Arts Production Specialist

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; North Carolina; On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking an Arts Production Specialist for PlayMakers Repertory in North Carolina. The role focuses on production duties across theatre departments, supporting rehearsals, performances, and backstage operations.

You will work closely with faculty and students, handling stage management, carpentry, props, costumes, and sound/electrics tasks as needed. This is a full-time temporary position with a 6+ month appointment horizon.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree preferably in the Theatre Arts, and some experience that provides the employee with the functional work experiences needed to perform the work.
• Experience in professional theatrical technical production and working in an academic environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage rehearsal and performance process across production departments.
• Assist with run crew, interpret drawings/cut lists, and execute stage craft techniques as directed.
• Procure, build, or refurbish props and assist with costume, sound, or electrics work as assigned.

Skills

Stage management

Theatre production

Interpret drawings

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts

Tools

Theatre production equipment

Job description

Posting Information

• Department PlayMakers Repertory - 310201
• Career Area Other
• Posting Open Date 09/08/2026
• Application Deadline 01/08/2027
• Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
• Position Title Arts Production Specialist
• Position Number 20000218, 20033170, 20034247, 20035858, 20048618, 20048619, 20055931
• Vacancy ID S028046
• Full-time/Part-time Full-Time Temporary
• Hours per week 40
• Work Schedule Monday – Friday, some weekends
• Position Location North Carolina, US
• Hiring Range $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
• Proposed Start Date 09/14/2026
• Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months or longer

Position Information

Be a Tar Heel!

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities . Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

Primary Purpose Of Organizational Unit

PRC manages the planning and oversight of a 3.1 million dollar professional and educational theatre operation. This unit has a staff of about 175 which includes approximately 47 employees, 20 independent contractors, 30 work-study students and up to 100 volunteers. Approximately 37 of these employees are seasonal employees, requiring new contracts and university personnel paperwork for each season. This unit is responsible for creating significant professional artistic programming, student and community engagement activities and attendant fundraising endeavors. The unit functions as a program of the Department of Dramatic Art. Employees of the unit are essentially employees of the department and the budget of the unit falls under the budget of the department. However, Playmakers is currently (5-2021) responsible for raising close to 60% of its annual 3.1 million operating budget.

Position Summary

Theatre Production Specialist focuses in one of the following production departments at PlayMakers: stage management, scenic carpentry, props carpentry/crafts, costume shop, sound or electrics. These positions support their particular production department as assigned based upon the candidate’s experience and expertise. Theatre Production Specialist’s duties may extend to backstage production roles. Day-to-day duties may include: managing the rehearsal and performance process, run crew as determined by Production Manager, interpreting drawings and cut lists created by the show’s Technical Director; executing stage craft techniques as delegated by the Technical Director or Scenic Artist; procuring, building, or refurbishing new and cataloged props; cutting, draping, or stitching costume pieces under guidance of Costume Designer or Costume Crafts Artisan; record and/or edit sound cues as delegated by the production Sound Engineer/designer, pull, hang, cable, or focus electrics under supervision of Master Electrician. Theatre Production Specialist will work closely with undergraduate as well as graduate students in the Department of Dramatic Art.

Minimum Education And Experience Requirements

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree preferably in the Theatre Arts, and some experience that provides the employee with the functional work experiences needed to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Management Preferences

Experience in professional theatrical technical production. Proficiency with theatrical production equipment. Experience working in an academic environment.

Special Physical/Mental Requirements

Ability to move 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

Campus Security Authority Responsibilities

Not Applicable.

Special Instructions

Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/325099

Office of Human Resources Contact Information

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843‑2300 or send an email to [e-mail]

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.