Temporary Production Assistant

Temporary Production Assistant

Southeast New Mexico College is seeking a Temporary Production Assistant to provide support for all activities associated with the planning, preparation, rehearsal, execution, and strike of theatrical productions presented through Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) in partnership with Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS).

Reporting to the Director of Theatre Partnerships and Production, the Temporary Production Assistant assists with production logistics, backstage operations, technical support, set and property management, audience services coordination, and other production-related activities. This position will work at SENMC and at the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center (PAC) and provides operational, technical, and administrative support for theatrical productions presented through the partnership between Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) and Carlsbad Municipal Schools (CMS). This position is designated as a temporary, seasonal assignment supporting theatre productions and is contingent upon production schedules, operational needs, and available funding.

The Temporary Production Assistant will:

• Assist the Director with the coordination and execution of theatrical productions and related events.
• Support day-to-day production activities including rehearsals, performances, technical rehearsals, and production meetings.
• Assist with setup, operation, maintenance, and strike of scenic, lighting, sound, projection, and staging elements as assigned.
• Coordinate the movement, organization, storage, and inventory of costumes, props, furniture, equipment, and production materials.
• Assist performers, directors, designers, technicians, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community participants during rehearsals and performances.
• Provide backstage and front-of-house support before, during, and after productions.
• Maintain safe and organized workspaces in accordance with applicable safety procedures and guidelines.
• Assist in monitoring production schedules and ensuring assigned tasks are completed in a timely manner.
• Support visitor, patron, and participant engagement by providing courteous and professional customer service.
• Assist with transportation and delivery of production-related materials and equipment as needed.
• Support community engagement activities, workshops, outreach events, and educational programming related to theatre productions.
• Assist with maintaining production records, inventories, and documentation.
• Work collaboratively with CMS personnel regarding the use of production facilities and equipment at the Performing Arts Center.
• Assist in recruiting, coordinating, and supervising volunteers as directed.
• Attend production meetings, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Assist with post-production evaluations and recommendations for future improvements.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of theatrical production processes and live performance operations.
• Basic knowledge of technical theatre including scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and stage management practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community members, volunteers, and external partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and complete assignments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and professional demeanor.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to adapt to changing production requirements and schedules.
• Ability to function effectively in a diverse educational and community environment.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and standard business technology.
• Ability to solve problems and respond appropriately to unexpected production challenges.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular schedules as required by rehearsal and performance demands.

Work Environment and Physical Demand:

• Work is performed primarily at the Carlsbad High School Performing Arts Center and other SENMC-approved locations.
• Reach and grasp objects.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb ladders, and work at varying heights.
• Stand and walk for extended periods of time.
• Perform repetitive hand, wrist, and arm movements.
• Use manual dexterity and fine motor skills.
• Operate standard office equipment and theatrical production equipment.
• Use of video display terminal.
• Communicate information orally and in writing.
• Receive and understand information through oral and written communication.
• Work in theatrical environments that may involve low lighting, elevated sound levels, and frequent movement of equipment and materials.
• Proofread and check documents for accuracy.
• Work a fluctuating schedule, including evenings, weekends, and extended hours during production weeks.

Performing the essential functions of this position requires the use of a computer throughout most of the workday, the ability to navigate a typical office environment, significant amounts of interpersonal interaction including oral and written communication, and the ability to keep track of multiple tasks, projects, deadlines, information sources, and business processes. This job description is intended to be generic in nature and describe the essential functions of the job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities, and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

SENMC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer dedicated to excellence through diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.