Performing Arts Aide

Description

Under general supervision, Performing Arts Aides assist faculty, staff, and students in the execution of events, rehearsals, and performances, helping ensure safe and effective use of facilities and equipment. This position may require work during evenings and weekends depending on the event, rehearsal, or performance schedules.

Duties may be assigned in one or more Focus Areas:

• Costume Shop / Wardrobe
• Front of House Operations
• Technical Support

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (COSTUME SHOP/WARDROBE)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Costume Shop/Wardrobe) supports instructional and production activities by assisting in costume construction, maintenance, and wardrobe coordination for college productions. The Aide works closely with faculty and students in a collaborative and safe costume shop environment.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Construct, alter, and repair costumes under supervision.
• Prepare costumes for performances: launder, press, and label.
• Organize costume storage and assist with inventory tracking.
• Support fittings and backstage costume changes during productions.
• Maintain sewing machines and costume shop tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge: Costume design basics, sewing and alteration methods, fabric care.
Skills: Operate industrial/domestic sewing machines, hand sewing, pressing tools.
Abilities: Follow costume plots and instructions; organize costume pieces efficiently; communicate with cast and crew. Work evening and weekend hours as needed. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands: Position requires frequent standing, walking, and handling fabric and sewing tools. Must be able to lift and transport costume bins (up to 25 lbs). Vision: Visual acuity required for detailed sewing tasks. See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Working Environment: Work is performed in a costume shop and backstage theatre setting. Exposure to steam, laundry products, fabrics, and low-light backstage environments.

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (FRONT OF HOUSE OPERATIONS)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Front of House) provides event support in audience-facing operations, including ticket sales, ushering, concessions, and basic promotions. The Aide ensures a safe and welcoming environment for patrons during college productions and events.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assist with box office operations, ticket sales, and will-call.
• Coordinate ushers and front-of-house staff during events.
• Operate concessions and merchandise stands.
• Assist in posting event information via flyers, email, and social media.
• Support audience safety, ADA access, and emergency procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge: Customer service practices, basic marketing, ADA accessibility.
Skills: Use of ticketing software, money handling, social media posting.
Abilities: Communicate clearly with the public; stay calm under pressure; manage crowds and emergencies appropriately. Availability to work evenings and weekends. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands: Must be able to remain standing for extended periods. Must be able to communicate effectively in a noisy or crowded environment. May need to lift or carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., programs, merchandise). Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Working Environment: Work is performed in indoor and outdoor public venues including theaters and lobbies. Exposure to variable lighting, sound levels, and high foot traffic.

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (TECHNICAL SUPPORT)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Technical Support) assists with scenic, lighting, sound, and stage operations for college productions. The Aide assists in the construction and maintenance of sets and props and provides backstage support during rehearsals and performances.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Assist in construction, painting, and load-in of theatrical scenery.
• Set up, test, and operate sound, lighting, and projection equipment under supervision.
• Provide backstage support for scene changes and cue execution.
• Maintain stage equipment, tools, and safety standards in the scene shop.
• Organize and inventory technical supplies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge: Basic stagecraft, lighting/sound systems, shop safety.
Skills: Use of hand and power tools, scenic painting, basic wiring or audio setup.
Abilities: Follow technical drawings; work safely on ladders and in dark/quiet environments; collaborate with production teams. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and during peak production times. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Physical Demands: Requires lifting and moving equipment up to 50 lbs. Ability to ascend ladders, crouch, or kneel for setup tasks. Visual and auditory ability to follow cues and operate technical systems. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
Working Conditions: Work is performed in stage, shop, and backstage environments. Exposure to power tools, paint, rigging systems, and elevated work areas.