Fine Arts Specialist - Theatre Scenic Construction

Job description:

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks a Fine Arts Specialist in theatre scenic construction to supervise the scene shop, mentor students in THP 213 lab classes and oversee the technical aspects of departmental productions. This is a full-time, fixed-term, one semester (August 16-December 31, 2022) position.

The dance and theatre programs are committed to investigating and situating the importance of disciplinary knowledge and artistic practices as central to citizenship, democracy, and our social wellbeing; advancing practices within and across each discipline; and researching and developing innovative and relevant pedagogical and curricular approaches that center equity. With over 350 undergraduate dance and theatre majors and over 45 MA, MFA and PhD students, the dance and theatre programs are a dynamic teaching, learning and discovery environment in which production and curriculum are mutually supportive. Each year we present an extensive season of productions that push the boundaries of contemporary performing arts. Our programming features hundreds of live events and presentations of student work, engaging over 10,000 community members in the metro Phoenix area. The Design & Production concentration is a cutting-edge program with over 70 students and growing. We use industry leading digital fabrication methods and technologies to give our students the most extensive breadth of knowledge in their focus area. We emphasize the process over product to create the best learning outcomes motivated by creating high production value shows. The Design and Production area is comprised of eight faculty members and seven staff members to support our students and the season.

The fine arts specialist will mentor students in the undergraduate technical theatre course, and supervise and mentor student technical directors and props masters. This position is responsible for providing set construction or technical oversight for all productions, as well as assisting in the coordination of the execution of construction, installation, removal and storage of scenery and properties in collaboration with the technical theatre direction faculty. Other duties include: adhering to area budgets for each production and mentoring student workers and graduate assistants in the scene shop.

About the School of Music, Dance and Theatre

The School of Music, Dance and Theatre is widely recognized for preparing artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become creative leaders who transform society through their creative work. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to a diverse environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school. For more information on the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, visit musicdancetheatre.asu.edu. 

Required qualifications:

• MFA or bachelor’s degree in related field with experience in technical direction, carpentry, welding, rigging and fly system operations.
• Demonstrated ability to address the educational and cultural needs of students and to advance equity, diversity and inclusion in the field.
• Demonstrated skills in stage production (basic and advanced stagecraft) methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated teaching excellence and innovation or record of mentorship in the field of technical direction.

Desired qualifications:

• Experience with rigging and/or welding in a professional environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency in computer aided drafting (AutoCAD and Vectorworks) and hand drafting.
• Demonstrated and ongoing engagement with current entertainment technology practices.
• Demonstration of excellent organization skills.

Application deadline:

The application deadline is August 11, 2022. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool. Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

ASU conducts pre-employment screening for all positions, which includes a criminal background check, verification of work history, academic credentials, licenses and certifications.

Arizona State University is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. (See https://www.asu.edu/aad/manuals/acd/acd401.html and https://www.asu.edu/titleIX/.)

In compliance with federal law, ASU prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and resources.  ASU’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at https://www.asu.edu/police/PDFs/ASU-Clery-Report.pdf  You may request a hard copy of the report by contacting the ASU Police Department at 480-965-3456.

COVID-19 Vaccination - Arizona State University is a federal contractor and subject to federal regulations which may require you to produce a record of a COVID-19 vaccination. For questions about medical or religious accommodations, please visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion’s webpage.

Instruction to apply:

Please submit the following materials:

• Curriculum vitae

All applications must be submitted electronically via apply.interfolio.com/111193