Scene Shop Foreman

East Carolina University; Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 48,072 - 53,413; Full time

Job summary

East Carolina University is seeking a Scene Shop Foreman to lead the scenery shop, enforce safety protocols, and mentor student crews during Hang, Focus, Load-ins, and strikes. The role involves planning construction projects, interpreting sketches, and ensuring timely, high-quality scenic builds for theatre productions.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s in theatre arts and demonstrated experience supervising students in a production environment, with strong knowledge of rigging,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in theatre arts or closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Experience supervising, training, and mentoring student employees in a theatrical production environment is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and production designs.

Responsibilities

• Direct the scenery shop activities and plan construction projects from rough sketches or blueprints.
• Ensure safety protocols and training for students in the shop.
• Oversee student crews during Hang, Focus, Load-ins, strikes, and equipment maintenance.
• Collaborate with faculty to support production goals and quality scenery.

Skills

Student supervision

Scenic construction

Interpreting drawings

Theatrical rigging

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in theatre arts

Tools

Woodworking tools

Metalworking tools

Job description

Position Details

Job Title: Scene Shop Foreman

Position Number: 940707

Vacancy Open to: All Candidates

Time-Limited: No

Department Homepage: https://theatredance.ecu.edu/

Advertising Department: THEATRE&DANCE,SCH OF

Division: Academic Affairs

Classification Title: 13551 Arts Production Specialist

Competency Level: 3 - Advanced

Working Title: Scene Shop Foreman

Number of Vacancies: 1

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.00

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Recruitment Range: $39,000 - $66,234

Anticipated Hiring Range: $48,072 - $53,413

Salary Grade Equivalency: NC09

Work Schedule: Varies

Work Hours: Hours vary

Position Location (City): Greenville

Job Category: Staff

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit

The School of Theatre and Dance at East Carolina University provides professionally oriented program of study and training within the liberal arts concept. The SoTD has artistic and producing responsibility for the ECU/Loessin Playhouse, ECU Dance Theatre and the ECU/Loessin Summer Theatre.

Primary Purpose of Position

The Scene Shop Foreman will ensure an accident-free learning and work environment by staying up to date with local, state, and federal building, safety, and fire codes, enforcing all safety protocols, providing training, and supervising students when operating scenery shop tools and equipment. This position will promote preventive maintenance as a strategy for maintaining hand and power tools, as well as gas and electric welders, by performing and directing routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the scenery shop.

This position will assess students' skill levels to determine specific work assignments and training, delivered through direct classroom instruction and in support of other production classes, to hone qualifications for post-graduate work. In addition, the position will oversee student crews at the Hang, Focus, Load-ins, and other times as needed; provide oversight during the strike and load-in of the lighting equipment and mentor student Scenic Carpenters and Master Electricians; assist the Electrics, Sound, and Scenery Dept. in the maintenance of equipment and facilities; and work with the Design and Production faculty by assisting the technical director, scenic designer, and artistic director and serving as a consultant in the development of quality theatre scenery and sets that complement and support theatre presentations. Direct the activities of the scenery shop by planning and organizing construction projects using rough sketches, basic blueprints, or verbal instructions, ensuring production needs are met in a timely manner. Responsible for seeking the most artistically appropriate solution in the completion of the projects by utilizing industry-accepted practices and tolerances when working with materials such as wood, metal, plastics and canvas, and for other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Bachelor's degree, preferably in theatre arts, and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

License or Certification required by statute or regulation

None

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Experience supervising, training, and mentoring student employees in a theatrical production environment.
• Experience with scenic construction, fabrication, and installation for live performance productions.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, construction plans, and scenic designs to execute production goals.
• Experience with theatrical rigging, stage equipment, and production-related technical operations.
• Knowledge of industry-standard practices, materials, and safety procedures related to theatrical scene shops.

License or Certification required by the Department

None

Special Instructions to Applicant

• Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education are listed on your application. Do not write 'see resume' on your application when completing the job duties section.
• If you answer the questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to support your answers (see job duties section of previous employment).
• Failure to answer the questions at the end of the application will not preclude your application from being considered but may result in your application not receiving full consideration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• Unless otherwise identified in the applicable job posting and consistent with University policy, the University will principally employ individuals who reside in the State of North Carolina to the greatest extent practicable. As such, most positions at East Carolina University require employees to live and work in North Carolina (or live within a reasonable daily commuting distance from their duty station) after hire. Candidates should be prepared to relocate within a reasonable, agreed-upon time after an offer of employment has been made and accepted to meet this requirement.

Additional Instructions to Applicant

(None)

Job Open Date

07/31/2026

Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date; If no closing date is indicated, the position will be posted until filled and may close at any time after the recruitment has been completed.

08/11/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/95785

Alternate option

If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.

Be a Pirate!

East Carolina University (ECU) is consistently ranked among the nation's top public universities for its commitment to research, innovation, social mobility, and public service. Classified as a R1 institution by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education, ECU is among the top 5% of research universities in the United States, an elite designation reflecting the highest levels of research activity, funding, and doctoral output.

Founded in 1907, ECU is a public, four-year university located in Greenville, N.C., which and is widely regarded as the cultural, educational, economic, and medical hub of eastern North Carolina. Through education, research, healthcare, community engagement, athletics, cultural enrichment, and service, ECU enhances the quality of life for its students, the state and communities around the world. It is a great place to work, teach, and learn.

ECU's commitment to impactful scholarship is further demonstrated through its repeated Carnegie Community Engagement Classification (2010, 2015, 2024), as well as its 2024 designation as a Carnegie Leadership for Public Purpose institution. These distinctions recognize the university's leadership in translating research into meaningful community partnerships and measurable societal benefits.

The university supports its workforce through a wide range of professional development opportunities designed to foster career growth and skill advancement. Eligible employees also benefit from a comprehensive benefits package that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Nondiscrimination Statement

East Carolina University is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care for our employees.

ECU prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, and veteran status.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their protected veteran status or disability.

Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at [phone] (Voice/TTY) or [e-mail].

Eligibility for Employment

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks.

Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

ECU participates in E-Verify.

Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.

Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at [phone] or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to [e-mail]. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.