Student Staff Job Descriptions

The Department of Theatre relies heavily upon students for the success of its coursework and experiential programs. Beyond participation for academic credit, the department offers paid positions to qualified students in a diverse array of positions. The faculty and staff encourage all students to take Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft before applying for Student Staff. All successful applicants must be full-time students (defined by the Registrar as taking at least 12 credits), have a strong work ethic, and be able to work within deadlines.

Beyond the comprehensive descriptions below, please feel free to contact the Faculty Designer, Technical Director, Costume Studio Supervisor, or current Student Staff Production Stage Manager if you have any questions. Student Staff members are expected to keep track of their hours on the Enterprise eTime system and approve their electronic timesheet no later than 5pm on the 24th of each month. In addition to department-related work, crew opportunities may be available on occasional Public Events productions and showcases. For your information, all Department of Theatre student wages are defined as Category II and are paid on the 10th of every month. If you have any questions regarding compensation or employment with work-study status, please contact the Treasurer’s Office.

The Department of Theatre has a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drug use in its facilities. Any employee who reports for work under the influence of any substance will be relieved of his or her duties. The Faculty and Staff are concerned with the impact of sleep deprivation on safety and work quality, and will meet, on an individual basis, with any employee who reports for work sleep deprived to discuss these concerns. The Department of Theatre does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, creed, or disability.

STUDENT STAFF POSITIONS (click on a position title to jump to the description)

Administration

Production Stage Manager (PSM)
Assistant to the Department Chair
Production Assistant/Bookkeeper

Front Of House

Box Office Manager
House Manager
Box Office Staff

Production

Costume Studio Manager
Costume Storage Coordinator
Stitchers
Properties Storage Coordinator
Scene Shop Staff

ADMINISTRATION:

Production Stage Manager (PSM)
Job Description: The primary responsibility of the PSM is to train and prepare mainstage stage managers for the challenges of their position and to provide support and guidance throughout the production process. The PSM’s secondary responsibility is to serve as the department’s voice to the Grinnell College campus. Specific responsibilities include: disseminating information about upcoming department events and department policies, coordinating mainstage crew lists, assisting the faculty and staff with New Student Orientation and Student Staff hiring and training procedures, and providing additional logistical support to the department as assigned by the faculty and staff. Minimum of 3 hrs/week flex time.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Superior leadership, organizational, communication, verbal, and writing skills; Attention to detail; Adherence to confidentiality/security policies; Ability to work independently without much direct supervision; Upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations; Willingness to represent department policy in communicating with the campus community; First Aid and Adult CPR Certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) production as a mainstage stage manager (and all prerequisites); general basic knowledge of department operations and procedures; familiarity with front-of-house (FOH) and Main Office operations.

Availability: This position is a two-year position, available in alternating years only. The successful candidate must apply with second-year (sophomore) standing and must be studying on campus (not abroad) for his or her junior and senior years in their entirety. Availability to arrive on campus as an essential student on the Thursday or Friday prior to the week of registration is preferred. Nighttime and weekend hours may be required during the academic year. Some summer mailing work required (can be completed from off campus).


Assistant to the Department Chair
Job Description: The Assistant to the Department Chair provides support services to the department by working closely with the Department Chair. Duties may include filing, editing, and copying department documents, and general office procedures. Minimum of 3 hrs/week flex time.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Superior organizational, communication, proofreading, and writing skills; attention to detail; adherence to confidentiality/security policies; familiarity with Microsoft Office on Mac OS X and Windows platforms; ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: Some experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: This position is a two-year position, available in alternating years only. The successful candidate must apply with second-year (sophomore) standing and must be studying on campus (not abroad) for his or her junior and senior years in their entirety. Must be able to arrive on campus the weekend before registration. Some vacation and/or summer work may be assigned (can be completed from off campus).


Production Assistant/Bookkeeper
Job Description: The Production Assistant/Bookkeeper works closely with the Technical Director to maintain the financial records of the department. The student in this position also performs other miscellaneous tasks at the direction of the Technical Director, including sorting and filing production slides and optional videotaping of performances. Minimum of 1-2 hrs/week flex time.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Some experience in budgeting or financial records management; attention to detail; adherence to confidentiality policies in dealing with financial records; familiarity with Microsoft Excel on Mac OS X; ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: Some experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one semester at Grinnell College. The student in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication).

FRONT OF HOUSE:

Box Office Manager
Job Description: The Box Office Manager is the public face of the department. He or she is responsible for coordinating all ticketing for events taking place in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, including Theatre Department productions, Music Department concerts, Public Events engagements, and other events. The Box Office Manager also trains all Box Office employees on an ongoing basis and coordinates work schedules to ensure smooth operation of the Box Office. Minimum of 4-5 hrs/week scheduled/flex time when Box Office is open.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in dealing with the public of all ages; excellent time management and organizational skills; strong leadership skills; attention to detail; upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations; ability to enforce ticketing procedures and regulations and communicate the same to the public; ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) year as a Box Office staff member; some experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: The position of Box Office Manager is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. This position is open to students who have completed at least one year at Grinnell College. The student in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication). Nighttime and weekend hours required.


