POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2133
GRADE 26
CLASSIFICATION Nonexempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Technical Director
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Department Head, Theatre and Dance Department
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor manages the construction of theatre scenery, assists in the construction, placement, and rigging of scenery for departmental productions, performs general maintenance and upkeep of shop machinery and tools, helps to plan and organize the construction projects, and instructs and supervises student workers in the construction of theatre scenery.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Theatre with an emphasis in Technical Theatre is required.
Experience: At least two years practical work experience in the technical preparation and construction of theatre scenery and stage units is required.
Skills: Supervisory skills are required. Mechanical skills in the use of hand and power tools, and gas and electric welders are required. The ability to read and understand floor plans, color renderings, electrical schematics, and advanced construction plans or blueprints is required. Strong oral and written communications skills are required.The ability to instruct on material relevant to technical production labs is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required.
Effort: The ability to lift and carry materials weighing between 50 - 100 pounds on a daily basis is required. The position requires prolonged standing, frequent bending or stooping and climbing of steps and ladders. Occasionally may be required to work on stage grid at a height of 60 feet.
Other: The scope of the job may require working evenings and/or weekends, particularly prior to openings of theatre production presentations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Provides a comprehensive learning experience for students enrolled in theatre practicum courses by instructing them in the technical aspects and safety procedures of theatre set construction, assigning tasks to student assistants and crews, supervising students in the operation of various power tools such as power saws, table saws, radial arm saws, and gas or electric welders, evaluating the students' work and providing an assessment to faculty.
2. Ensures the production of theatre scenery and sets on schedule by determining the kind and amount of materials required, the tools or equipment needed, the order and sequence involved in the fabrication of single items or complete units, and the time required to meet production deadlines.
3. Produces quality theatre scenery and sets that complement and support theatre presentations by assisting the technical director, scenic designer and artistic director in the development of desired product.
4. Directs the activities of the scenery shop by planning and organizing construction projects utilizing rough sketches, basic blueprints or verbal instructions.
5. Seeks the most artistically appropriate solution in the completion of the projects by utilizing industry-accepted practices and tolerances when working with such materials as wood, metal, plastics, and canvas.
6. Promotes preventive maintenance as a strategy in maintaining hand and power tools as well as gas and electric welders by performing and directing the routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the scenery shop.
7. Supports theatre presentations by assisting in the set up of stage units, directing the placement and rigging of scenery, and supervising the dismantling and storage of stage units following the production.
8. Ensures an accident-free learning and work environment by enforcing safety rules and supervising students when operating scenery shop tools and equipment.
9. Ensures the efficient daily operation of the theatre scenery shop by maintaining a sufficient inventory of supplies, construction materials and equipment, and purchasing replacement items as needed.
10. Provides students in the technical courses with an understanding of tool usage and safety practices, basic scenic construction, and rigging system operations.
11. Assists in shaping the final scenic designs by providing construction advisement and artistic input to the designer and technical director.
12. Assesses the qualifications of potential student employees to determine their qualifications and their specific work assignments by interviewing them.
13. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
14. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses as required by the Department Head.
15. Contributes to the overall success of the Department of Theatre and Dance by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor is under the general supervision of the Department Head of Theatre and Dance and reports to the Technical Director, exercises considerable independence in daily operations, and supervises student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
REVISED JANUARY 2017
