Scenic Shop Lab Manager

Utah Valley University; Orem (UT); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Valley University in Orem seeks a Scenic Shop Lab Manager in the Theatre Department to supervise student work in the scenic construction shop, ensure safe use of tools, mentor students, and coordinate with the Technical Director to meet production timelines.

The Lab Manager provides hands-on instruction in building, painting, and rigging, maintains an organized shop, reinforces best practices in safety and craftsmanship, and performs other duties as needed.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience as a Theatre Technician or working in a theatrical scenic shop.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and facilitate student work in the scenic shop lab environment, ensuring productive, guided engagement in production-related projects while teaching and enforcing safe practices in the use of tools and equipment.
• Provide hands-on instruction in building, painting, and rigging for student learning and production work.
• Maintain a gradebook of student assignments, keep attendance records, and assist the professor assigned to the course in providing grades to students at the conclusion of each semester.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director and production staff to align student work with timelines and instructional goals.
• Keep the shop clean, professional, and structured while reinforcing high standards of craftsmanship.
• Perform other job-related duties, as needed.

Skills

Teaching

Supervising

Communication

Shop safety

Carpentry

Painting

Rigging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre

Job description

Utah Valley University seeks to hire a Scenic Shop Lab Manager, a laboratory position within the Theatre Department responsible for supervising and facilitating student work in the scenic construction shop in support of departmental productions. This role oversees the safe and effective use of shop tools and equipment, mentors and manages students engaged in production-related projects, and coordinates with the Technical Director and production staff to determine which projects students will complete, aligning with production timelines and instructional goals. The Lab Manager provides hands-on instruction in scenic construction tools and techniques (building, painting, and rigging), maintains an organized and professional shop environment, and reinforces best practices in safety and craftsmanship. Reports to the Department Chair of Theatre.

• Oversee and facilitate student work within the scenic shop lab environment, ensuring productive, guided engagement in production-related projects while teaching and enforcing safe practices in the use of tools and equipment.
• Provide hands-on instruction in building, painting, and rigging for student learning and production work.
• Maintain a gradebook of student assignments, keep attendance records, and assist the professor assigned to the course in providing grades to students at the conclusion of each semester.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director and production staff to align student work with timelines and instructional goals.
• Keep the shop clean, professional, and structured while reinforcing high standards of craftsmanship.
• Perform other job-related duties, as needed.

Two years of experience as a Theatre Technician or working in a theatrical scenic shop.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre or a related field.
• Previous teaching, training, or instructional experience.

Knowledge

• Scenic construction methods, materials, and processes (wood, metal, paint, rigging, etc.).
• Safe operation of shop tools and equipment, including OSHA or industry safety standards.
• Theatrical production processes and timelines.
• Best practices in stagecraft, including build techniques.
• Basic rigging principles and equipment use.

Skills

• Teaching and demonstrating scenic construction techniques in a hands-on environment.
• Supervising and coordinating student work effectively.
• Clear communication and collaboration with students, faculty, and production staff.
• Tool operation and technical craftsmanship (carpentry, painting, rigging).

Abilities

• Ability to instruct and support students with varied levels of experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a production team.
• Ability to oversee multiple student projects simultaneously.
• Ability to physically work in a shop environment (lifting, standing, using equipment).
• Ability to adapt teaching and supervision style to different learning needs.