Orlando Family Stage, one of Central Florida's oldest arts groups, is the State of Florida's only professional Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA), and the eighth iteration of a company founded in 1926. Each year, we reach over 100,000 individuals in our three-theatre facility and in the community through our season of professional productions, a Youth Academy of camps and classes, and innovative educational and community engagement programming. We work closely with the University of Central Florida in many different capacities -- most notably, hosting the Master of Fine Arts program in Theatre for Young Audiences. Our mission is to empower young people to be brave and empathetic by creating quality theatrical experiences. We believe the work of theatre is fostering empathy and sharing stories representing many voices. We continuously strive to build and maintain a team that reflects and represents the diverse community we serve.
Job Summary:
Under the direction of the Director of Production + Scenery, the Scene Shop Manager (full-time, year-round) will maintain Orlando Family Stage's high standard for safety and craftsmanship while leading the daily operations of the scene shop and supporting the full life cycle of scenic productions -- drafting, building, installing, and striking scenery -- ensuring that scenery is produced to meet artistic expectations within the allotted time, budget, and scope for all Orlando Family Stage productions. Although titled Scene Shop Manager, this role aligns with industry standards and is equivalent in scope and responsibility to that of an Assistant Technical Director.
Individual Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage all aspects of scenic production and scene shop operation while maintaining a safe working environment at all times.
Assist in creating budget estimates and build schedules for scenery and other related projects.
Draft construction drawings based on Scenic Designer's artistic renderings.
Collaborate with the creative team and production staff to establish technical needs as it pertains to scenery.
Assist in the creation of technical solutions for the construction and function of scenic elements.
Schedule scenic carpenters, painters, and artisans as needed to support build schedules.
Provide a hands-on leadership style to manage and actively participate in the build, installation, and strike of scenic elements and other related projects.
Act as shopper/buyer for productions as assigned.
Instruct show crews in the proper usage of all scenic units.
Supervise the full time Scene Shop Coordinator as well as over hire, contractors, and seasonal employees in the scene shop.
Work occasional nights and weekends.
Additional duties and special projects as assigned.
Production Team Duties and Responsibilities:
Attend all Production Meetings, Production Staff Meetings, and Staff Meetings.
Attend Designer Runs, Technical Rehearsals, and Dress Rehearsals as needed.
Retain confidentiality on all aspects related to the organization, performers, and staff.
Have a strong knowledge of all Orlando Family Stage productions.
Maintain a safe, efficient, organized, and clean working environment in all production spaces, backstage areas, and shops.
Desired Qualifications:
Ability to read and interpret designer drawings.
Proficient in 2D and 3D drafting (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, SketchUp, etc.) and the ability to draft construction drawings.
Demonstrated previous experience working in a theatrical scene shop environment.
Extremely proficient in theatrical carpentry and experience using various construction materials (plywood, MDF, Masonite, plexiglass, stick lumber, foam, fiberglass, etc.) and a variety of tools.
Proficient in theatrical rigging practice and hardware.
Knowledgeable in various scenic art techniques, metalworking and MIG welding, mold making, scenic fabric, basic sewing skills, and incorporating hydraulics, pneumatics, and automation into scenery.
Experience in budgeting and scheduling.
Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while delivering scenery on time and on budget with an eye to artistic excellence.
Ability to collaborate with a production team and work independently.
Ability to remain calm and collected under pressure.
Valid driver's license and comfortable driving a cargo van.
Ability to work at significant elevations (e.g., theater grid or genie upright lift).
Physical requirements include the ability to lift 50lbs, climb stairs and ladders, and stand for long periods of time.
Familiarity with OSHA safety standards and best practices, and a dedicated commitment to maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.
Compensation and Benefits:
At Orlando Family Stage, we work hard to provide competitive compensation and benefits to our employees. Our salaries are enhanced with valuable benefits, including health insurance, retirement plan with matching, and paid time off.
Starting Salary for this position: (Tier 4 -- Manager) $40,000 annually or $19.23 per hour
Health Insurance Package
Paid Vacation and Sick Time Off
401k Retirement plan -- Orlando Family Stage matches up to 3.5%
Optional Short-term disability, Vision, Dental plans
To apply, please send your cover letter and resume by email with the subject line: Scene Shop Manager 2025 by June 13, 2025.
Orlando Family Stage is an equal opportunity employer and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, age, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital or veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.