Technical Theatre Assistant

Technical Theatre Assistant

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 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. Training at any and all levels is provided by the Technical Director and/or Assistant Technical Director.

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;
• MIGwelding 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.

Applicants should be comfortable lifting & carrying up to 2540lbs, 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.

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.

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.

Wage rate: $11.25/hour