*Theater Production Assistant

Merced College; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Sick leave and retirement benefits

Job summary

Merced College seeks a Theater Production Assistant to support all phases of theater operations, including stage, workshop, and dressing rooms. You will coordinate technical use of the auditorium, supervise rehearsals, and help manage schedules and equipment for live productions and educational events.

The role requires strong organizational skills, reliability, and a passion for the performing arts, with flexibility for evenings and weekends as needed in a vibrant educational setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with relevant theater experience.
• Experience coordinating theater operations and production calendars.
• Ability to supervise student staff and ensure safety in a theatre setting.
• Knowledge of stage lighting, sound, and scenic construction is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Meet with theater users to discuss requirements and plans for stage elements.
• Develop and maintain production calendars and schedules.
• Enforce fire, health, and safety regulations in theater facilities.
• Supervise part-time staff and student assistants.
• Maintain shop tools and equipment and order consumables as needed.
• Coordinate storage of set pieces and properties and prepare drawings.

Skills

Team collaboration

Diversity sensitivity

Education

High school diploma or GED + 4 years exp

High school diploma + 3 years exp + certs

AA/AS + 1 year exp

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

*Theater Production Assistant

Salary: $4,892.00 - $6,192.00 Monthly

Job Type: Classified Full Time

Job Number: 20260924

Closing: 10/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Location: Merced College, CA

Looking to use your skills and talents in a vibrant and highly engaged performing arts program? We are seeking an enthusiastic and collaborative Theater Production Assistant who is passionate about live performance, student learning, and community engagement. This role offers the opportunity to work behind the scenes of a dynamic theater operation, supporting productions, events, and educational experiences that bring together students, faculty, artists, and audiences. The ideal candidate is reliable, organized, technically skilled in the scene shop and the control room, and passionate about the performing arts and all phases of theater operations. If you enjoy combining creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving in a vibrant educational environment, we encourage you to apply.

As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college - we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California's Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward-thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well-being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California's Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park. If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

Merced College Mission

At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Merced College Vision

• Degree/Certificate Programs
• Transfer
• Career Technical Education
• Workforce Training
• Lifelong Learning
• Basic Skills
• Community Engagement

Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

Salary Schedule

Range22

40 hours/week12 months/year

General Description

This position will assume responsibility for all phases of theater operation including stage, workshop, and dressing rooms; to coordinate technical usage of the auditorium; and to do related work as required.

Essential Functions

• Meets with theater users to discuss requirements and develop plans for the arrangement of stage elements
• Develops and maintains production calendars
• Observes and enforces fire, health, and safety regulations in theater facilities
• Maintains all areas of the theater facility not assigned to other classified staff
• Provides technical supervision for rehearsals
• Maintains a production schedule and ensures that deadlines are met
• Supervises part-time and hourly classified staff and student assistants
• Maintains shop tools and equipment
• Determines need and initiates requisitions for new equipment, scenic supplies and materials, and replacement parts
• Constructs, paints, mounts, rigs, and strikes stage scenery and properties
• Coordinates storage of set pieces and properties
• Prepares supplementary construction drawings, when required
• Other related duties as assigned

Knowledge of

• The techniques of stage preparation for theatrical or related performances
• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in wood, plastic, and metal fabrication for specialized theatrical applications
• Scenery paints and painting techniques
• Stage lighting, sound, costuming, and makeup

Ability to

• Work cooperatively with others
• Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students

Typical Qualifications

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education/Training/Experience

• High school diploma OR GED AND four (4) years applicable experience
• High school diploma AND three (3) years applicable experience AND applicable certifications
• Associate's degree AND at least one (1) year of applicable experience
• The equivalent education and experience.

License or Certificate

None

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

None

License or Certificate

None

PHYSICAL DEMAND AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel to different sites; incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

Physical Ability to

• Work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations
• Hear and understand speech at normal levels
• Communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation
• Read printed matter and computer screens
• Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
• Bend and twist, stoop, kneel, crawl, push, pull
• Lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight
• Operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard
• Reach in all directions

Vision

See in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits: Health benefits for the employee and all their eligible dependents cost employee's only $12 per month and provide access to PPO medical coverage, PPO dental coverage, VSP Vision coverage, and more! Please visit our Merced College Benefits website for more details about our incredible employee benefits. In addition, sick leave and retirement benefits are also provided.

Condition of Employment

The selected candidate must be fingerprinted and tested for tuberculosis at his/her own expense prior to the start of employment. In compliance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, all new employees are required to verify their identity and the right to work in the United States. All offers of employment are subject to approval by the Board of Trustees. The applicant must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Individuals with disabilities may request any needed accommodation to participate in the application process. Please submit your request with your application to the Human Resources Office.

Merced Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer