Summary

Note: To be considered for this position, candidates must include a cover letter specifying their interest in and qualifications for this position. The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and uploaded as one document.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE AND DANCE: As a comprehensive performing arts school set in one of the world's finest public institutions of higher education, the School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) is deeply engaged in the creation, practice, scholarship, and pedagogy of music, theatre, and dance. We aim to provide leadership, nationally and internationally, in all three fields. We assert and celebrate the value of the arts to the mission of the University of Michigan. The School of Music, Theatre & Dance situates diversity as a core value and is dedicated to promoting access, equity, and inclusion for all individuals.

Responsibilities*

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance is looking for a highly organized, enthusiastic, and experienced individual to provide professional production and event support to the SMTD community, with a focus on supporting the Department of Theatre & Drama and the Department of Musical Theatre. Reporting to the Department Manager/Artistic Administrator, the Performance and Studio Manager will support the faculty and students of SMTD by overseeing the operations, maintenance, and non-main stage productions that take place in the studio and auditorium spaces in SMTD with a primary focus on the Walgreen Drama Center. This position will exercise initiative, independent judgment, diplomacy, and technical theatre expertise and have a service-oriented attitude while working with and supporting the SMTD community.

This position will work primarily in person, days and hours to be determined by the Department Manager/Artistic Administrator. During the academic year, this position will provide onsite support for faculty, students, and staff during primarily evening and weekend hours. Summer hours will be more standard daytime hours. Personal work schedules will vary to provide proper support for departmental productions but will be determined and assigned approximately one month in advance. 

Production Coordination

• Oversee and support productions in their use of the Walgreen Drama Center spaces including, but not limited to, departmental studio productions, senior directing theses, faculty projects, and Basement Arts
• Coordinate and participate in the set-up, installation, and restoration of house equipment for performances and events, including:
  •  Providing users with access to space and equipment
  • Providing technical expertise on proper use of house equipment (including sound equipment, riser seating, lighting instruments, tables, piano, music stands, and projection equipment)
  • Supervising strikes and clean-ups by uses to be sure the spaces are ready for classes the next day
• Collaborate with the faculty for Theatre 250: Introduction to Technical Theatre Practices to coordinate and supervise students fulfilling the course requirements to complete work hours in the studio spaces
• Liaise with University Productions staff to coordinate access to prop and costume stock for studio productions
• Hire, train, support, and schedule student staff as needed
• Collaborate with Theatre & Drama and Musical Theatre faculty to gain feedback on studio usage, needs, and curricular activity support
• Provide timely, high quality, service-oriented feedback to faculty, staff, students, and external requestors regarding logistics needed when using the studio and auditorium spaces
• This position may also support productions and studios in the Dance and Voice departments on an as-needed basis.

Studio Maintenance

• Develop and maintain current and future technological and space requirements (e.g. standard light plots, storage systems, and riser configurations)
• Set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot, and train users for a wide range of performance and presentation technologies
• Continually investigate new technologies and implement as needed in collaboration with SMTD IT and Theatre Design & Production faculty
• Supervise the deploying and retracting of telescopic seating risers systems
• Notify and coordinate with SMTD Facilities on building maintenance items

Studio Policy and Procedure Creation & Implementation

• Create, manage, and implement studio and auditorium use policies and procedures for the Walgreen Drama Center
• Communicate with the Walgreen Drama Center community about any changes and updates to usage guidelines
• Provide guidance and supervision over backstage and set storage areas, promoting community and shared space protocols

Safety and Wellness Oversight

• Assure safe work practices and compliance with fire and safety regulations at all times to foster a culture of safety. This position has the authority to make independent decisions on matters of significance regarding life-safety and fire-safety codes
• Prepare accident reports when injuries occur
• Complete and maintain First Aid/CPR/AED certification (training provided)
• Be knowledgeable of, and when necessary, execute University procedures for physical and mental health emergencies

Additional Duties

• Duties during the summer months may include managing studio equipment maintenance and installation projects, providing support for MPulse summer programs in their use of SMTD spaces, and staffing summer conferences in SMTD buildings
• Assist with other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Associate's degree or higher with a minimum of 3 years of technical theatre experience OR a minimum of 5 years of technical theatre experience 
• Knowledge of theatrical equipment systems, including sound, lighting, audio, and/or head-sets is necessary.
• Some experience with the repair of basic theatrical equipment and the diagnosis of electronic theatrical equipment is desirable.
• Excellent partnering skills and initiative experience including the ability to work in cooperation with faculty, staff, and students.
• Working knowledge and proven experience with Microsoft Office Suite (to include Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Suite.
• Must have a proven track record on meeting deliverables, excellent interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated aptitude in handling and resolving details. 
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects with proven accuracy, productivity, and high success rates.
• The ability to work evenings and weekends according to a varied schedule is necessary.
• Self-directed with demonstrated ability to work in a team environment 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• We are looking for someone who shows initiative; the desire to identify opportunities for changes to processes, procedures and responsibilities, and a willingness to assume additional responsibilities. 
• This position uses ladders and a grid system to safely perform work duties. 
• This position moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds and uses a castered card for equipment weighing up to 150 pounds.

Additional Information

Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Background Screening

A pre-employment background check must be conducted before a candidate may receive a firm offer of employment to a staff position at the University of Michigan.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.