Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)

Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)
Full Time/On-Ground

The USC School of Dramatic Arts seeks an experienced Production Technician to join our Production team in our Technical Theatre Lab (TTL). We are looking for an energetic colleague bringing a professional and rigorous practice to a learning environment presenting multiple productions each year.

Primarily reporting to the Technical Director, the individual in the TTL Production Technician role will show a history of success in setting goals and completing projects with a high degree of independence while exercising good judgment. The individual must work well under pressure, multi-tasking and instructing in a fast-paced environment, especially during peak times of the year.

The TTL Production Technician aids in implementing theatrical productions in a multi-stage and multi-use environment. This position participates in the operation, maintenance, and safe and proper use of the TTL and is instrumental in the safe and proper construction and installation of scenic elements into the SDA venues. The position oversees 20-30 student workers. The position implements academically driven student scenic designs for productions. The TTL Production Technician provides specialized scenic construction services using wood and metal to realize all SDA productions.

While academic credentials are desirable, professional experience is also important. Applications should include a cover letter describing the candidate's qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references.

Qualifications:
• BA or BFA in theatre and several years of experience in theatre stagecraft and theatre production or equivalent professional work in theatrical production
• Expertise with theatrical scenery construction and implementation, general theatrical production, stage equipment including counterweight rigging systems and scenic automation
• Operational expertise in theatrical woodworking, use of portable and stationary woodworking tools and equipment, and metal fabrication including welding

Skills:
• Communicate effectively, both verbal and written, with a diverse population of staff, facility users, and students
• Prioritize tasks to complete different projects with various deadlines
• Possess self-motivation and complete tasks with minimal supervision
• Frequently move theatrical equipment weighing up to 99 lbs
• Ascend stairs and ladders. Can safely implement and work atop personnel lifts and catwalk areas
• Safely work in low-light environments
• Safely operate departmental vehicles with a valid State Driver’s license

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
• Support students and guest designers in implementing scenic designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions
• Maintain a clean and safe workspace
• Plan for equipment upgrades and direct purchasing activities including major purchases

The University reserves the right to add or change responsibilities at any time.

Additional Information:
This position is occasionally required to work evenings and weekends depending upon the production schedule. Regular work hours during the production season are Monday through Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, though subject to change as necessary. Occasional overtime may be required.

The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 to $37.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

The USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), founded in 1945, is recognized internationally as a leader in theatre education and its application to stage, screen, and other industries. The School offers innovative programs and curricula in acting, musical theatre, directing, playwriting, critical studies, costume design, scenic design, lighting design, sound design, stage management and creator arts. With a faculty of dramatic artists working at the highest level of their profession, the School offers BA, BFA and MFA degrees and has an active production program of more than 20 shows with a population of more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students combined. SDA’s headquarters are located in the heart of USC’s beautiful University Park Campus, housed in the Dick Wolf Drama Center, which anchor’s the University’s performing arts corridor (Thornton School of Music, Kaufman School of Dance, and the School of Cinematic Arts).

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