Overhire Scenery Technician

OVERVIEW

Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.

Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley’s artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences that are as diverse and vibrant as the city of Houston.

Rob Melrose, Managing Director Dean Gladden and Alley’s leadership team are committed to promoting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in all aspects of the Theatre’s programming and operations. We are conscious about fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves. We embrace differences and strive to be inclusive of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

The Alley Theatre seeks local theatre technicians to fill Overhire crew positions. These positions are hourly, eligible for over time and hired on a per-show basis. No travel or housing compensation is available for these positions. Ideal candidates will have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to work in team-focused environments, and a desire to immerse themselves in the technical theatre process. 

HOURLY: $15/HR Minimum

JOB STATEMENT

A Scenery Technician is responsible for the construction and installation of all scenery using a variety of methods and materials as assigned.

JOB DUTIES

• Construction of scenic pieces in wood, metal, plastic and other materials
• Actively participate in all builds, strikes and load-ins for each production
• Participate in the daily cleaning and maintenance of the scene shop and its equipment.
• Act in concert with the theatre’s safety policies in the scene shop, including adherence to the Alley Theatre’s current COVID-19 Safety Plan
• Actively engage in education and development of anti-oppressive and inclusive practices and policies in the scene shop and theatre-wide
• Related duties as assigned by the Scenery Director.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre’s policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

• Construction experience. The ideal candidate has skills in some of the following areas:
  • Woodworking, framing, finish carpentry
  • Metal working, welding, bending
  • Soft goods, sewing skills
  • Small motors, mechanisms and electronics
  • Pneumatics, Hydraulics
• Training in safe operation of stationary and portable power tools and hand tools
• Ability to read and interpret working drawings
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player
• Detail oriented, able to prioritize efficiently and multi-task
• Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre’s efforts to be an anti-racist organization

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Prolonged periods of standing at worktable
• Ability to regularly move and lift 30-50 lbs.
• Regular ladder and MEWP (Personnel Lifts) work at heights up to 30 feet
• Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed. 

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances.
• Bi-weekly $4 Discounted Parking.

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.

The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities, veterans, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community. Successful candidates will commit to an equitable and inclusive workplace, including but not limited to: racial equity, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, use of gender inclusive language, and cultural sensitivity. Read more at Alley Theatre Official Website - Equity Diversity Inclusion