Scenic Design Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

The Theatre and Dance Department at Austin Peay State University is seeking a Shop Manager to support the technical and production operations of the department. This position serves as the primary supervisor of the scene shop and is responsible for overseeing all aspects of scenic construction, including building sets, managing materials and tools, and maintaining a safe and productive shop environment.

The Shop Manager will work alongside students in a hands-on capacity, demonstrating proper use of tools, equipment, paint techniques, and construction methods as they relate to scenic production. While this position works directly with students in the shop setting, it does not carry academic or instructional responsibilities and is not an instructor of record for any course.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for all logistical elements of operating and maintaining the two performance spaces in the Trahern building including operating and maintaining production budgets, care and maintenance of all equipment in the theatre spaces and the scene shop, and ordering of equipment.
• Responsible for supervising student workers in the scene shop and in the performance spaces and will ensure that students are properly trained on health and safety protocols.
• Handle scheduling of the performance and rehearsal spaces. 
• Maintain records of equipment maintenance, inspections, and replacement schedules. 
• Contribute to the maintenance of the department website and associated calendars. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to effectively prepare the sets, lighting and sound for all Theatrical performances. 
• Ability to manage the construction, installation, and rigging of stage scenery and provide support for the lighting, sound, and properties for all departmental productions. 
• Ability to interact in an effective and appropriate manner with diverse populations, the University community and the public.
•  Ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the work of students and others.
• Ability to maintain an accurate inventory of equipment. 
• Ability to communicate effectively. -Ability to maintain confidentiality. 
• Ability to maintain rental records of equipment. 
• Knowledge of various scenic building and painting applications as they pertain to Theatre and Dance performances.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy Work: Exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of one year experience in scenic construction or related area.
•  A background in carpentry, rigging, and welding is expected along with experience with CAD programs. 
• Knowledge of stage lighting and sound a plus. 
• The successful candidate will demonstrate a spirit of collaboration and collegiality.

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeca R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU's full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.