Community Theatre - Theatre Production and Technical Operations Assistant
$50,000 - $55,000 USD yearly
About Sacred Heart University
As one of the nation’s largest Catholic universities and among the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. Nearly 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computing & Engineering; School of Performing Arts; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, RN, & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic universities as it was established to be led by the laity. This contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts and, at the same time, cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change in their own lives, professions, and communities. Sacred Heart University has earned national recognition for academic excellence, student success, career outcomes, and campus experience. The Princeton Review recognized SHU in its Best 392 Colleges: 2027 Edition and Best Business Schools: 2027 Edition, while additional national recognitions highlight the University’s commitment to preparing students for meaningful careers and lifelong success. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio; Division I athletics; and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance, and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
View SHU’s Faculty Experts Here
To apply:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a completed application and résumé through the University's online application system. Applications submitted outside of the official Careers at SHU website will not be considered. Applicants should not apply through third-party or external job sites, as such postings may be fraudulent or may misrepresent opportunities that are no longer available at the University. A cover letter or statement of interest is preferred for all staff positions.
Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position
Position Summary
The Theatre Production and Technical Operations Assistant supports the day-to-day production and technical operations of the SHU Community Theatre. This position assists with lighting, sound, video, and projection systems; supports pre-production planning, live event execution, and post-event strike; and helps ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality performances and events. The role may also provide occasional front-of-house and audience services support as needed.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Technical and Production Responsibilities:
- Assist with the day-to-day production and technical operations of the Theatre.
- Support lighting, sound, video, and projection systems for performances and events.
- Assist with event setup, rehearsals, live event execution, and post-event strike activities.
- Help maintain production equipment and backstage areas in a safe and organized manner.
- Support operational and facility needs to ensure successful performances and events.
Box Office Responsibilities:
- Process ticket sales, exchanges, refunds, and customer inquiries through online and on-site ticketing systems.
- Maintain accurate sales, inventory, and transaction records.
- Support merchandise sales and cash-handling procedures.
- Assist with event preparation, audience services, and front-of-house operations.
- Promote theatre programming and provide information regarding events, services, and policies.
Media/Marketing Responsibilities:
- Serve as a liaison between the Theatre and external marketing partners, supporting social media content creation, coordination, and promotion of events and programming.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Other Attributes
- Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Arts Management, Business, or a related field required.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience supporting live performances, theatrical productions, box office operations, customer service, hospitality services, or technical event
- operations in an educational, professional, community, or entertainment venue setting.
- Working knowledge of technical theatre and live event production, including lighting, sound, video, projection, backstage operations, and audiovisual equipment.
- Ability to operate, troubleshoot, and assist with standard theatrical, production, and audiovisual equipment.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, support production schedules, and develop effective systems, protocols, and best practices.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and customer service skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with patrons, staff, students, artists, volunteers, and visiting technicians.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and general office technology and equipment.
- Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond effectively to patron, event, and operational needs in person, by phone, and online.
- Ability to maintain a safe, organized, professional, and customer-focused environment in both front-of-house and backstage operations.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and varied hours based on performance, production, and event schedules.
- Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, and adherence to confidentiality requirements.
- Positive attitude, team-oriented approach, and commitment to supporting organizational goals and successful event execution.
- Genuine interest in the performing arts, community engagement, and educational programming.
- Innovative mindset and enthusiasm for contributing to the continued growth and success of a vibrant performing arts and community venue.
Unusual Working Conditions
- Position is based on-site at the Sacred Heart University Community Theatre.
- Evening, weekends, and varying hours are required based on event schedules.
- Physically active role requiring standing, lifting, and working backstage during performances.
Pre-Employment Requirements
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check.
Compensation & Benefits:
The annual salary range for this position is $50,000 - $55,000.
Sacred Heart University offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, retirement, paid time off, and other employee benefits. Specific benefits and eligibility requirements may vary based on the position and applicable plan provisions.
This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.
Sacred Heart University is a space that respects and embraces differences, recognizes the unique contributions that individuals can make, and creates a community that maximizes the potential of all faculty and staff. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from qualified candidates who reflect the wider world in which we live.