Scene Shop Manager - School of Theatre and Dance

The College of Creative Arts & Media; School of Theatre & Dance at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a Scene Shop Manager.

About the Opportunity

To oversee and manage the two theatre scenery shops in the Creative Arts Center including scenery operations in the four theatres in a clean and safe environment for an active theatre training program. Experience in woodworking, metalworking, theatre rigging, properties, and basic scenic painting is required. Knowledge of applicable OSHA codes and other safety procedures for theatre is expected. Teaching Stagecraft and Stagecraft Labs is expected. BA or BFA in Theatre and a valid driver's license is required.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Teach three Stagecraft Lab sections each semester (THET 104 - 1 credit) or THET 103 Stagecraft (lecture) for 3 credits when a graduate student is not available.
• Supervise, with Technical Director, students in both the laboratory classes and independent laboratory study regarding all aspects of scenery and properties construction.
• Assist in construction and painting of scenery for the School of Theatre and Dance ' s productions following standard theatrical construction methods.
• Assist with load-in and strike of theatre and dance productions following the direction of the Technical Director
• Assists faculty by maintaining the safe and efficient use of equipment (e.g. saws, hand tools, welding and metal tools, paint frame, pneumatic tools) and facilities within the School of Theatre and Dance ' s scenery and craft spaces including the maintenance of appropriate SDS files on all materials.
• Report violations and make suggestions to the Technical Director, Chair, and/or Facilities Supervisor regarding improvements related to safe practices in the scene shop and theatre areas.
• Adhere to all safety precautions and regulations and advises all students in the safe use of equipment and materials. Inventories scene shop tools, supplies and materials, and orders replacements as needed.
• Insures timely delivery and sequencing.
• Performs minor repairs, installations and modifications of tools and equipment.
• Confers with the School's Technical Director regarding the assignment of scenery construction projects for students and the scheduling of activities related to projects and the general production needs.
• Consults with the Technical Director about the scene shop work schedule, progress of assigned work, priorities, and deadlines.
• Communication of schedules will be done on a daily basis.
• Orders, records, and inventories all materials and supplies needed for production projects and supervises the on-going budget needs for each production, project and general season expenses.
• Maintains a reasonable inventory of materials and supplies for normal shop operations.
• Performs regular cleaning of the shop and related spaces and removes trash and recyclable materials to the lower loading docks in accordance with building policies.
• Schedules and coordinates trucks with Facilities Management for trash and debris removal.
• Serves as the School's Chemical Hygiene Officer.
• Reads scenic design renderings, scaled drawings (drafting), and specifications to help Instructors determine the type and methodology of process necessary for the construction of scenery, properties, and accessories.
• Assists in determining products and materials for projects and daily construction assignments.
• Practices knowledge of standard scenery construction procedures including: stage carpentry, theatrical rigging, scene painting, furniture construction, welding, basic sewing, basic wiring, and pneumatic tools and equipment.
• Other assignments related to the general maintenance of the School of Theatre and Dance facilities as determined by the Director of the School or Faculty Technical Director.

• Bachelor's degree or Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree, preferably in Theatre
• A minimum of two (2) years work experience in the following:
  • Stage carpenter and/or master theatre carpenter with significant responsibility and scope in constructing and rigging theatrical scenery for the performing arts.
  • Supervisory experience preferred
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of material product grades and various types of materials (e.g. wood, steel, plastic, etc.) and its suitability for use in theatrical scenery construction.
• Knowledge and ability to operate all power/hand tools used in the theatre scene shop to include pneumatic tools, large stationary saws, drills, etc.
• Knowledge of common theatrical hardware and adhesives Knowledge of standard and safe theatrical rigging practices.
• Knowledge of welding and proper use metal working tools including MIG, plasma cutting, and oxy-acetylene.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret theatrical drafting for scene construction. Familiar with local, state, and federal building, safety, and fire codes. Ability to read, write, and perform mathematical calculations with regard to building scenes from schematic drawings, i.e. figuring angles, measuring lengths, calculating square footage, etc.
• Ability to follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to maintain proper attendance and punctuality standards.
• Ability to maintain a clean work environment. Basic knowledge of chemical hygiene practices.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work on ladders and to climb scaffolding to heights in excess of 15 feet.
• Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, reach, stand and work in cramped areas for extended periods of time.
• Ability to frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring exposure to dust, heights, moving parts, and noise.

• Valid Driver's License - The person in this position is responsible for maintaining the two vehicles operated by the School as well as picking up materials from local vendors.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.