Performing Arts Aide (IVC)

South Orange County Community College District; Mission Viejo (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

South Orange County Community College District is seeking a Performing Arts Aide across Costume Shop/Wardrobe, Front of House Operations, and Technical Support. The role supports costume construction, shop maintenance, event execution, and audience services for college productions.

Varying shifts include evenings and weekends; position is hourly and short-term, with a focus on teamwork and safety in a theatre environment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of costume design basics, sewing and alteration methods, and fabric care.
• Ability to operate sewing machines and hand-stitching tools; maintain costumes and inventory.
• Experience with ticketing software, money handling, and public-facing promotions is beneficial.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Construct, alter, and repair costumes under supervision.
• Prepare costumes for performances: launder, press, and label.
• Organize costume storage and assist with inventory tracking.
• Support fittings and backstage costume changes during productions.
• Maintain sewing machines and costume shop tools.
• Assist with box office operations, ticket sales, and will-call.
• Coordinate ushers and front-of-house staff during events.
• Operate concessions and merchandise stands.
• Post event information via flyers, email, and social media.
• Support audience safety and ADA access.

Skills

Sewing

Hand sewing

Pressing tools

Ticketing software

Money handling

Customer service

Event coordination

Communication

Tools

Sewing machines

Stage lighting equipment

Sound equipment

Job description

SUMMARY

Under general supervision, Performing ArtsAides assist faculty, staff, and students in the execution of events, rehearsals, and performances, helping ensure safe and effective use of facilities and equipment. This position may require work during evenings and weekends depending on the event, rehearsal, or performance schedules.

Duties may be assigned in one or more Focus Areas:

• Costume Shop / Wardrobe
• Front of House Operations
• Technical Support

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (COSTUME SHOP / WARDROBE)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Costume Shop/Wardrobe) supports instructional and production activities by assisting in costume construction, maintenance, and wardrobe coordination for college productions. The Aide works closely with faculty and students in a collaborative and safe costume shop environment.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Construct, alter, and repair costumes under supervision.
• Prepare costumes for performances: launder, press, and label.
• Organize costume storage and assist with inventory tracking.
• Support fittings and backstage costume changes during productions.
• Maintain sewing machines and costume shop tools.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge: Costume design basics, sewing and alteration methods, fabric care.
• Skills: Operate industrial/domestic sewing machines, hand sewing, pressing tools.
• Abilities: Follow costume plots and instructions; organize costume pieces efficiently; communicate with cast and crew. Work evening and weekend hours as needed. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Position requires frequent standing, walking, and handling fabric and sewing tools. Must be able to lift and transport costume bins (up to 25 lbs).

Vision: Visual acuity required for detailed sewing tasks. See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Working environment: Work is performed in a costume shop and backstage theatre setting. Exposure to steam, laundry products, fabrics, and low-light backstage environments.

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (FRONT OF HOUSE OPERATIONS)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Front of House) provides event support in an audience-facing operations, including ticket sales, ushering, concessions, and basic promotions. The Aide ensures a safe and welcoming environment for patrons during college productions and events.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assist with box office operations, ticket sales, and will-call.
• Coordinate ushers and front-of-house staff during events.
• Operate concessions and merchandise stands.
• Assist in posting event information via flyers, email, and social media.
• Support audience safety, ADA access, and emergency procedures.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge: Customer service practices, basic marketing, ADA accessibility.
• Skills: Use of ticketing software, money handling, social media posting.
• Abilities: Communicate clearly with the public; stay calm under pressure; manage crowds and emergencies appropriately. Availability to work evenings and weekends. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to remain standing for extended periods. Must be able to communicate effectively in a noisy or crowded environment. May need to lift or carry up to 25 lbs (e.g., programs, merchandise).

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Working environment: Work is performed in indoor and outdoor public venues including theaters and lobbies. Exposure to variable lighting, sound levels, and high foot traffic.

PERFORMING ARTS AIDE (TECHNICAL SUPPORT)

Under general supervision, the Performing Arts Aide (Technical Support) assists with scenic, lighting, sound, and stage operations for college productions. The Aide assists in the construction and maintenance of sets and props and provides backstage support during rehearsals and performances.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assist in construction, painting, and load-in of theatrical scenery.
• Set up, test, and operate sound, lighting, and projection equipment under supervision.
• Provide backstage support for scene changes and cue execution.
• Maintain stage equipment, tools, and safety standards in the scene shop.
• Organize and inventory technical supplies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge: Basic stagecraft, lighting/sound systems, shop safety.
• Skills: Use of hand and power tools, scenic painting, basic wiring or audio setup.
• Abilities: Follow technical drawings; work safely on ladders and in dark/quiet environments; collaborate with production teams. Must be able to work evenings, weekends, and during peak production times. Report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to the assigned job. Attend and participate in all scheduled staff meetings and trainings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Requires lifting and moving equipment up to 50 lbs. Ability to ascend ladders, crouch, or kneel for setup tasks. Visual and auditory ability to follow cues and operate technical systems. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Working conditions: Work is performed in stage, shop, and backstage environments. Exposure to power tools, paint, rigging systems, and elevated work areas.

Work Schedule: TBD –Schedule and shift vary and are subject to change in accordance with the department's needs.

Hours per Week: Up to 25 (20 for CalWorks/FederalWork-Study/ student workers)

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION

This is a short-term, temporary, hourly Non-Bargaining Unit (NBU) assignment, not to exceed 160 days and 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1st through June 30th). Short-term, temporary NBU positions may only be used on an intermittent, seasonal, or project basis. Education Code Section 88003 states 'Short-term employee means any person who is employed to perform a service for the district, upon the completion of which, the service required or similar services will not be extended or needed on a continuing basis.'

After successful completion of the onboarding requirements, an individual may be employed by the South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) as a short-term, temporary NBU employee. Employment will be on an 'if and as needed' basis, as determined by the SOCCCD. The assignment may be shortened or extended at anytime, due to departmental needs, with little to no notice. NBU employment is at-will, and either party may terminate this working relationship at any time. Neither party shall be required to provide any reason for the separation. NBU employees shall not have reemployment rights or recourse to petition to be reinstated.

NBU employees are limited to working in a single position for a single department and site (assignments are onsite only).

NBU employees are paid on a monthly basis. The payroll reporting period is from the 1st of the month to the last day of the month. NBU employees are paid on the 10th of the following month.

Example: For the following reporting period: January 1st through January 31st, the NBU employee will be paid on February 10th.

NBU employees who work more than 1000 hours per fiscal year are required to contribute to the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), through payroll deduction. The SOCCCD does not intend to employ NBU employees for more than 960 hours during any fiscal year.