Scene Shop Coordinator

About the Role

The Scene Shop Coordinator works closely with the Technical Director to manage and maintain all facilities and equipment for all theatrical productions. The Coordinator also works closely with the Scenic Designer to service and execute designs for the construction of all scenery for Theatre & Dance productions and special events. Additionally, the Scene Shop Coordinator monitors the rental of theatre spaces/equipment and serves as the on-site representative as needed for rental events.

The Scene Shop Coordinator establishes, teaches, and enforces safety procedures which include abiding by OSHA standards, maintenance of equipment, and cleaning and organizing the scene shop, furniture/props storage, and paint shop. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees.

The Scenic Shop Coordinator’s role is to promote the safety and health of all faculty, staff, and students working in our spaces by setting and enforcing standards; providing training for students; establishing partnerships with local stage unions and scenic houses; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health in the school’s spaces, shops, and backstage areas.

Primary Responsibilities

• Safely execute and build all sets based on designs and drafting provided by staff/faculty/guest designers according to the theatrical industry standards and best practices.
• Maintain OSHA standards for all faculty, staff and students working with lifts, rigging, pyrotechnics, carpentry, welding, and electricity.
• Train students, faculty, and staff working in the scene shop in the fundamentals of construction with a wide variety of tools along with the care and maintenance and safe operations of machines, tools, and laboratory equipment including special instruction for students in rigging, scene construction, welding, and pyrotechnics as needed.
• Effectively collaborate with the Technical Director to determine a weekly, monthly, semester, and year-long calendar which includes build schedules for each production, deadlines for ordering materials, load-in, and technical schedules, as well as plans for summer projects and construction.
• Establish and maintain schedules for organizing, cleaning, and operations in the Fine Arts Center scene and paint shop, reviewing safety protocols, updating, inspecting, and repairing equipment, and shop inventory.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, theatre design, or related field. Five years of professional experience or Masters Degree in Theatre and 2 years of professional experience.

Experience in stage carpentry, welding, and rigging, with the ability to read and interpret construction drawings. Knowledge of routine equipment maintenance practices is essential. Familiarity with lighting and electrical systems, as well as pyrotechnic or sound equipment, is desirable as needed for productions. Candidates must be able to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

This role must comply with and understand OSHA standards and regulations, as well as practices developed by USITT.