On-Call Scene Shop Assistant: Build, Paint & Mentor

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking an On-Call Scene Shop Assistant to support scenic construction, painting, installation, and maintenance for departmental productions. The role works with faculty, staff, and students to model professional shop practices and help learners develop technical theatre skills.

The position emphasizes safety, inclusivity, and educational collaboration within the scene shop. Candidates should have strong carpentry skills, knowledge of shop safety, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Basic scenic construction methods in woodworking, prop creation, painting, metalworking, and/or rigging fundamentals.
• Safe operation of hand and power tools.
• Theatrical production processes and backstage operations.
• University safety standards and shop protocols.
• Materials used in scenery fabrication (lumber, hardware, foam, fabrics, paints).

Responsibilities

• Assist in the construction, assembly, and finishing of scenic and prop elements for departmental productions, working with students to demonstrate proper techniques and safe tool usage.
• Support load-ins and strikes with faculty, staff, and student crews to ensure safe execution of production needs.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe shop environment by monitoring tool condition and equipment upkeep.
• Provide guidance to students and supervise labs to ensure learning outcomes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Carpentry and fabrication

Clear communication with students

Time management

Safe shop practices

Troubleshooting in technical theatre

Experience in scenic construction

Education

Bachelor's degree in technical theatre or related field

Tools

Hand and power tool operation

Job description

Santa Clara University is seeking an On-Call Scene Shop Assistant to support scenic construction, painting, installation, and maintenance for departmental productions. The role works with faculty, staff, and students to model professional shop practices and help learners develop technical theatre skills.

The position emphasizes safety, inclusivity, and educational collaboration within the scene shop. Candidates should have strong carpentry skills, knowledge of shop safety, and the ability to