Scene Shop Manager

Northern Michigan University; Marquette (MI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI seeks a Scene Shop Manager to oversee daily scene shop operations and support scenery for all productions. You will supervise student workers, volunteers and hired artists while maintaining safety and professionalism across NMU Theatre & Dance and WPAA projects.

Responsibilities include collaborating with faculty and designers to realize scenic elements, training students in craftsmanship, and ensuring efficient production workflows in academic-year

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required in theatre or related field.
• One year of carpentry/scenic construction experience.
• Working knowledge of theatre and scene shop safety practices.
• Proficiency in scenic construction techniques using wood and metal.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the scene shop.
• Support construction and implementation of scenery for productions.
• Supervise student workers, hired artists and volunteers.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff and student designers to realize scenic elements.
• Train students in theatrical craftsmanship and shop safety.

Skills

Theatre safety

Scenic construction

Power tool operation

Organization

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Theatre or related field

Tools

Woodworking

Metalworking

Welding

Power tools

Job description

Position Title: Scene Shop Manager

Department: Theatre & Dance

Term of Assignment:Term

Term End Date, If Applicable:December 20, 2028

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt = overtime eligible

Work Schedule: Traditionally Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with occasional evening and weekend work required.

Salary: Targeted Salary Range: $40,160-$43,100

Travel: Less than 10%

Brief Statement of Duties

Brief Statement of Duties:Responsible for managing the daily operations of the scene shop and supporting the construction and implementation of scenery for all productions within the Department of Theatre & Dance (NMU TD), inclusive of the Wildcat Performing Arts Academy (WPAA). Supervise student workers, additional hired artists, and volunteers while maintaining a safe and professional work environment, and collaborate closely with faculty, staff, and student designers to realize scenic elements for NMU TD & WPAA academic-year and summer productions. Play a vital role in training students in theatrical craftsmanship and shop safety while helping the department maintain efficient and industry-aligned production processes.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree

Discipline/Degree Area:

Required Specialized Training/Certifications:

Required Minimum Work Experience: One year of carpentry and/or scenic construction experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Attributes Required for Satisfactory Performance of the Position Duties:

Working knowledge of theatre and scene shop safety practices.
Proficiency in scenic construction techniques, including wood and metalwork.
Familiarity with safe operation of power tools, pneumatic tools, and welding equipment.
Strong organizational, time management, and interpersonal communication skills.
Adaptability and creative problem solving skills.

Additional Desirable Qualifications

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

Degree in Theatre, Technical Production, or a related field.
Experience teaching undergraduate classes.
Experience mentoring and supervising student crews in a production or academic environment.
Experience collaborating with production staff in an educational or professional theatre setting.
Knowledge of working drawings and theatrical rigging.
Prior involvement in youth or educational arts programming.

Contact Information: Erica Jean, HR Generalist, 906-227-1087

NMU is an equal opportunity employer.