Theater Planner

DLR Group; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

DLR Group in Los Angeles is seeking a Theater Planner to join our Theater Planning team, contributing to designing performance venues, seating layouts, and stage systems. You will collaborate with architects, engineers, and project managers to develop functional, technically sound spaces that support production and audience experience.

The ideal candidate has at least 4 years in theater planning or related fields, strong communication skills, and proficiency with Revit and AutoCAD.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Theater, Engineering, or Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 4 years of professional experience in theater planning or related field.
• Working knowledge of theater design concepts and sightlines.
• Proficiency in CAD and/or modeling; Revit proficiency is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of building, fire, and electrical codes

Responsibilities

• Participate in the planning and design of performance venues, including seating layouts, sightlines, stage lighting, rigging, and stage machinery.
• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and other project documentation for theatrical equipment systems.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to integrate theater planning requirements into the overall project.
• Communicate the functional intent and technical requirements of theater planning to project teams.
• Develop and coordinate project documentation using Revit, AutoCAD, and other design technologies.
• Apply BIM standards and participate in project coordination, clash detection, and QA/QC processes

Skills

Theater planning knowledge

Communication skills

Project multitasking

Detail-oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theater/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Revit

AutoCAD

Bluebeam

Job description

DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.

DLR Group's Theater Planning team is growing. We're searching for a Theater Planner to join us in our Los Angeles studio.

DLR Group’s Theater Planning team brings together experienced theater practitioners who understand how performance and entertainment venues work from every perspective—patrons, performers, technicians, designers, and arts leaders. In close collaboration with our architecture, interiors, and engineering teams, we create performance spaces and technical systems that support storytelling, enhance the user experience, and adapt to the evolving needs of the performing arts. Our work combines deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and a shared passion for creating places that inspire connection and creativity.

Position Summary

As a Theater Planner at DLR Group, you will participate in the planning, design, and documentation of performance venues and theatrical systems as part of our integrated design teams. Working alongside architects, engineers, project managers, and experienced theater planners, you will contribute to the development of functional, technically sound spaces that support performance, production, and audience experience. This role is ideal for an emerging theater planning professional who brings techni cal curiosity, stron g communication skills, and an understanding of how perf ormance spaces operate .

If you are a creative collaborator wi th a strategic mindset this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% emplo yee ow ned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.

What you will do

• Participate in the planning and design of performance venues, including performance space typologies, seating layouts, sightlines, stage lighting, rigging, and stage machinery
• Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and other project documentation for theatrical equipment systems
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to integrate theater planning requirements into the overall project
• Communicate the functional intent and technical requirements of theater planning and equipment system design decisions to project teams
• Apply building, fire, electrical, and other applicable codes and standards to performance venues and places of assembly
• Develop and coordinate project documentation using Revit, AutoCAD, and other design technologies
• Apply BIM standards and participate in project coordination, clash detection, and QA/QC processes
• Review construction materials, methods, and building systems as they relate to theater planning and theatrical equipment
• Manage assigned tasks across multiple projects and project phases while meeting established schedules and work plans
• Participate in design discussions, contribute ideas, and continue developing technical and professional expertise in theater planning and design

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Theater, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
• At least 4 years of professional experience in theater planning, theatrical design, architecture, engineering, or a related field
• Working knowledge of theater design concepts, including performance space typologies, seating layouts and sightlines, stage lighting, and stage rigging and machinery
• Understanding of performance venue operations and the theatrical production process
• Proficiency in computer aided drafting and/or modeling; Revit proficiency is highly preferred
• Working knowledge of design documentation, technical drawings, and specifications
• Working knowledge of building materials, construction methods, and applicable building, fire, and electrical codes
• Strong written, verbal, and graphic communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail

Visa sponsorship is not offered for this position, including temporary visas such as E, F-1 (including OPT and CPT), TN, J, H-1B, or those who need employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Bluebeam and AutoCAD
• Experience preparing theatrical equipment system drawings and specifications
• Experience working on performing arts centers, theaters, auditoriums, or other assembly and performance venues
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and clash detection processes
• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and their application to technical design documentation
• Experience collaborating within multidisciplinary architecture, engineering, or design teams