JOB DESCRIPTION
PRODUCTION FELLOWSHIPS
Job Start Date – Immediate
Job End Date – August 16, 2020
SPARC (School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community) is currently accepting applications for 2019-2020 technical production fellowships for Scenic Carpentry and Technical Direction.
In addition to a full range of training and outreach classes, SPARC produces a full season of theatrical productions as well as our inclusive LIVE ART concert each year with students ages 9-18. Production Fellows will work as apprentices in various capacities on all productions, while developing a diverse set of production skills in carpentry, scenic painting, lighting, and sound throughout the season. Fellows will also have the ability to submit portfolios in order to apply for select design positions throughout the season in order to build resume credits within their area of interest.
All applicants must be positive team players with a willingness to mentor and work with middle and high school students of all abilities. Successful candidates will have earned a degree in technical theatre and possess basic skills in the following areas:
- CARPENTRY– Work in concert with the Technical Director and Shop Foreman on all aspects of scenic construction and supervision of student crew for all productions. Applicants should possess a strong knowledge of power tools, have general scenic carpentry experience, have the physical ability to lift and move heavy objects, and be comfortable working at heights of 12 to 20 feet.
- TECHNICAL DIRECTION– work in concert with the Director of Production and Technical Director maintaining scene shop and rigging equipment, creating construction drawings and build schedules, ordering materials, and overseeing execution of all technical elements for each production in an Assistant Technical Director capacity. Applicants should possess a strong knowledge of power tools, working knowledge of lighting and sound equipment, general scenic carpentry experience, the physical ability to lift and move heavy objects, and be comfortable working at heights of 12 to 20 feet.
CURRENT ANNUAL PROGRAMMING
- LIVE ART
- Major public performance featuring nationally renowned musicians (past have included Jason Mraz, Josh Grobin, k.d. lang, Christina Perri, Sara Bareilles, René Marie and more) performing with 200 students of all abilities (with and without disabilities).
- Held annually in Richmond’s Altria Theater (3,500 seats)
- Single performance
- Production budget: approx. $125,000
- 3 Spotlight Series Student Productions (Fall, Spring; 80-500 seat venues), with approx. 10 performances each
- One production each academic semester for students ages 10-18. Past titles have included Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte’s Web, The Wiz, The Music Man, Jr., The Addams Family, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
- Held every fall and spring in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or at off site venues (150-500 seats)
- Approx. 6-10 performances per production, venue dependent
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000-40,000
- 1 Summer Spotlight Student Production, with 4 performances
- Musical for ages 14-18. Past titles have included Pride & Prejudice, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Noises Off, Chicago, You Can’t Take it With You, Hairspray, Avenue Q School Edition, Oliver!, and Aida.
- Held in July in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or larger venue (approx. 400 seats) (venue dependent upon title and cast size))
- Production budgets: approx. $40,000
- 1 SummerStarz Touring Student Production, with approx. 9 performances
- Short musical for ages 9-14. Past titles have included The Big Talent (world premier), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bugsy Malone, Willy Wonka, and James and the Giant Peach JR.
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000
- 3 Studio Series Productions (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Play or Musical designed to reduce production elements and create an acting studio environment where student focus in on analysis, dramaturgical research, character development and acting technique.
- Specialty Programming – unique performance, social, or field trip/observation opportunities for students to engage with professionals and peers in the performing arts community
- 5-6 Spring Showcases (audiences ranging from 80-150 each)
- Students aged 5 and up perform a showcase at the end of the Fall and Spring terms. Young students (ages 5-7) perform small showcases at the SPARC Center. Older students (ages 8-18) perform in a series of mainstage Showcases in the Dominion Arts Center’s Gottwald Playhouse (approx. 150 seats).
- 2 After-School Production Programs at area elementary schools
- 6-8 Final Shares for STAGES In-School Outreach Program
- New Voices for the Theater
- 1 Opening Night Reception for New Voices for the Theater (currently including a staged play reading)
- 2-Night Festival of New Works (staged readings for student plays) for
- Approx. 12-15 Touring Ensemble Performances
- Special events, as scheduled
TO APPLY
Submit cover letter, resume, references, and additional materials requested above to Jeff Camp, Production Manger, at [email protected]. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. For more information on SPARC, please visit our website at www.sparconline.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE
Job Start Date – Immediate
Job End Date – August 16, 2020
Salary – $150 weekly stipend + housing provided