House Manager
Job Description: The House Manager is responsible for coordinating all Front-Of-House (FOH) operations in the Theatre Department. Specific responsibilities include: coordinating usher sign-ups from acting classes; training and supervising ushers; communicating with stage managers during and in advance of performances; and ensuring the safety of all patrons at Theatre Department performances. The House Manager also works as a Box Office staff member. Minimum of 5-6 hrs/week scheduled/flex time during production weeks and/or when the Box Office is open.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in dealing with the public of all ages; sensitivity to the needs of patrons; upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations; ability to enforce department safety regulations and communicate the same to the public; attention to detail; ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) year as a Box Office staff member; some experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: The position of House Manager is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. This position is open to students who have completed at least one year at Grinnell College. The student in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication). Extended nighttime and weekend hours required.


Box Office Staff
Job Description: Box Office staff members are responsible for distributing tickets for all events in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, including Theatre Department productions, Music Department concerts, Public Events engagements, and other events. Minimum of 2-3 hrs/week scheduled time when the Box Office is open.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in dealing with the public of all ages; upbeat, enthusiastic attitude in public relations; ability to enforce ticketing procedures and regulations and communicate the same to the public; ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: Some experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one semester at Grinnell College. The students in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication).


PRODUCTION:

Costume Studio

Costume Studio Manager
Job Description: The Costume Studio Manager works closely with the Costume Studio Supervisor to coordinate work schedules of all Stitchers to ensure smooth operation of the Costume Studio. Minimum of 3 hrs/week scheduled/flex time.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in sewing, common alterations, and other theatrical costuming techniques; strong leadership and time-management skills; attention to detail; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) year as a Stitcher in the Costume Studio; at least one (1) mainstage production as Wardrobe Crew Chief.

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one year at Grinnell College. The student in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication).


Costume Storage Coordinator
Job Description: The Costume Storage Coordinator works closely with the Costume Studio Supervisor to supervise and coordinate the movement of all costuming items in and out of the department’s costume storage facilities. The Costume Storage Coordinator enforces the department’s checkout policy for costume items by meeting with individuals and groups who wish to borrow items. He or she also works as a Stitcher in the Costume Studio. Minimum of 5 hrs/week scheduled/flex time.

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Superior organization skills; attention to detail; ability to enforce costume checkout procedures and regulations and communicate the same to members of the campus community; upbeat, enthusiastic attitude; Some experience in inventory organization and management (retail, etc.); experience in sewing, common alterations, and other theatrical costuming techniques; ability to work independently without much supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) year as a Stitcher in the Costume Studio; at least one (1) mainstage production as Wardrobe Crew Chief.

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. This position is open to students who have completed at least one year at Grinnell College. The student in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication).


Stitcher
Job Description: Stitchers in the Costume Studio perform the majority of the construction, sorting, cleaning, mending, and altering work for costumes of mainstage productions. Stitchers also work as Wardrobe Crew Chiefs, a paid position on mainstage productions. Minimum of 3 hrs/week scheduled time (plus additional hours when serving as Wardrobe Crew Chief).

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in sewing, common alterations, and other theatrical costuming techniques; time management skills; attention to detail; qualification on all Costume Studio equipment (provided by the department upon hiring); First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: Some experience working with department faculty and staff members in coursework (especially Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft) and/or productions.

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one semester at Grinnell College. Students in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication). Extended nighttime and weekend hours required when serving as Wardrobe Crew Chief.


Scene Shop

Properties Storage Coordinator
Job Description: The Props Storage Coordinator is responsible for the organization, coordination, and security of the Theatre Department props storage. This staff member enforces a check-out/check-in system for issuing Theatre Department props to Stage Managers and Directors of mainstage and student-directed productions, as well as to individuals in academic courses or student organizations who may wish to use props for presentations or other work and have obtained written approval from the Department Chair. Attendance at all mainstage Strike calls is required. Minimum of 2 hrs/week flex time (plus 5 Strike calls, 4 hrs each).

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Superior organizational abilities; attention to detail; upbeat, enthusiastic attitude; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to enforce department security policies for props storage areas; some experience in inventory organization and management (retail, etc.); ability to work independently without much direct supervision; First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring).

Preferred Experience in the Department: At least one (1) department-sponsored production as Props Coordinator or (Assistant) Stage Manager; some additional experience working with department faculty and staff in coursework (especially Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft) and/or productions.

Availability: This position is a one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one year at Grinnell College. The student in this position must be studying on campus for the entire academic year.


Scene Shop Staff
Job Description: Scene Shop Staff members work closely with the Technical Director and students in Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft to perform the majority of the construction (primarily carpentry), painting, electrics, and other technical work involved in mounting the department’s mainstage productions. Scene Shop Staff also might be called to participate in mainstage Strike calls. Minimum of 3 hrs/week scheduled time (plus 5 Strike calls, 4 hrs each).

Preferred Skills/Attributes: Experience in carpentry, painting, theatrical lighting technology and/or design; ability to work in confined spaces and lift approximately seventy (70) pounds; prior tool qualification (provided by the department in Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft); First Aid and Adult CPR certification (provided by the department upon hiring)

Preferred Experience in the Department: Theatre 115: Introduction to Stagecraft required; some additional experience working with department faculty and staff members (in coursework and/or productions).

Availability: This position is a one-semester or one-year position, extendable for a second year upon successful reapplication. It is open to students who have completed at least one semester at Grinnell College. Students in this position may study abroad and then return to the position afterward (upon successful reapplication).