Shenandoah Conservatory is a renowned visionary and collaborative arts community that educates motivated students in a supportive and inclusive environment and equips them for professional success. It offers undergraduate and graduate instruction in music, as well as undergraduate programs in theatre and dance, a master’s in performing arts leadership and management, and abundant opportunities to participate in a variety of performing groups. It is also home to Virginia’s oldest music therapy program and a top music education program, as well as an innovative voice pedagogy program with tracks in both classical and contemporary commercial music.
The Shenandoah Conservatory is looking for a highly qualified candidate to join our team in a newly created position as the Lighting Shop Manager & Designer, and to serve as an adjunct faculty member for Lighting Design. This is a full-time, 12-month staff position with benefits located on our main campus in Winchester, VA. This position requires evening and weekend work, requires a current driver's license and the ability to work at heights and stand for long periods of time.
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, teaching 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.
Required Skills
Required Qualifications:
- MFA or MA in Ligh ing 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 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
Required Experience
How to Apply:
The complete application will include a cover letter, CV, contact information for three professional references, and a link to an online portfolio. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected.
Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to 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 the unique and diverse perspectives of individuals and communities locally and globally and 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’sstatus, or on any other basis protected under applicable law.