Technical Production Assistant (Fine and Performing Arts Center

Position Information

Job Title
:
Technical Production Assistant (Fine and Performing Arts Center)

Department
:
Fine & Performing Arts Center

Work Location
:
Main Campus

The Technical Production Assistant will assist the Technical Director of the Fine and Performing Arts Center (FPAC) and team in preparation of FPAC facilities, execution of academic performing arts, chief carpenter for the academic theater productions, and assist with all FPAC events as assigned. The assistant will help train and supervise shop technical staff on set construction, load‑in/out, and shop safety guidelines and procedures;

assist with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety checks for all technical spaces; and serve as a collaborator with Academic Theater and Music Directors. Fine & Performing Arts Center (FPAC) at Moraine Valley Community College is located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The center presents world‑class, award‑winning artists and prides itself as a showcase for performing and visual arts, a center for academic preparation, and a resource for all who love the arts.

The Technical Production Assistant supports the college’s learning concepts by developing programs and facilitating activities that promote student success and lifelong learning.

• Supervise and assist the setup, operation, and technical requirements for academic music rehearsals, performances, recitals, and juries; academic theater rehearsals, performances, acting finals, and attend theater department production meetings.
• Assist with technical advancements and logistical details for Academic Theater and Music performances.
• Manage, build, and assemble scenic elements for each academic theater production; transport, load‑in, and strike scenic elements; assist Technical Director with rigging any hung elements to safety standards and installation and focus of lighting/sound/video elements as needed. Supervise, plan, schedule, and train technical shop crew on academic theater set construction, load‑in/out, and shop safety guidelines and procedures. Academic Theater has four performances annually: one fall musical, two spring plays, and one summer outdoor Shakespeare production.
• Assist Technical Director as an on‑site shop supervisor to ensure safe operating procedures in the scene shop and performance spaces in accordance with OSHA and other regulatory agencies protocols. Assist with scheduling daily work assignments to all shop personnel as needed.
• Conduct and maintain inventory of shop supplies and power tools on a monthly basis and inform Technical Director of supplies that are needed. Maintain and organize backstage storage areas, upkeep of spaces and equipment, and oversee maintenance and repair of technical equipment. Communicate with Liberal Arts Office and Academic Theater department on budget for each theater production.
• Assist Technical Director on supervising and training shop crew on set construction, production crew, load‑in/out of academic music events, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in related area required.
• Minimum of two (2) or more years of set construction and carpentry and/or metals fabrication in a producing theatrical venue or scenic studio required.
• Must have a background in theater (academic and/or related experience).
• Preferred:
  Experience training and supervising shop crew; maintaining technical theater equipment and implementing and maintaining safety standards helpful.

Must have a current CPR / AED and First Aid certification or be willing to go through the necessary training to acquire and maintain certification within required period.

• Possess a background in theater as evidenced by coursework and/or related experience.
• Experience in set construction in a producing theatrical venue or scenic studio. Basic understanding of theatrical lighting and electrical; sound setup and ability to read a stage plot; theater rigging and music concerts.
• Good organizational skills.
• Ability to be current/knowledgeable with software programs used in the field.
• Willingness to adapt to a flexible work schedule, including nights and…