Scene Shop Foreperson - JR29165-3800

  • The University of Chicago
  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Full Time
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**Department**

AI Court Production - Scenery

**About the Department**

Winner of the 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Court Theatre reimagines

classic theatre to illuminate our current times. In residence at the

University of Chicago and on Chicago\'s historic South Side, we engage

our audiences with intimate and provocative experiences that inspire

deeper exploration of the enduring questions that confront humanity and

connect us as people. A LORT-D company now in its 70th year of

operation, Court produces 4 to 5 main stage shows per year on an

intimate, 250-seat thrust stage.

**Job Summary**

The Scene Shop Foreperson, under supervision from the Technical Director

and Assistant Technical Director, oversees the construction and

installation of all Court Theatre scenic elements. While primarily a M-F

9am - 5:30pm schedule, evening/weekend hours will sometimes be required.

Some portions of this job may be done remotely, but the Foreperson will

be required to work in-person at Court Theatre\'s administrative

offices, theatre, and production center regularly.

**Responsibilities**

- Leads carpentry team in executing tasks set out by the Technical

Director and Assistant Technical Director.

- Constructs scenery as assigned. Takes lead responsibility for larger

or more complex projects.

- Takes a lead role in loading in and striking scenery.

- Performs routine repair and maintenance on running shows.

- Attends production meetings and staff meetings as requested by

Technical Director.

- Collaborates with other technical departments to ensure smooth

workflow for all departments.

- Maintains a clean and safe work space.

- Guides other carpenters in their construction work.

- Assists scenery department in making sure quality and safety

standards are routinely met.

- Leads by example, setting a positive attitude and prioritizing a

healthy work environment.

- Maintains and repairs tools and performs general shop upkeep.

- Assists in inventorying and maintaining shop supplies.

- Works with production staff to open and lock theatre on a daily

basis.

- Supports the production department with other duties as assigned by

Technical Director or Director of Production.

- Engages with and supports Court\'s efforts to become an anti-racist

organization where people of marginalized identities can feel safe

and flourish.

- Collaborates with the design team and production crew to plan,

develop, and implement property, special effects, and/or scenic

elements of theatre productions.

- Maintains inventory of props, technical equipment, tools, and/or

stock supplies. Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to manage

scene shops and backstage areas.

- Performs other related work as needed.

**Minimum Qualifications**

**Education:**

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related

field.

**Work Experience:**

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5

years of work experience in a related job discipline.

**Certifications:**

**\-\--**

**Preferred Qualifications**

**Experience:**

- Two years experience working in a professional theatre environment

or related fabrication field.

- Leadership experience managing a crew of other carpenters.

**Technical Skills or Knowledge:**

- Knowledge of, and hands on experience with, general and specialized

theatrical set construction techniques including stage carpentry,

welding, rigging, and fabrication of special effects.

- Read technical construction drawings.

**Preferred Competencies**

- A leader who sets a positive tone for the work environment and

demonstrates a strong spirit of collaboration, creati ity, and

respect.

- Forward-thinking team member who works to anticipate problems.

- Fine attention to detail and demonstrated commitment to quality.

- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and to navigate

shifting and competing priorities with patience and diplomacy.

- Organize and communicate information clearly, both verbally and in

writing.

- Knowledge of, and commitment to, safe working practices.

- Enthusiasm for working in a collaborative artistic environment.

**Working Conditions**

- Perform tasks involving fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination,

essential for effectively handling tools, equipment, or materials.

- Repeated handling of equipment up to 50 lbs.

- Long periods of movement and stationary work.

- Dusty, noisy, and low-light environments.

- Work at heights, on ladders or mechanical lifts.

- Operate a motor vehicle, box truck, and forklift.

- Occasional evening and weekend work.

**Application Documents**

Resume/CV (req
Job ID: 482229224
Originally Posted on: 6/21/2025

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