POSITION: Scenic Shop Foreperson
POSITION TYPE: Full-Time
DEPARTMENT: Production
REPORTS TO: Technical Director and Associate Technical Director
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
POSITION SUMMARY: The Scenic Foreperson is an integral member of the Olney Theatre Center (OTC) Scenic team and is responsible for leading the daily operations of the scene shop during build as well as on/backstage activities during the load-in/strike processes.
While maintaining a safe and productive work environment throughout a frequently high-paced, diverse season of productions on our multi-venue campus, the Foreperson should be well-versed in both wood and steel construction practices and have the ability both to complete complex build projects individually and to assign/oversee the completion of build projects by others, ensuring consistency of craftsmanship and an efficient, effective workflow. The Foreperson will also provide training and mentorship to the team, maintain equipment, ensure shop cleanliness and organization, and communicate and assist with ordering materials and supplies needed for ongoing operations in the shop. OTC’s Technical Direction team provides immediate supervision to the Foreperson, who oversees a team of staff carpenters, apprentices, and overhire employees. Time management is essential in this position, as the Foreperson will be responsible for daily project and progress management of build and installation projects after receiving plans from the Technical Direction team.
Responsibilities
- Assign projects and provide oversight/leadership to scenic staff during:
- Build
- Load-in
- Strike
- Shop improvement
- Collaborate with the Technical Director (TD) team on vetting processes to ensure build planning aligns with scenic staff capabilities.
- Lead the construction of scenic components using appropriate fabrication techniques for a variety of materials, such as metal, wood, foam, plastic, and fabrics.
- Read, interpret, and assist scenic staff with blueprints and shop drawings, including working with scale measurements, generating cut/material lists, and following build instructions.
- Ensure the accuracy of all work produced by scenic staff.
- Provide ongoing feedback to the scenic staff to increase overall efficiency and effectiveness.
- Operate and train others in the use of a wide variety of hand and power tools, including specialized equipment (e.g., CNC machine, MIG welders, etc.).
- Establish and maintain shop and stage safety protocols, and train staff in shop safety procedures.
- Maintain a safe, organized, and clean work environment.
- Maintain shop and stage equipment.
- Track material and supply inventories and assist with timely reordering.
- Guide and train scenic staff as directed by the TD team, with an emphasis on mentoring carpentry apprentices.
- Foster a positive and productive environment through open communication and problem-solving.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge
- Strong working knowledge of theatrical conventions.
- Ability to read, understand, and explain theatrical drafting, shop drawings, and theatrical engineering documents.
- Knowledge of theatrical rigging processes and safety standards.
- Well-versed in both wood and steel construction practices.
- Proficiency in using common scene shop tools, including but not limited to: table saw, radial arm saw, compound miter saw, band saw, drill press, cordless drills, and various hand tools.
- Experience with rigging in various stage spaces (e.g., fixed grid, counterweight fly systems).
- Experience with tool maintenance, including specialized fabrication equipment (e.g., CNC machine, MIG welders).
- Experience with automation equipment and installation.
- Experience and comfort with working safely on ladders and lifts.
- Understands best practices for moving large/heavy scenic units safely
Skills & Aptitudes
- Calm and collected under pressure, with a strong ability to meet deadlines, navigate shifting priorities, and troubleshoot complications.
- Creative and resourceful problem-solving skills.
- Ability to multitask individually and keep abreast of multiple team projects progressing synchronously.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, and willingness to both receive and provide guidance on projects.
- Positive attitude and ability to build team confidence and cohesion.
- Able and willing to lift materials weighing over 50 pounds.
- Able to work safely on ladders, lifts, scaffolding, and in grids.
- Valid Driver’s license.
Required Experience and Education
- Required: High school diploma or equivalent.
- Required: 2+ years in a leadership role in theatrical production.
- Required: Academic or non-academic training in construction, scene shop, and scenic installation practices
- Desired: 4+ years of experience with scenic construction, installation, and strike processes.
- Desired: Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master’s degree (theatrical field a plus).
SALARY AND START DATE
The anticipated start date is as soon as available. Annual Salary of $49,000. Olney Theatre Center offers a complete benefits package, including a modest 403(b) match. Olney Theatre Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. Please visit www.olneytheatre.org for more details.
ABOUT OLNEY THEATRE CENTER
Located ten miles north of Washington, DC in arts-rich Montgomery County, Maryland, Olney Theatre Center is one of the Washington region's most critically acclaimed large theater companies. Founded in 1938 as a summer stock company on the Straw Hat circuit, OTC is now an $8M/year professional regional theater offering nine-member productions annually in four spaces on its fourteen-acre campus. Legendary performers Tallulah Bankhead, Helen Hayes, Sir Ian McKellen, Tandy & Cronyn, and Olivia de Havilland trod the boards in the early days. With a more recent turn towards new work, creatives with Tony and Grammy Awards, OBIEs, and MacArthur Genius Grants have premiered their work here, like Moises Kaufman and Sergio Trujillo, among others. Along with Baltimore's Centerstage, Olney Theatre Center is one of Maryland's two state-designated theaters.
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit by any means that you would like (letter, video, video letter, resume, portfolio, etc.) that best represents you and your work to jobs@olneytheatre.org. No calls, please. Include and highlight any skills or experiences you think would be most crucial to this position. Depending on the volume of responses, we may only be able to respond to candidates we wish to interview.
