Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor and Tech Director

Position Overview 

The Butler University Department of Theatre seeks an experienced Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor and Technical Director to oversee the planning, construction, implementation, and safe operation of scenic and technical direction activities in support of the department’s production season and educational mission.

This hands-on leadership position is intended for a highly skilled technical theatre professional who combines expertise in production management, scenic construction, shop supervision, and student instruction. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe, efficient, and timely realization of production work while helping students develop technical skills, professional practices, and increasing levels of responsibility and independence.

Responsibilities

Production Execution

• Plan, coordinate, schedule, and supervise scenic construction and technical production activities.

• Determine materials, labor requirements, fabrication methods, construction sequencing, and production timelines.

• Produce and interpret technical drawings and construction documentation.

• Ensure all production work is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule.

Student Instruction and Crew Supervision

• Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate student work crews.

• Provide instruction in scenic construction, fabrication techniques, tool operation, rigging practices, and shop safety.

• Foster increasing student responsibility, independence, professionalism, and technical proficiency.

• Maintain a safe, productive, and educational work environment.

Budget and Resource Management

• Monitor production budgets and expenditures.

• Purchase materials, supplies, and equipment as needed.

• Manage inventories and recommend equipment replacement or upgrades.

Facility and Safety Management

• Maintain scene shop facilities, tools, equipment, storage areas, and production spaces.

• Develop, implement, and enforce safe operating procedures.

• Ensure compliance with university safety policies and industry best practices.

Instruction and Design

• Teach up to two courses annually (not to exceed six credit hours per academic year).

• Complete design assignments as assigned by the Department Chair and departmental production needs.

Production Operations

• Coordinate load-ins, strikes, transportation, and overhire labor.

• Attend production meetings and collaborate with production personnel throughout the production process.

Required Qualifications 

Education

• Master’s degree in Theatre Technology or related field, or equivalent professional experience (4-6 years).

Experience

• Demonstrated success as a Technical Director, Shop Supervisor, Production Manager, Master Carpenter, or comparable professional position.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in scenic construction, carpentry, rigging, drafting, welding, shop operations, and theatrical production practices.

• Ability to read, create, and implement technical drawings and construction documentation.

• Knowledge of industry-standard safety practices and procedures.

Interpersonal Skills

• Demonstrated ability to supervise crews, manage projects, and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.

Logistics

• Must possess a valid driver’s license. Must possess and maintain an acceptable driving record in accordance with University policy. Ability to rent and operate box truck.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Undergraduate instruction, training, or supervision experience

• Advanced scenic construction and rigging experience

• Proficiency with CAD, Vectorworks, or related drafting software

• Experience managing production budgets and schedules

• Working knowledge of lighting, sound, video, scenic painting, and other technical theatre disciplines

The Jordan College of the Arts includes the Department of Theatre as well as the departments of dance, arts administration, art, and the School of Music. JCA provides focused professional study and collaborative, creative experiences within the context of a strong liberal arts university. We value an inclusive and welcoming environment with a diverse range of artists, traditions, ideas, and audiences, and we emphasize the development of students as artist-citizens who will become leaders in arts and society.

The Butler University Department of Theatre offers a BA in Theatre and a BFA in Acting with Emphasis Areas in Scenic and Lighting Design/Tech, Costume Design/Tech, Stage Management, Directing, Acting, and Music Theatre. We pro