Scene Shop Supervisor

Huntington Theatre Company Inc; Everett (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Huntington Theatre Company Inc. is seeking a Scene Shop Supervisor to lead the daily operations of the Scene Shop in the Production (Scenery) department.

This salaried role supervises carpenters, welders, and apprentices, ensuring efficient builds and safe practices while collaborating with the Technical Director team. Based in Everett, MA, the position requires strong leadership, reading technical drawings, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• BA/BFA in Technical Production or equivalent required.
• 3–5 years in a theatrical scene shop or related fabrication.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Ability to read, interpret, and execute fabrication from drawings.
• Proficiency with hand and power tools; safe operation required.
• Welder with steel welding skills; aluminum experience a plus.
• Experience with stage rigging and line sets.

Responsibilities

• Oversee layout, fabrication, and assembly of scenery under Technical Director guidance.
• Manage daily scene shop workflow; ensure productivity and policy adherence.
• Supervise full-time, over-hire, and apprentice staff; foster collaboration.
• Contribute to build schedules, workflows, and material planning; report progress.
• Ensure scenic elements meet quality standards before handoff to other departments.
• Prepare hardware, materials, and tooling for load-ins and installations.
• Maintain clean, organized shop and storage areas; support safety policies.
• Occasionally fabricate scenery from design drawings as needed.
• Coordinate with departments to schedule and move scenery through build process.
• Lead load-ins, strikes, and on-site installations; supervise crews.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Problem solving

Reading drawings

Safety awareness

Welding

Coordination

Education

BA/BFA in Technical Production or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD

Vectorworks

CNC programming

Rigging systems

Job description

Position: Scene Shop SupervisorDepartment: Production (Scenery)FT or PT: FTClassification: Salaried ($68,000 – $72,000 per year)Schedule: 7:30a – 4p weekdays, including occasional over-time on weeknights & weekendsStatus: ExemptReports To: Technical Director, Associate Technical DirectorSTATEMENT OF JOB:The Scene Shop Supervisor leads the daily operations of The Huntington’s Scene Shop, guiding a talented team of carpenters and welders through fast‑paced builds and creative problem‑solving. This leader supports full‑time and over‑hire staff as they bring bold designs to life for The Huntington productions and external projects. With a focus on collaboration, clarity, and detail-driven craftsmanship, the Shop Supervisor ensures scenery moves smoothly through every stage of the build process while championing safe and sustainable work practices. In partnership with the Technical Director team, the Shop Supervisor keeps the shop efficient, organized, and communicative while driving a positive, professional environment where the team can excel and produce exceptional scenery.JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITESProject & Personnel ManagementUnder the guidance of the Technical Director team, oversee and direct the layout, fabrication, and assembly of scenery.Manage daily workflow of scene shop, ensuring productivity, consistency, and adherence to shop policies.Supervise full-time, over-hire, and apprentice personnel, setting clear expectations and maintaining a positive, collaborative work environment.Assist project planning by contributing to build schedules, workflow strategies, and material needs. Provide regular updates on progress, timelines, and challenges.Ensure all scenic elements meet quality standards before transitioning to other departments, storage, or stage.Prepare hardware, materials, and tooling to support efficient load‑ins and installations.Maintain clean, organized shop and storage areas to support safe, efficient operations.On seldom occasions, hands-on fabrication of scenery is required, working from design drawings as needed.Coordination & CommunicationCoordinate with other departments to facilitate clear scheduling and smooth movement of scenery through the build process.Communicate resource needs, design questions, build concerns, and scheduling updates with the Technical Director team in a timely and solutions‑focused manner.Execute load‑ins, strikes, and on‑site installations as assigned, supervising assigned crews.Safety, Shop Maintenance & General SupportPromote, monitor, and enforce safe working practices, ensuring adherence to company safety policies and OSHA best practices.Conduct and document regular inspections of equipment and safety related items.Coordinate routine maintenance and inventory management for tools and shop equipment.Assist with routine facility tasks and other facility related duties within the Production Center as assigned by the Technical Director.Support other production activities as necessary.QUALIFICATIONS – Candidate MUST meet the following qualifications to be considered for the role:B.A./B.F.A. in Technical Production or equivalent professional experience.3–5 years of professional experience in a theatrical scene shop or related fabrication environment.Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills, with experience supervising diverse crews.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; able to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment.Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing deadlines, and maintain workflow under pressure.Ability to read, interpret, and execute fabrication from technical drawings, drafting, and designer plates.Advanced knowledge of scenic construction methods, materials, and standard shop practices.Proficiency with hand tools, power tools, and stationary woodworking and metalworking equipment, with a strong commitment to safe operation and maintenance.Proficient welder with strong steel welding skills; aluminum welding experience a plus.Experience with stage rigging, including single‑purchase line sets and standard chain‑hoist systems.Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot construction and rigging challenges.Clear, proactive communication skills with the ability to work effectively across departments.Strong commitment to safe working practices and the ability to model and enforce safety protocols.Ability to work collaboratively, remain solutions-oriented, and support a positive shop culture.Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and basic digital documentation tools.Ability to work safely at heights, including on ladders, personnel lifts, and catwalks.Ability to lift and move 50+ lbs and perform physical tasks typical of shop and stage environments.Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends during load‑ins, strikes, or peak production periods.PREFERRED SKILLSExperience with AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or other drafting software.CNC programming and operation experience.Ability to drive a 26’ box truck.Familiarity with stage machinery and automation systems (Creative Conners)Experience with automated rigging systems (Raynok).Additional metalworking, fabrication, or machining skills beyond core scenic construction.Experience mentoring early‑career technicians, apprentices, or interns.Familiarity with sustainable shop practices and materials.Experience in fast‑paced, multi‑production environments.