Arts Production Specialist

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One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.

PRC manages the planning and oversight of a 3.1 million dollar professional and educational theatre operation. This unit has a staff of about 175 which includes approximately 47 employees, 20 independent contractors, 30 workstudy students and up to 100 volunteers. Approximately 37 of these employees are seasonal employees, requiring new contracts and university personnel paperwork for each season. This unit is responsible for creating significant professional artistic programming, student and community engagement activities and attendant fundraising endeavors.

The unit functions as a program of the Department of Dramatic Art. Employees of the unit are essentially employees of the department and the budget of the unit falls under the budget of the department. However, Play makers is currently (5-2021) responsible for raising close to 60% of its annual 3.1 million operating budget.

Theatre Production Specialist focuses in one of the following production departments at Play Makers: stage management, scenic carpentry, props carpentry/crafts, costume shop, sound or electrics. These positions support their particular production department as assigned based upon the candidate’s experience and expertise. Theatre Production Specialist’s duties may extend to backstage production roles. Day-to-day duties may include: managing the rehearsal and performance process, run crew as determined by Production Manager, interpreting drawings and cut lists created by the show’s Technical Director;

executing stage craft techniques as delegated by the Technical Director or Scenic Artist; procuring, building, or refurbishing new and cataloged props; cutting, draping, or stitching costume pieces under guidance of Costume Designer or Costume Crafts Artisan; record and/or edit sound cues as delegated by the production Sound Engineer/designer, pull, hang, cable, or focus electrics under supervision of Master Electrician. Theatre Production Specialist will work closely with undergraduate as well as graduate students in the Department of Dramatic Art.

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree preferably in the Theatre Arts, and some experience that provides the employee with the functional work experiences needed to perform the work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Experience in professional theatrical technical production.
• Proficiency with theatrical production equipment.
• Experience working in an academic environment.

Ability to move 50 lbs. with or without reasonable accommodation.

If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at  or send an email to employment.

Please note:

The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.

The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of References

Optional Documents

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).