Scene Shop Supervisor
Job Description
communications and public relations. We constantly aim to reach our full potential as an educational innovator, incubator of new creative
practice and generator of real-world success for young creatives. We are located in the heart of Chicago, across the street from historic
Grant Park, and housed in some of the most iconic buildings in the South Loop.
Columbia College Chicago a private urban institution
of over 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students, four-year College offering a distinctive curriculum that blends liberal arts, creative
and media arts and business is currently searching for a Scene Shop Manager.
Position Summary
The Scene Shop Supervisor is responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the Scene Shop, scenic
storage, and scenic work within all theatre department rehearsal, performance, and auxiliary spaces. Under the supervision of the Production
Manager and with direction from the Technical Director, the Scene Shop Supervisor leads teams of students through the build, installation,
maintenance, and strike of over 40 productions per year presented in Columbia College Chicago’s Getz Theatre Center. The Scene Shop
Supervisor is a leader who sets a positive tone for the work environment and demonstrates a strong spirit of collaboration, creativity, and
respect.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Maintain a safe and operational scene shop including all tools,
equipment, and material inventories. - Inspect equipment on a regular basis and work with the Technical Director and Production
Manager on a plan for regular maintenance, replacements, and upgrade of tools and equipment to keep operations safe and up to modern
standards. - Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all scenic elements and materials and work with Technical Director to replenish
materials stock as needed. - Collaborate with Technical Director on the planning, creation, and execution of the scenic schedule
including builds, installations, maintenance, and strikes. - Supervise and instruct students while executing the work of the scene
shop. - Build scenery for theatre department productions and special projects.
- Assist with painting of scenic and prop
elements as needed. - Keep current with industry practices to enable ongoing development of safe working practices in all theatre
spaces; collaborate with Theatre Department leadership on the creation and evaluation of best practices, protocols, and policies for scene
shop. - Train students on the policies and practices of the scene shop including operation of tools, equipment, and use of
materials. - Advise and consult with students for class and other department production-oriented projects.
- Oversee the
process of checking scenic elements, materials, and tools in and out for student projects. - Represent Technical Director when
needed. - Identify, research, and implement sustainable practices and materials.
- Work a varied schedule, including some
evenings and Saturdays as required for the successful build, installation, and strike of theatre department productions. - Perform
other related duties as assigned or required.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre or equivalent professional experience.
- Five years of professional technical theatre experience with some supervisory experience of a team in a dynamic environment required.
Previous experience in an academic environment preferred. - Thorough knowledge of theatrical scenic construction including stage
carpentry, theatrical rigging, and basic scenic painting. - Ability to read and interpret technical drawings. Computer drafting
skills (AutoCAD or VectorWorks) preferred. - Ability to manage multiple projects with concurrent or competing deadlines.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or otherwise maneuver independently up to 50lbs repeatedly, and up to 100 lbs occasionally with
assistance. - Ability to safely climb and work from stairs, ladders, and mechanical lifts. Must be comfortable working at heights, in
tight space, low spaces, and in dusty and noisy environments - Working knowledge of PC and Macintosh based productivity software,
functional familiarity with industry standard theatrical software, and able to learn other software as needed. - Experience and
comfort working with a range of personalities, skills, experience, and neurodiversity. - Excellent communication skills, both written
and verbal. - Creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work a varied schedule, including some evenings and Saturdays as
required. - Valid Driver’s License
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of
activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee and is subject to change based on the needs of the department and/or
college.
At Columbia, we offer a rewarding work environment for our faculty and staff. We take pride in offering competitive
benefits with affordable health, dental and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefit program, life and accidental,
death & dismemberment coverage; paid and unpaid leave options; work/life benefits; educational assistance programs; and retirement and
financial planning benefits.
We invite you to join our talented faculty and staff and become part of our collective aspiration to
ensure Columbia prepares students for success in their creative fields through innovation, engagement and real-world experiences.
Additional Information
- Position subject to a background screening.
- This is a
union position. - This position is overtime eligible.
Qualified candidates of diverse
backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Columbia College Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all local,
state, and federal laws and regulations concerning civil rights. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or
other protected classes under the law.
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