Student Theatre Scene Shop/Technical Assistant - POOL

Center for Public Partnerships & Research; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 14,000 - 19,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Kansas in Topeka seeks a student hourly to support scenic construction and production operations for the Department of Theatre and Dance. You will collaborate with faculty and production teams to construct, install, and maintain scenic elements for departmental productions.

The role emphasizes safe tool use, teamwork, and adherence to production timelines, with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in professional theatre practices.

Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in scenic construction, theatric safety protocols, and production environments.
• Experience with standard hand and power tools used in scenery construction.

Responsibilities

• 80% - Scenic construction and installation duties.
• 20% - Shop maintenance and organization duties.

Skills

Scenic construction

Theatrical safety

Production environments

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Position Overview

This position supports the Department of Theatre and Dance's production operations by contributing to a collaborative and creative production environment. The role provides students with opportunities to engage in various aspects of theatrical production while fostering skills in teamwork, craftsmanship, and professional theatre practices. Work is performed in support of departmental productions and related production spaces.

Job Description

80% - Scenic Construction and Installation

• Assist with the construction, assembly, and installation of scenic elements for departmental productions.
• Interpret and implement technical drawings, plans, and design specifications under supervision.
• Utilize shop tools, equipment, and materials in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and fellow production team members to support production timelines and quality standards.

20% - Shop Maintenance and Organization

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized scenic shop and production work environment.
• Support the inventory, storage, and organization of tools, equipment, and production materials.
• Help prepare workspaces for ongoing production activities and special projects.
• Contribute to the overall upkeep of production facilities in accordance with departmental standards.

Required Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience in scenic construction, theatric safety protocols, and production environments, as indicated on application materials.
• Experience with standard hand and power tools used in scenery construction, as indicated on application materials.

Position Requirements

During the semester term of the appointment, the student hourly must be enrolled in no fewer than 6 credit hours. For summer periods the student hourly must: (1) have been enrolled in no less than 6 hours in the past spring semester or (2) be pre-enrolled in the upcoming fall semester in no less than 6 hours or (3) be enrolled in summer session or (4) be admitted to study in the upcoming fall semester. Student Hourlies may be undergraduate or graduate students. (Exceptions granted for GRA/GTA/GA appointments DO NOT apply to Student Hourly appointments).

Employment Conditions

• Student employees are not eligible for remote work arrangements unless an exception is approved by the unit leadership and HR.
• This is an hourly/non-exempt position. A student employee cannot hold an hourly/non-exempt position and a salaried/exempt graduate or undergraduate position (GRA/GTA/GA/RUA/RGA) concurrently.

Contact Information to Applicants

Dave Wanner

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

$12.00

Anticipated Start Date

Thursday October 15, 2026