The Shenandoah Conservatory is seeking applications for a highly qualified candidate to join our team as the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer. This is a full-time, benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.Reporting to Shenandoah Conservatory's Executive Director for Performances and Engagement, and in coordination with Theatre Division faculty, the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer supports the general operation and production needs of the Conservatory, with a specialized focus on the lighting design and production needs of the Theatre Division, Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as guest artist performances and other university events, as needed. In addition to managing the lighting shop and inventory in the theatre facilities, this position serves as a lighting designer for select performances; works in consultation with Executive Director and Theatre Division faculty, to assign designers, electricians, and light board operators to performances and events; mentors student lighting designers; supervises and supports the lighting design team during technical rehearsals and performances as needed; trains and supervises work study students.
Responsibilities: Lighting Shop Manager:
- Oversee and manage year-round lighting shop operations, which supports productions by the Conservatory's academic departments and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist performances
- Train, schedule and supervise work-study students and seasonal staff
- Manage and mentor students completing lab hours for academic credit in the lighting shop, ensuring that they receive necessary training and mentorship and that they complete required hours for credit
- Establish and schedule lighting shop hours; maintain a consistent presence in the shop to supervise students and ensure safe practices
- Manage and maintain lighting shop tools, equipment and organization; restock shop supplies on a regular basis; maintain and track shop budget in coordination with the lighting design faculty
- Ensure a safe working environment in the lighting shop and in all Theatre Department instructional laboratory facilities and performance spaces
- Production Electrician:
- Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to provide lighting and staffing support for productions and events held in theatre facilities during the academic year, including serving as Production Electrician or mentor on the following productions:
- Six theatre productions (three musical, two plays and one opera)
- One annual Holiday GalaOne annual Conservatory Convocation
- Guest Artist productions as needed (one to two per academic year)
- Additional university events, including those hosted by Admissions, Advancement/President's Office, and graduations and ceremonies
Serve as Production Electrician for three productions during the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) summer season — working with designers to implement designs; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal lighting staff; overseeing safe and effective use of equipment and resources; troubleshooting issues as they arise; and assisting/advising the production and creative team as needed
Lighting Designer:
Serve as the Lighting Designer and/or act as a mentor for students in design or technical positions for up to two Theatre Department productions per academic year, providing the guidance, support and structure that students need for their design and/or production work, as well as assisting as needed during the hang, focus, tech week and strike
Draft lighting plots and prepare cue sheets and/or oversee student designers as needed
Serve as the Lighting Designer for the annual Holiday Gala
General Lighting Support:
Assist lighting design faculty and other production staff in the management of office operations including:
Communicate with internal and external stakeholders to effectively coordinate lighting and staffing needs
Schedule and prepare resources and personnel to run events Prepare and edit production paperwork and drafting
Attend and actively participate in production meetings
Adjunct Teaching:
This position offers an opportunity to be separately contracted, as needed, for adjunct teaching responsibilities in theatre production. Adjunct teaching assignments are at the discretion of the Assistant Dean for Administration and Finance and based on the needs of the Theatre Department.
Reporting Relationships:
This position reports to the Executive Director of Performances & Engagement and works in close collaboration with the Theatre Department, Lighting Design and Theatre Design Production (TDP) faculty and staff, and SSMT leadership.
