Shop Duties for Incoming Students

Students constructing a set

Scenery (under supervision of the scene shop foreman)

  • Construction and painting of scenic and prop elements for Mainstage productions.
  • Load-in and installation of scenic elements.
  • Assist scene shop foreman in supervising and training student lab crews.
  • Maintain production elements during performance runs, as needed.
  • Participate in Mainstage strikes.
  • Assist scene shop foreman in facility maintenance. 

Costume (under supervision of costume shop manager)

  • Fabrication of costume elements for Mainstage productions.
  • Load-in and installation of costume elements.
  • Assist costume shop manager in supervising and training student lab crews.
  • Participate in Mainstage strikes.
  • Assist costume shop manager in costume shop maintenance.
  • Assist costume shop manager in maintenance of Playhouse costume storage. 

Properties (under the supervision of the TD and scene shop foreman)

  • Creation and organization of properties for Mainstage productions.
  • With the stage manager and the TD, and from the script, create a complete list of props to be used in each production. Consult with directors and designers for detailed information on props.
  • Coordinate with the scene designer requirements for period & style of hand/set props, furniture, set dressings, décor, special effects, and other items as required. Outside research may be required.
  • Attend production meetings for each show.
  • From the prop list and with the TD, determine the sources for all items. Options may include pulling or adapting from stock; borrowing or renting from outside sources; shopping and buying; building or adapting items in the shop. Often you will locate possible choices for designer approval, with pictures and documentation to show the designer.
  • Attend a prop review with the director and scenic designer one week prior to technical rehearsal to review and approve all final props.
  • Supervise and train running crews for each production.
  • With the stage manager, determine location and set up of prop tables before first technical rehearsal.
  • Attend technical and dress rehearsals in order to instruct actors in the use of show props, and to take notes for changes and additions.
  • Maintain and repair props as necessary, and maintain perishables during the run.
  • Maintain records of purchases and promptly turn in all receipts to the TD.
  • Participate in Mainstage strikes.
  • Organize and maintain properties storage areas in the Playhouse. 

Lighting & Electrics (under the supervision of the TD and Designer)

  • With the lighting designer, organize and oversee all Mainstage lighting hang and focus calls.
  • Set up a weekly schedule with the technical director that includes arrangements for production week.
  • Maintain electrical equipment, systems, and supplies for the Playhouse and Thrust Theatre.
  • Assemble and install all practical units and special effects devices, as directed.
  • Maintain multimedia gear and assist in setup of projectors and computers.
  • Set up design tables and backstage run lights before first technical rehearsal.
  • Train running crews on proper setup, operation, and maintenance of equipment and systems for production.
  • With the lighting designer, arrange to be available for technical rehearsals for notes and corrections.
  • Maintain lighting elements during performance runs, as needed.
  • Participate in production strikes
  • Assist with general facility lighting needs.

Sound (under the supervision of the TD or Designer)

  • Work with designers in engineering all sound for Mainstage productions.
  • Organize and maintain all sound and multimedia equipment, systems, and supplies for the Playhouse and Thrust Theatre.
  • Set up headsets, microphones, and monitors for technical rehearsals.
  • Instruct run crews on the proper setup and operation of equipment for production.
  • With the sound designer, arrange to be available throughout technical rehearsals for notes and corrections.
  • Maintain sound elements during performance runs, as needed.
  • Participate in Mainstage strikes.
  • Assist with general facility sound needs