Department

AI Court Production - Scenery

About the Department

Winner of the 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Court Theatre reimagines classic theatre to illuminate our current times. In residence at the University of Chicago and on Chicago’s historic South Side, we engage our audiences with intimate and provocative experiences that inspire deeper exploration of the enduring questions that confront humanity and connect us as people. A LORT-D company now in its 70th year of operation, Court produces 4 to 5 main stage shows per year on an intimate, 250-seat thrust stage.

Job Summary

The Scene Shop Foreperson, under supervision from the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director, oversees the construction and installation of all Court Theatre scenic elements. While primarily a M-F 9am - 5:30pm schedule, evening/weekend hours will sometimes be required. Some portions of this job may be done remotely, but the Foreperson will be required to work in-person at Court Theatre’s administrative offices, theatre, and production center regularly.

Responsibilities

Leads carpentry team in executing tasks set out by the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director. Constructs scenery as assigned. Takes lead responsibility for larger or more complex projects.  Takes a lead role in loading in and striking scenery. Performs routine repair and maintenance on running shows. Attends production meetings and staff meetings as requested by Technical Director. Collaborates with other technical departments to ensure smooth workflow for all departments. Maintains a clean and safe work space. Guides other carpenters in their construction work. Assists scenery department in making sure quality and safety standards are routinely met.  Leads by example, setting a positive attitude and prioritizing a healthy work environment. Maintains and repairs tools and performs general shop upkeep. Assists in inventorying and maintaining shop supplies. Works with production staff to open and lock theatre on a daily basis. Supports the production department with other duties as assigned by Technical Director or Director of Production. Engages with and supports Court’s efforts to become an anti-racist organization where people of marginalized identities can feel safe and flourish. Collaborates with the design team and production crew to plan, develop, and implement property, special effects, and/or scenic elements of theatre productions.Maintains 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

Two years experience working in a professional theatre environment or related fabrication field. Leadership experience managing a crew of other carpenters. 

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

Knowledge of, and hands on experience with, general and specialized theatrical set construction techniques including stage carpentry, welding, rigging, and fabrication of special effects. Read technical construction drawings.

Preferred Competencies 

A leader who sets a positive tone for the work environment and demonstrates a strong spirit of collaboration, creativity, and respect.  Forward-thinking team member who works to anticipate problems.  Fine attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to quality. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and to navigate shifting and competing priorities with patience and diplomacy. Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in writing. Knowledge of, and commitment to, safe working practices. Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative artistic environment.

Working Conditions

Perform tasks involving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, essential for effectively handling tools, equipment, or materials.Repeated handling of equipment up to 50 lbs.Long periods of movement and stationary work.Dusty, noisy, and low-light environments.Work at heights, on ladders or mechanical lifts.Operate a motor vehicle, box truck, and forklift.Occasional evening and weekend work.

Application Documents

Resume/CV (required)Cover Letter (preferred)References Contact Information (3)(preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Museum & Arts

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Yes

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$22.00 - $24.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.