Ability to work with and instruct faculty on course, practicum, and production goals.

Skills

• Proficiency with scene shop hand tools and power tools (e.g., skill saw, band saw, table saw, power drill, pneumatic staple gun, cut awl, rivet gun, power lift).
• Experience with artist and drafting tools, including CAD drafting, spray equipment, brushes, rollers, and prop construction tools.
• Welding and metalworking skills for stage building and prop construction.
• Comprehensive knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound/audio equipment, and video equipment.
• Carpentry skills related to stage building and prop construction.

Preferred Qualifications

• Thorough and specialized knowledge of design theory and principles in various production specialties.
• Relevant OSHA certification.
• Experience with Theatre ADA Compliance.
• BA in Theatre Arts or Engineering, or relevant professional experience.
• MFA in Technical Directing or equivalent professional experience.

Pay

Anticipated hiring range: $4,626 per month (Step 1) - $4,812 per month (Step 3). Salary step placement determined based on relevant qualifications and professional experience. Full CSU classification salary range: $4,626 - $6,739 per month.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Evening and weekend hours as needed.

Benefits

Best-in-class CSU benefits. Learn more about CSU Total Compensation.