Technical Theatre Assistant

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Rosemont (PA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

Villanova University in Pennsylvania seeks a Technical Theatre Assistant to assist student technicians in constructing, painting, installing, and operating scenic, prop, lighting, and audio/visual elements for the Theatre Department’s productions in the Mullen Performing Arts Center’s spaces. Work hours run 10am–5pm, M–F with a 2-hour minimum per call, and some evenings/weekends with notice.

As a student role, hours are 12–20 per week.

Qualifications

• Comfortable lifting 25–40 lbs.
• Able to climb ladders and use woodworking tools.
• Basic geometry and math understanding.
• Hear instructions from staff and work with others.

Responsibilities

• Operate common wood construction tools for stage scenery fabrication.
• Mix and apply scenic paints and finishes.
• Fabricate props and assist with lighting and audio consoles.
• Assist with programming and operate consoles during rehearsals and performances.
• MIG welding and metalworking as needed.
• Operate CNC machinery and cuttings bits.
• Work at height on catwalks and scaffolds with safety gear.
• Read shop drawings and follow instructions from supervisors.
• Maintain shop and equipment; assist with loading/unloading materials.

Skills

Hand tools

Lifting 25–40 lbs

Team player

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Table saw

Miter saw

Routers

Sanders

Drill/Drivers

Pneumatic tools

Tape measures

Job description

Technical Theatre Assistant

Posting Details

Position Information Posting Number: 20260374V

Position Title: Technical Theatre Assistant

Posting Type Student

Hours/week: 12-20

Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students

Semester 2026-2027 Academic Year

Location Mullen Center

Detailed Work Schedule Work hours take place during standard shop hours, 10am-5pm, M-F, with a 2-hour minimum per work call. Some accommodation for class conflicts can be made during these hours. Some evening & weekend work hours may be offered during each semester, typically with plenty of advanced notice.

Number of positions: 12

Department: 176-Theatre - Winter

Contact Name: Jacob Rothermel

Contact Phone/Extension: 9-8043

Job Description Summary

Student technicians construct, paint, install, and operate all theatrical scenic, property, and lighting and audio/visual elements for the Theatre Department’s productions in the Mullen Performing Arts Center’s three (3) performance spaces. Technicians may also support department functions, such as class and graduate thesis projects, faculty workshops, and visiting productions associated with Villanova Theatre and/or the Mullen Performing Arts Center.

Specific duties may include:

• Operating a variety of stationary and hand-held common wood construction tools (e.g., table saw, miter saws, routers, sanders, impact drivers, drill/drivers, pneumatic tools, hand tools, tape measures, layout tools, etc.) in custom stage scenery fabrication;
• Mixing and applying a variety of scenic paint treatments, paint finishes, and other scenic decorative elements & techniques (e.g., water-based latex paints, paint sealers, glues, faux finishes, and wallpapers, etc.);
• Custom and creative stage hand prop fabrication, reutilization, and/or assembly;
• Assisting with programming theatrical lighting & audio consoles as well as operating consoles during certain technical rehearsals and scheduled evening performances;
• MIG welding and using other common arc welding & metalworking equipment;
• Operating CNC machinery, cutting bits, and equipment;
• Working At Height on elevated catwalks, on ladders, in personal genie or scissor lifts ( MEWP ), and wearing required safety fall arrest harnesses & hard hats;
• Hanging, cabling, patching, and focusing theatrical lighting equipment;
• Reading and interpreting construction shop drawings and/or taking written and verbal instructions from staff supervisors or supervising graduate students;
• Routine maintenance of both shop space and equipment, including the loading and unloading of materials.

Requirements

Applicants should be comfortable lifting & carrying up to 25–40lbs, be comfortable climbing ladders, using or learning to use a wide variety of woodworking, metalworking, painting, and construction-oriented power and hand tools, have some understanding of fundamental geometry and basic math skills, as well as receive verbal and/or written instructions, sometimes in the form of shop construction drawings or paint elevations. Candidates should enjoy working with others in a group setting and be open to new experiences and learning new skills. Preference may be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and no traffic violations.

Additional Information

• Additional Information: A level of creativity, thinking critically, resourcefulness, and common sense is required; as well as an understanding that specific work tasks may vary greatly week to week, depending on a production’s specific aesthetic design and needs. Specific training will be and can always be provided and all students are encouraged to apply, even if they have no previous experience in theatre, scenic construction, scenic painting, or any other technical theatre disciplines. On a daily basis, undergraduate student technicians work in groups with faculty, staff, graduate assistants, and their peers and may, at times, help manage each other for short periods of time with minimum staff supervision.

Physical Demands Summary

• Work is often of a physical nature and student workers are on their feet for most work calls; regular exposure to standard building materials (such as wood, engineered wood products, foam, plastics, steel, wood & white glue, latex paints, joint compound, etc.); work is most often performed in dusty and/or noisy environments wherein power tools are often running; hands and clothing may become dirty or splattered w/ paint, glue, etc.
• Personal Protection Equipment (i.e., safety glasses, earplugs, and/or dust masks) is encouraged, required, and provided.
• Applicants should be comfortable lifting & carrying up to 40lbs, be comfortable climbing ladders & scaffolds, using – or learning to use – a wide variety of woodworking and construction power tools and hand tools.

Wage Rate: 11.25/hour Posting Detail Information Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Open Until Filled Yes

Required Documents

• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Resume / Curriculum Vitae