Artist Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Position Information
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If this position title includes the label On-Campus FWS or Off-Campus FWS, it is for students with a Federal Work Study (FWS) award for the current school year ONLY. Applicants to these positions will be required to verify this by attaching their FWS Program Student Statement as a required document. Do not apply unless you meet this criterion.
Position Title
Student Performing Arts Assistant I _On-Campus FWS
Level of Support
Student Support I
Position Type
On-Campus FWS
Number of Openings
15
Work Hours
During Standard Business Hours (M-F 8am-5pm), After Standard Business Hours (M-F after 5pm), Weekends (Saturday-Sunday)
Wage Per Hour
$18.40
Division/School
Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
Department Name
627253 CORCORAN SCH TREATRE DANCE PROGRAMS
Department Bio
The Corcoran Theatre and Dance Program (CTAD) of the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (CSAD) has three different areas with available assistant positions: the Scenic Fabrication Lab, the Costume Lab, or Main Office/Front of House, for students who are part of the Federal Work Study Program. Flexible schedule a plus, as production work sometimes spans evenings and weekends. The CTAD Main Office is in Building XX, the Costume Lab is in Samson Hall, and the Scenic Lab is in the University Student Center. Other CTAD spaces where work may occur include Smith Hall of Art, Building J, and the Flagg Building.
Position Specific Summary
Excited by live theatre, working with your hands, collaborative problem-solving, power tools? The Corcoran Theatre & Dance program puts on several mainstage productions each semester, and the scenic fabrication laboratory is where some of that world-building magic happens!
We're looking for students to support with building and beyond: scenic fabrication/install/strike of scenic elements, painting, shop maintenance and organization, props construction, backstage operations, occasional rigging or electrics work, and more. The work will be based in the Scenic Lab but extend to other departmental spaces across campus. The production-based work makes up about 50% of the role depending on the time of the semester; the rest of the time students will support the department with space and tool maintenance, loading in supplies, managing inventories, transportation of scenery/tools/materials between buildings, and whatever else needs doing!
Ideal candidates will be willing to get dusty/dirty/sweaty over the course of a shift, carry large/heavy (50 lbs+)/bulky items, learn new things every day, take feedback willingly, work comfortably from heights, follow safety protocol responsibly, and enjoy hard work with a fun team! Experience working in theatre - especially technical theatre - is a plus, especially experience using power tools.
Looking for students able to work 6-10 hours a week. Scenic lab assistants will also be required to attend strike for each production (~8 hrs long, 2-3x/semester, on a weekend).
Standard Position Description
The student will assist with administrative, design, and production functions for performing arts productions. Tasks may include: assisting with costume construction and alteration as well as maintaining the department's costume stock, scenic construction, painting, props construction, lighting, and installation and strike of production elements, assist in promotions and other production support duties. Special projects or other duties may be assigned related to specific departmental needs.
Professional Outcomes
Critical Thinking, Communication, Teamwork, Inclusion, Career Development
Required Qualifications
This is an entry level position, little to no experience required, all training will be provided.
Preferred Qualifications
Able to lift and carry 50 lbs independently; able to take and read imperial measurements (i.e. on a tape measure); familiarity/experience/comfort with power tools (i.e. table saw, miter saw, drills and drivers, router, pneumatics); experience painting; flexible/open schedule.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date
07/13/2026
Job Close Date
11/01/2026
Campus Location
Foggy Bottom
Work Type Designation
In-Person
Hiring Manager Name
Rebecca Balton
Special Instructions Summary
EEO Statement
The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) employer committed to maintaining a nondiscriminatory, harassment-free, diverse work and education environment. The university does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law in any of its programs, activities, or employment practices.
For more information on this policy and its purpose, please read the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.
Background Check
The student employee will:
In this position, the student will not perform any functions and/or have access to any financially, safety, or security sensitive items listed above. - Background check not required.