The University of Pittsburgh
Theatrical Production Overhire
The Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Pittsburgh seeks theatrical production overhire for the 2023-24 production season. Candidates will join a growing pool of theatrical professionals with skills in one or more area of production including: Scenic, Electrics, Properties, Costuming, Paints, Projections, and Audio. These positions work alongside production staff, faculty, and student workers. Candidates should have the ability to read and understand basic technical and design drawings and renderings.
Candidates will collaborate with shop heads to execute theatrical designs and complete daily projects within assigned shop. Candidate should be able to understand, respond to, and follow directions. Candidates should have the ability to work within schedule and meet deadlines, pay close attention to detail, maintain a clean and organized workspace.
**References Required**
Applicants should be able to lift and carry 50lbs unassisted or up to 80lbs unassisted. Must be comfortable hanging and focusing lighting from a ladder (up to 16′), aerial lifts (up to 30′) and working in catwalks (up to 45’). The successful candidates will have a thorough knowledge of standard theatrical safety practices. Must be able to multitask, be able to work both independently and as part of a team, bring strong verbal and written communication skills. Prior experience working with teams in theatre.
Breakdown of Shop Job Qualifications:
Lights, Sound, Projections Shop
Experience with theatre electrics, including hanging, focusing, programming, and maintaining common theatrical instruments; familiarity with lighting consoles; ability to troubleshoot problems with equipment, complete basic repairs, and have knowledge of general wiring. Experience with programing conventional, LED, intelligent moving lighting instruments DMX controlled equipment.
Maintenance, organization, and inventory house sound equipment.
Experience with projection hardware set up, focus, mapping, and troubleshooting. This shop includes potential exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, electricity, and noise.
Costume Shop
The candidate must have experience with home and industrial single needle and overlock machines, have strong hand stitching skills, be able to work with a variety of fabrics and materials, and work with commercial and custom created patterns. Candidates should have experience with clothing alterations. Candidates with specialized knowledge such as millinery, costume crafts, wig styling, theatrical make up, etc. are encouraged to apply.
This shop includes potential exposure to environmental conditions such as sharp objects, chemicals, and machine-use hazards.
Scenic Shop
Candidates must have experience in standard theatre fabrication techniques including carpentry and welding. Candidate should have experience loading and operating single purchase counterweight fly system. Candidate should have experience with basic tool operation and maintenance, pneumatic system operation, and understanding of basic safety procedures.
This shop includes potential exposure to environmental conditions such as intermittent noise, dusts, vibration, sharp objects, and machine-use hazards.
Paint Shop
The artist will work with the scenic charge artist to accomplish the painting of assigned production design elements. The candidate will have experience in scenic artistry and faux finishing, as well as weathering and distressing techniques. Candidates should have the ability to work in multiple environmental conditions including low lighting and noisy carpentry.
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to championing all aspects of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within our community. This commitment is a fundamental value of the University and is crucial in helping us advance our mission, which includes attracting and retaining diverse workforces. We will continue to create and maintain an environment that allows individuals to discover, belong, contribute, and grow, while honoring the experiences, perspectives, and unique identities of all.
The University of Pittsburgh is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and values equality of opportunity, human dignity and diversity. EOE, including disability/vets.
The University of Pittsburgh requires all Pitt constituents (employees and students) on all campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Visit coronavirus.pitt.edu to learn more about this requirement.
