Theatrical Scene Shop Assistant

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

EXTENDED

 

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign seeks a Theatrical Scene Shop Assistant to work in the Scene Shop, an educational team environment, alongside professional theatre personnel and students to perform all necessary work required in the construction, routine maintenance, operation, load in, and removal of all theatrical stage scenery and equipment for all academic resident productions.

 

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are core values of the University of Illinois and Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable working and learning environments for all students, staff, and faculty. We believe every member on our team enriches our efforts to fulfill our goals by demonstrating the broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. 

 

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or veteran status. For more information, visit http://go.illinois.edu/EEO.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:
 

Academic -

• Demonstrate proper procedures to students while completing the following duties:
  • Construct scenic elements using common theatrical wood and steel construction methods and practices
  • Serve as a primary welder within the scene shop
  • Adhere to scenery construction schedule and deliver on time clean and correct scenic units, communicating delays in a timely fashion
  • Problem-solve building projects using working and/or designer drawings to translate designs into physical scenery
  • Operate various hand and power tools in a safe manner, including wood and metal working tools
  • Participate in the installation and removal of all academic resident productions within the Krannert Center theatres
  • Install and remove scenery mechanics and stage rigging using standardized safe practices and procedures
  • Ensure safe operation of theatrical rigging using both manual and motorized counterweight systems, including the loading and unload of weight
  • Participate in the annual rigging safety maintenance and inspection

 

Academic Instruction -

• Work alongside students as a mentor in professional practices and procedures
• Support the academic mission through the advisement of student employees, THEA 100 & 200 practicum students, the scenery section of THEA 123, and labs associated with THEA 126 or other Scene Shop-based courses
• Adhere to, and exemplify expected standards of quality and safety policies and procedures
• Assist in providing safety training for staff and students in the scenery area

 

Management -

• Maintain integrity of design and ensure building methods are accurate and up to the highest level of quality
• Work collaboratively with other Production areas
• Use and maintain the space and equipment in a safe working order including maintenance and repair
• Assist in keeping the scene shop and theatres in a clean and organized condition
• Communicate depletion of stock inventory and hardware to direct supervisors, in a timely manner
• Communicate damaged or faulty equipment to direct supervisors, in a timely manner

 

Qualifications & Requirements:

 

Required -   

• Bachelor’s degree in theatre technology (Scenic Design/Technical Direction/etc.) or related field.
• One year of experience working in a theatrical scene shop. Practical theatrical welding and metal working experience.

 

Preferred -   

• Experience working in an educational theatrical scene shop.
• 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA General Construction Certification; fall protection; personnel lifts; forklift; Haz Comm; PPE; proper lifting techniques.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of safe theatrical construction techniques – including wood and steel construction.
• Knowledge of safe theatrical rigging practices.
• Ability to read, interpret, and understand working drawings, theatrical drafting conventions, and build from plans.
• Strong collaborative, organization, interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate with and effectively organize the work of students.
• Knowledge of theatrical and shop health and safety.
• Ability to supervise varying skill levels.
• Ability to work at heights.
• General computer proficiency.
• Advanced scenic technology tools and methods.

 

Environmental Demands: 

Work will be done in lab spaces shared with other staff, students, and production personnel. Night and weekend hours are occasionally required. Position involves moving upwards of 50 pounds unaided or with the assistance of others.

 

Salary and Appointment Information: 

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible Academic Professional position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the close date. Salary will be $47,000 - $50,000 per year.

 

Application Process:

To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by June 10, 2022. Interviews may be conducted before the search closes, but no hiring decision will be made until after the close of the search.

 

All candidates must create a candidate profile at https://jobs.illinois.edu and upload a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. For additional information regarding application procedures, contact Cynthia Vandeventer at choward1@illinois.edu.

 

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.

 

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer. Convictions are not a bar to employment. The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit Policy on Consideration of Sexual Misconduct in Prior Employment. As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.