The posting
USC School of Dramatic Arts
Technical Theatre Lab Production Technician (Arts Laboratory Specialist)
Full-Time | On-Ground
The 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
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to:
- 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
This position requires the ability to:
- 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.
Application Materials
Applicants should submit:
- Cover Letter describing qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Names, addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references
The University reserves the right to add or modify duties and responsibilities as needed.
Additional Information:
This position is required to work evenings and weekends depending upon the production schedule. Regular work hours during the production season are Monday through Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm, though subject to change as necessary. Occasional overtime may be required.
The hourly rate range for this position is $30.00 to $38.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
Why Join USC School of Dramatic Arts?
USC School of Dramatic Arts is one of the nation’s leading theatre training programs, combining professional-level production opportunities with a world-class educational experience. As a member of the Production team, you will collaborate with talented students, faculty, guest artists, and staff while helping bring innovative theatrical work to life and preparing the next generation of theatre professionals.
The USC School of Dramatic Arts (SDA), founded in 1945, is recognized internationally as a leader in theatre education and its application to stage, screen, and other industries. The School offers innovative programs and curricula in acting, musical theatre, directing, playwriting, critical studies, costume design, scenic design, lighting design, sound design, stage management and creator arts. With a faculty of dramatic artists working at the highest level of their profession, the School offers BA, BFA and MFA degrees and has an active production program of more than 20 shows with a population of more than 600 undergraduate and graduate students combined. SDA’s headquarters are located in the heart of USC’s beautiful University Park Campus, housed in the Dick Wolf Drama Center, which anchor’s the University’s performing arts corridor (Thornton School of Music, Kaufman School of Dance, and the School of Cinematic Arts).
The University of Southern California (USC), founded in 1880, is in the heart of downtown L.A. and is the largest private employer in the City of Los Angeles. As an employee of USC, you will be a part of a world-class research university and a member of the “Trojan Family,” which comprises the faculty, students and staff that make the university what it is.
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.
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 [email protected]. 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.
Minimum Education: • Bachelor's degree • Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education
Minimum Experience: • 3 years
Minimum Field of Expertise: • Specialized, progressively responsible experience and training in applicable performing or visual arts.
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. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
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 [email protected]. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.
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