Theater Production Coordinator, 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

Applicants must upload all required materials (resume, cover letter, and references) to be considered for this position. This position is part-time (20hrs/wk) benefits eligible and requires an on-campus presence.

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Theater Production Coordinator provides technical support to the theatrical work taking place in Theater East and Theater West as well as the lab spaces of 501 and 701. They collaborate with and serve as a line of communication to the TAPS production staff and the Logan Center ops team. They offer onsite training in managing, maintaining, and implementing technical aspects of theatrical production. They work on TAPS-led productions as well as those put on by visiting artists, community partners, and student groups. Additionally, the Theater Production Coordinator oversees 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. They supervise student employees in maintaining equipment, tools, and supplies for all space users. They work directly with professional artists during the academic year and summer residencies. Their hours coincide with performances and technical rehearsals and primarily fall during evenings and weekends with some daytime meetings.

Responsibilities

Trains and supervises students in maintaining a safe work environment.
Manages and maintains equipment for theatrical production, student activities, and projects.
Represents the production staff while other department heads are not in the building, during evenings and weekends. Communicates needs and questions back to this group.
Supervises and mentors student staff members who act as the Theater Production Coordinator’s representative in some rehearsals and performances.
Supervises and advises students to implement technical needs that include creating run sheets, choreographing scene transitions, setting up and managing backstage space, equipment maintenance, safety.
Facilitates workshops in space use, tracking and maintaining space inventory.
Oversees and instructs board operators, stage managers, and other students on technical equipment including 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 including maintaining the marley dance floor.
Implements minor renovations and maintains spaces with Facilities.
Attends meetings with various campus stakeholders, including TAPS, CLI, Facilities, and Logan Ops.
Collaborates with the design team and production crew to plan, develop, and implement property, special effects, and/or scenic elements of theatre productions.
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.
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:

—

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in theater or theatrical design/tech.
Experience:

Professional theatrical production experience.
Substantive experience in higher education performing arts environments.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Working 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.
Work in a university setting.
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.
Job requires 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.