Theater Production Coordinator
The University of Chicago

Department

College Theater and Performance Studies

About the Department

The Committee on Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) supports innovative work at the intersection of performance theory and practice across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The University of Chicago's undergraduate and graduate programs in TAPS stand out for the intellectual commitment they demand, the interdisciplinary perspective they require, and the extraordinary collaborative opportunities they provide with theater, dance, and performance companies in partnership with other UChicago Arts entities, in Chicago, across the country, and around the world. TAPS also supports student-driven theater and performance related activities by a broad range of co-curricular registered student organizations.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Director of Performance Programs for Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) and/or their designee, the Theater Production Coordinator collaborates with the Logan Center, Office of the Reynolds Club and Center for Leadership and Involvement (CLI); and offers onsite training in managing, maintaining, and implementing technical aspects of theatrical production in the TAPS East and West Theatres as well as the lab spaces of 501 and 701 in the Logan Center for TAPS led productions, visiting artist performances, community partner performances and student group performances. Additionally, the Theater Production Coordinator will oversee TAPS equipment usage in Francis X. Kinahan proscenium theater, a 140-seat intimate space in constant use primarily by student productions and events. The Theater Production Coordinator advises, consults, and assists students, student organizations, faculty, and staff with all aspects of theater use. Supervises student employees in maintaining equipment, tools, and supplies for all space users. Works directly with professional artists during academic year and summer residencies. Hours are mostly evenings and weekends when performances and technical rehearsals are happening in the theatres with some daytime meetings.

Responsibilities

• Trains and supervises students in maintaining a safe work environment for students and others working in the theatre spaces, while managing and maintaining equipment for theatrical production, student activities, and projects.
• Supervises and advises students to implement technical needs by creating run sheets, transitioning scenes, setting and managing backstage, equipment maintenance, and safety.
• Facilitates workshops in space use, tracking and maintaining space inventory.
• Oversees and instructs board operators, stage managers, and other students on technical equipment such as lighting instruments, lighting and sound boards, projections and other equipment.
• Trains student summer production interns in working with resident professional companies.
• Attends technical rehearsals when appropriate.
• Maintains a safe and functional working environment for students, staff, faculty, and guest artists working in Bartlett Arts Rehearsal Space.
• Implements minor renovations and maintains spaces with Facilities.
• Attends meetings with CLI, TAPS, and Facilities; supervises interns on professional shows and residencies.
• Acts as a resource for the production manager and provides recommendations regarding props solutions and related budget information.
• Guides maintenance of inventory of props, technical equipment, tools, and/or stock supplies. Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to manage scene shops and backstage areas.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in theater and/or theatrical design/tech.

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years professional production experience.
• Substantive experience in higher education performing arts environments.
• Work in a university setting.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge in the construction of scenery and carpentry, lighting, and safety.
• Working knowledge of basic design considerations, electrical theory and practice, carpentry and construction, sound systems, scenic painting, and stage management.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Manage and prioritize multiple concurrent tasks.
• Work effectively as a part of a team and individually.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Multi-task under time pressure.
• Adapt training strategies across wide-ranging skill levels.

Working Conditions

• Mostly evening and weekend work.
• Occasional walking to other campus locations.
• Physical strength and coordination, including set up of tables and chairs, light hangs, and scenery lifting.
• Frequent heavy lifting of lumber and scaffolding in excess of 80 - 100 pounds.
• Operation of heavy machinery.
• Sit at a computer for 2-4 hours.
• This is a part-time position of approximately 20 hours per week.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter, which is to include your interest in this position (required)
• References Contact Information (3) (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Museum & Arts

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

20

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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