Scene Shop Coordinator

Scene Shop Coordinator

Position: Scene Shop Coordinator

Reports To: Technical Directors

Classification: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Theatre Overview

As one of the country’s largest ensemble theatres dedicated to the creation of new work, Lookingglass Theatre Company seeks  to redefine the theatrical experience and to make theatre more exhilarating, inspirational, and accessible to all. Founded in 1988 by a group of Northwestern University theatre graduates, Lookingglass moved into its permanent home in the historic  Water Tower Water Works on Chicago’s Michigan Avenue in 2003. Now in its 37th Season, the Company is a respected source  for story-centered theatrical work that is evocative, physical, and visually rich.

With a roster of 33 Ensemble Members and 17 Artistic Associates, Lookingglass productions are centered on ensemble with  training in theatre, dance, music, and circus arts. Through its powerful, original theatre, the Company’s goal is to fire the imagination with love, to celebrate the human capacity to taste and smell, weep and laugh, create and destroy, and wake up  where we first fell— changed, charged, and empowered.

Position Summary

A member of the production team and reporting to the Technical Directors, the Scene Shop Coordinator collaborates with  production staff and contracted personnel to support the administrative and logistical needs of the Lookingglass Scene Shop. The Scene Shop Coordinator will support the day to day operations of the Lookingglass Scene Shop for both internal and  external projects, and will play a key role in the development of the Lookingglass Scene Shop’s growing external build and rental  business, including accounting, scheduling, contracting, and invoicing. They will be detail-oriented and reliable, with a strong  understanding of administrative processes and systems.

This is a great opportunity for candidates with an understanding of the needs and workflow of a theatrical scene shop who have  an interest in business development and administration as we continue to grow this part of our operations.

Duties

• Support processing of scene shop weekly payroll, accounts payable, and credit card receipts.

• Support invoicing and financial reconciliation of Lookingglass Scene Shop’s external builds and equipment rentals.

• Collaborate with Technical Directors to schedule internal and external scene shop projects; book and schedule labor  necessary to support projects.

• Support Technical Directors, General Manager, and Managing Director in financial forecasting and projections of  anticipated Scene Shop income and expenses with an eye towards future growth

• Serve as first point of contact for new and returning clients; manage communication and expectations with regard to  timelines, pricing, and contracting.

• Draft initial contracts and change orders for external builds and rentals for review by Lookingglass Technical Directors  and Director of Production.

• Manage job postings and collate application materials for Technical Directors to review. Maintain internal hiring  database and initiate payroll onboarding for new hires.

• Work with Technical Directors and General Manager to support facilities needs including distribution, tracking, and  return of building keys and meeting with vendors as needed.

• Monitor inventory of basic shop supplies (screws, glue, PPE, etc.) and order replacements as needed. • Participate in organization-wide anti-racism work and incorporate an anti-racist lens into daily practice. Lookingglass  recognizes that it has much to do towards being an anti-racist and a more equitable institution. We believe that our  work and our lives are infinitely more complex, rewarding, illuminating, and nearer to truth when we have a wider  variety of human experiences in our room, at our table, and on our stage. This work, by the Board, Ensemble, and staff,  is ongoing.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years administrative experience in a collegiate or professional setting

• 1-2 years of experience in a collegiate or professional scene shop

• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings

• High attention to detail

 

• Strong time management skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Strong grasp of administrative processes and systems

• Ability to prioritize and offer a high degree of support under dynamic and emergent conditions. • A desire to learn and implement varying technologies and materials.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a large cargo van.

• Must be able to repeatedly ascend/descend stairs and move equipment of up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to work hybrid as needed, with the expectation of work in person at the Lookingglass scene shop located at  2040 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60612 3-5 days per week.