Scene Shop Supervisor

Now celebrating its 50th Anniversary Season, Steppenwolf Theatre Company has been a cultural leader in Chicago and model for theatre companies in the United States and around the world. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble represents a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors, playwrights and stage managers. Steppenwolf’s artistic ambitions are made possible by its incredible workforce of individuals, who help create a culture of inclusivity, collaboration and accountability. To that end, we attempt to use an anti-oppressive and anti-racist lens in our roles and everyday decision-making. Join us in this ongoing process, as we navigate, together, our complex world.

Scene Shop Supervisor

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is seeking candidates for the full-time position of Scene Shop Supervisor. The Scene Shop Supervisor reports to the Technical Director and assists in supervising the carpentry staff in the construction, installation, and maintenance of scenic elements for a season of 5 mainstage Steppenwolf productions plus special events across 2 stages. This position also collaborates with the Scenic Artists and Technical Direction team to understand scenic needs, calendar limitations, and establish plans based on arrangements. The Scene Shop Supervisor also plays a leadership role in equipment maintenance, facilities planning, and for ensuring workplace health and safety.

Areas of Responsibilities, in support of the Technical Director:

• Review, interpret, and troubleshoot design and working drawings to assess practical feasibility and to ensure necessary information is communicated to scenic carpenters.
• Ensure construction that achieves design goals, adheres to production schedules, and is structurally sound.
• Collaborate with the Technical Direction team to creatively assess appropriate materials and construction methods.
• Supervise, train, and mentor carpentry staff and overhire in Scene Shop equipment, policies and procedures.
• Promote preventive maintenance as a strategy in maintaining hand and power tools, welders and large equipment by performing and directing the routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the scenery shop. 
• Monitor and maintain inventory of materials and hardware to ensure efficient workflow.
• Devise long-term plans for layout/workflow and capital improvement of the Scene Shop physical plant in collaboration with the Technical Director, Facilities Director, and Director of Production.
• Adhere to strict health and safety guidelines and play a leadership role in maintaining a safe work environment.

Desired qualifications:

• Significant professional experience in scenery construction techniques, CNC Routers, theatrical rigging, mechanical design, automation, and drafting.
• Leadership skills in a scene shop, custom fabrication environment.
• AutoCAD drafting skills (both 2D & 3D).
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to research and develop new techniques/materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work on multiple and ongoing projects to achieve the highest standards.
• Experience with production transfers nationally (including Broadway) and internationally.
• Ability and commitment to working with diverse groups in terms of gender expression, race, sexual orientation, religion, ability, age, class, and immigrant status.
• Thorough knowledge of scenic automation theory, system design, installation, and troubleshooting. Experience with winches, elevators, hydraulics, and pneumatics involving complex integration across axes.

• Five or more years of professional working experience in scenic carpentry is preferred.  Candidates with equivalent experience and expertise will be considered.