Lighting Shop Manager & Designer

The Shenandoah Conservatory  is seeking applications for a highly qualified candidate to join our team as the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer, and to serve as an adjunct faculty member for Lighting Design. This is a fulltime, benefited position located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.

This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with benefits and requires evening and weekend work. This position requires a current driver license and the ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time. 

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 overseeing the lighting/electrical 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; and teaches one Lighting Design course per semester, as needed (separate adjunct contract provided). 

An ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience: assisting designers in a professional or academic setting; ability to provide a full set of documentation (light plot, section, magic sheet, cue list, etc.) for a show they have designed or assisted on; knowledge and experience in stage electrics (i.e. Production Electrician) and ETC EOS Family consoles; proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, VOR, Microsoft Office suite, G suite; management and mentorship of variously skilled labor; and time and project management.

An MA or MFA in Lighting Design and Production, or equivalent professional experience, is required. Successful candidates will also have a demonstrated ability to create and maintain a positive working environment; a working knowledge of theatrical lighting safety practices; and a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Teaching experience on the college level is a plus.

This position requires excellent communication and relationship-building skills; and an ability to manage people and events effectively, navigating various stakeholders in order to solve problems in a fast-paced work environment.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage year round lighting/electrical shop operations, which supports productions by the conservatory’s academic divisions and Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT), as well as special university events and guest artist performances
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, designers, and students to provide lighting and staffing support for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre and academic year productions, including Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, Opera, Dance Concerts, Performing Arts Live guest artist performances; Holiday Gala; Convocation; and other special events
• Serve as the Lighting Designer or Lead Production Electrician, or act as a mentor to students in design or technical positions, for Theatre Division performances and other university performances and events as needed in collaboration with lighting design Faculty members.
• Manage lighting shop operations and serve as Production Electrician for Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) productions — working with designers to implement designs; hiring, training, and supervising seasonal lighting/electrical 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.
• Assist Lighting Design faculty and other production staff in the management of office operations, including the preparation and coordination of show, including drafting and paperwork; interface with all groups hosting events in theatre facilities to ensure they have the staffing and resources they need for a successful performance/event
• In collaboration with Lighting Design faculty, establish light shop hours; maintain a consistent presence in the shop to supervise students and ensure safe practices; and train, schedule, and supervise light shop staff, overseeing seasonal staff, work study students, and students completing lab hours for academic credit in the shop
• Ensure a safe working environment in the light shop and theaters
• Assist students with production assignments in lighting design and technology, overseeing and training student workers for lighting projects and show hang, focus and tech week support
• Oversee and maintain the light shop area tools, equipment, and organization; restock shop supplies on a regular basis; maintain and track shop budget in coordination with the with Lighting Design faculty
• Provide additional technical support for special events in theatre facilities as needed
• Serve as adjunct faculty, separately contracted to teach one Lighting course per semester as needed
• Serve with TDP faculty and staff on aligned recruitment and retention activities.
• Participate in production meetings, auditions, and recruitment activities as needed

Reporting Relationships:

This position reports to the Executive Director of Performances & Engagement and works in close collaboration with the Theatre Division, TDP faculty and staff, and SSMT leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• MFA or MA in Lighting Design or equivalent, or commensurate professional and educational experience
• A deep understanding of emergent technologies matched by a driving passion for mentorship, students, and education
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience in stage electrics
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Must possess management and administrative skills as well as the maturity to supervise student workers; to efficiently schedule student staffing for the lighting shop, and to effectively administer policies.
• Competence in Microsoft office or Google Suite
• Proficiency in Vectorworks, Lightwright, and VOR
• Proficiency in ETC EOS Family consoles
• Ability to prepare documentation needed to advance a performance, light plot, section, magic sheet, cue list, etc.
• Must be able to work independently, but also enjoy contributing in a team work situation.
• Must be able to work with diverse personalities and constituencies.
• Must be able to handle multiple tasks, to work under deadlines, and to prioritize workload
• Current Driver’s License 

Desired Qualifications:

• Two to three years of professional experience in the entertainment industry
• Teaching at the university level

The complete application will include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio. Applications will be reviewed immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through its faculty, administration, and staff diversity. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing how they can contribute to that commitment.

**Note: A pre-employment background check will be required, and a satisfactory driving record may be required as a condition of hire. 

Shenandoah University values individuals and communities' unique and diverse perspectives locally and globally. It seeks to foster mutual understanding in an inviting community where individuals are welcome and respected. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran’s status, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.