Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)

Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)
University of Southern California School of Dramatic Arts (SDA) seeks an experienced and collaborative Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist) to join its Production team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled theatre professional to bring a rigorous, professional practice into a dynamic learning environment that produces multiple theatrical productions each year.

Reporting primarily to the Technical Director, the Production Technician plays a vital role in supporting the School's educational mission by helping students, faculty, and guest artists realize ambitious theatrical productions. The ideal candidate is an energetic and self‑motivated professional who thrives in a fast‑paced production environment, exercises sound judgment, and can successfully manage multiple priorities while mentoring student workers.

Position Summary
The Technical Theatre Lab (TTL) Production Technician provides advanced technical expertise in scenic construction, production implementation, and facility operations. Working within a multi‑stage, multi‑use environment, this position supports the operation, maintenance, and safe use of the Technical Theatre Lab while ensuring the successful construction and installation of scenic elements for all School of Dramatic Arts productions.

This position is responsible for implementing academically driven student scenic designs, providing specialized scenic construction services in wood and metal fabrication, and supervising a team of approximately 20‑30 student workers. The Production Technician also contributes to facility planning, equipment upgrades, inventory management, and purchasing activities.

Key Responsibilities
Production and Scenic Construction
Support students, faculty, and guest designers in the realization of scenic designs for School of Dramatic Arts productions.
Construct, fabricate, and install scenic elements using woodworking and metal fabrication techniques.
Implement student‑designed production concepts while maintaining artistic integrity, safety, and budget considerations.
Assist with load‑ins, technical rehearsals, strikes, and production changeovers.
Operate and maintain theatrical stage equipment, rigging systems, and scenic automation systems.

Technical Theatre Lab Operations
Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient Technical Theatre Lab environment.
Oversee the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of shop equipment, tools, and facilities.
Ensure compliance with university safety policies and industry best practices.
Plan for equipment upgrades and manage purchasing activities, including major equipment acquisitions.
Monitor inventory, supplies, and production materials.

Student Supervision and Instruction
Supervise and mentor approximately 20‑30 student employees.
Train students in safe and proper use of theatrical tools, equipment, and production techniques.
Provide guidance and instruction in scenic construction methods and shop practices.
Foster a collaborative learning environment that supports student growth and professional development.

Administrative Support
Assist with budgeting, project estimates, and resource planning.
Coordinate with faculty, staff, guest artists, and production personnel to meet production schedules and educational objectives.
Support facility scheduling and operational planning as needed.

Required Qualifications
BA or BFA in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience in theatrical production.
Several years of progressively responsible experience in theatre stagecraft, scenic construction, and theatrical production.
Demonstrated expertise in theatrical scenery construction and implementation.
Experience with theatrical stage equipment, counterweight rigging systems, and scenic automation.
Advanced woodworking skills, including operation of portable and stationary woodworking equipment.
Experience with metal fabrication and welding.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience working in an educational, conservatory, or university theatre environment.
Experience supervising and mentoring student workers or early‑career technicians.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Experience supporting multiple productions simultaneously in a repertory or academic setting.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.
Prioritize competing deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team environment.
Exercise sound judgment in a fast‑paced production setting.
Maintain a professional, service‑oriented approach while supporting academic and artistic goals.

Physical Requirements
Frequently move theatrical equipment weighing up to 99 pounds.
Ascend and work safely on stairs, ladders, catwalks, and personnel lifts.
Work safely in low‑light backstage and performance environments.
Operate departmental vehicles and maintain a valid state driver's license.

Compensation and Work Hours
The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 to $38.00. Regular work hours during the production season are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., though subject to change as necessary. This position requires evenings and weekends depending upon the production schedule. Occasional overtime may be required.

Application Materials
Cover Letter describing qualifications and interest in the position.
Curriculum Vitae or Resume.
Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity
USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law.

Accommodations and Background Screening
We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821‑8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

The university is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, employees, volunteers, and visitors on our campuses and those entrusted to our care, including patients, students, and minors. To that end, the university conducts background screening, including screening for criminal convictions, on all applicants after a conditional offer of employment and as a condition of employment. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix C for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative. USC and SDA are committed to fostering an environment that embraces our USC's Unifying Core Values and seeks candidates that demonstrate, through ideas, words, and actions, a strong commitment to these objectives.

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