Careers at Virginia Tech

The Stage and Rigging Supervisor reports to and works closely with the Director of Production (hereafter DoP) to provide supervision of staging and rigging operations in support of the Center’s presented programs throughout the facilities including a 1200-seat performance hall, multiple galleries, a theatrical/research black box for up to 150 seats, lobbies, and occasional outdoor/offsite venues. Areas of responsibility include advance planning and execution of stage configurations, upkeep and repair/replacement of tool and stage equipment inventory, supervision of crews and vendors, liaison with tour production personnel, project carpentry and supervision, and occasional overall event production supervision.

This position is part of a team of seasoned professionals who work a year-round schedule in support of a presented season with a balanced blend of large orchestra, chamber, and solo performers, major contemporary and classical dance companies, multimedia events, and authors and other speakers. The production unit’s workflow flexes to the flow of the academic year cycle, also providing venue support to the School of Performing Arts during academic terms and allowing ample time for departmental planning for technical innovation and upgrades. University benefits include comprehensive health insurance, retirement, and generous support for professional development and educational advancement.

- Progressively responsible professional experience with stage and rigging services at an arts presenting organization and a level of expertise generally associated with several years of experience.
- Demonstrated ability to direct and provide professional production support for diverse programs and artists across the genres of music, theatre, and dance, including professional national and international touring companies, student ensembles, local community arts organizations, and commercial/industrial productions.
- Working knowledge of all aspects of theatrical stage and rigging technologies and experience with a variety of related equipment including but not limited to personnel lifts, motor and winch systems, counterweight systems, seating wagons, portable orchestra shells/ceilings, and riser systems.
- Excellent theatrical carpentry skills and experience supervising carpentry projects.
- The ability to effectively lead and supervise student, freelance, and vendor crews.
- Strong written, verbal, organizational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a Production Team atmosphere.
- Willingness, ability, and capacity to work evening and weekend hours.
- Bachelor’s degree in a performing arts related field with additional professional experience or equivalent combination of education and considerable related professional experience.

- Working knowledge and ability with CAD programming and software.
- Experience at a major university presenting organization.
- Experience in an additional technical skill area related to performing arts production.
- Experience in life-safety procedures related to theatrical production.
- Experience with a variety of metal welding types/systems.
- Experience with operating/programming a variety of automated motor/winch control systems.

5

Regular

$65,000 - $70,000

July 22, 2024; applications accepted until position is filled

Applications accepted until position is filled.
If you have questions about the position, contact Doug Witney at dcwitney@vt.edu.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.