Technical Theatre Assistant at Villanova University – Villanova, Pennsylvania

Work hours take place during standard shop hours, 10am-5pm, M-F, with a 2-hour minimum per work call. Some accommodation for class conflicts can be made during these hours. Some evening & weekend work hours may be offered during each semester, typically with plenty of advanced notice.

Student technicians construct, paint, install, and operate all theatrical scenic, property, and lighting and audio/visual elements for the Theatre Department’s productions in the Mullen Performing Arts Center’s three (3) performance spaces. Technicians may also support department functions, such as class and graduate thesis projects, faculty workshops, and visiting productions associated with Villanova Theatre and/or the Mullen Performing Arts Center.
Training at any and all levels is provided by the Technical Director and/or Assistant Technical Director.
Specific duties may include:
• Operating a variety of stationary and hand-held common wood construction tools (e.g., table saw, miter saws, routers, sanders, impact drivers, drill/drivers, pneumatic tools, hand tools, tape measures, layout tools, etc.) in custom stage scenery fabrication;
• Mixing and applying a variety of scenic paint treatments, paint finishes, and other scenic decorative elements & techniques (e.g., water-based latex paints, paint sealers, glues, faux finishes, and wallpapers, etc.);
• Custom and creative stage hand prop fabrication, reutilization, and/or assembly;• Assisting with programming theatrical lighting & audio consoles as well as operating consoles during certain technical rehearsals and scheduled evening performances;• MIG welding and using other common arc welding & metalworking equipment;• Operating CNC machinery, cutting bits, and equipment;• Working At Height on elevated catwalks, on ladders, in personal genie or scissor lifts (MEWP), and wearing required safety fall arrest harnesses & hard hats;• Hanging, cabling, patching, and focusing theatrical lighting equipment;• Reading and interpreting construction shop drawings and/or taking written and verbal instructions from staff supervisors or supervising graduate students;• Routine maintenance of both shop space and equipment, including the loading and unloading of materials.

Applicants should be comfortable lifting & carrying up to 25–40lbs, be comfortable climbing ladders, using or learning to use a wide variety of woodworking, metalworking, painting, and construction-oriented power and hand tools, have some understanding of fundamental geometry and basic math skills, as well as receive verbal and/or written instructions, sometimes in the form of shop construction drawings or paint elevations.

Candidates should enjoy working with others in a group setting and be open to new experiences and learning new skills.

Preference may be given to applicants who have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record and no traffic violations.