Theatre Assistant

Position Type: Federal Work Study Only

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Detroit Mercy Theatre Company (DMTC) is seeking part-time assistants for duties in the Scene Shop and Costume Shop. Theatre Assistants will assist with a variety of tasks, including building and painting scenery and props and organizing the scenic and prop storage area, sewing and/or altering costume pieces, organizing the costume shop and taking notes during costume fittings. 

Primary Responsibilities:-

• Work closely with the costume shop manager and technical director on a variety of duties.
• Basic costume construction tasks such as hand and machine sewing, ironing, pinning, cutting, etc.
• Organizational tasks such as labeling, sorting, or cleaning in the costume storage areas.
• Assisting during costume fittings by taking notes and photos.
• Basic scenic construction tasks, including using a variety of tools, painting set pieces, crafting props, etc.
• Organizational tasks such as sorting and cleaning in scenic and prop storage spaces.
• Assisting in the transportation of scenic and prop elements between campus spaces.
• Students who are interested in working additional hours or learning more skills may elect to work at technical rehearsals and/or performances.
• Roles include ushering, front of house work, helping backstage on costume maintenance, or assisting actors with hair & makeup, running the lighting or sound board, or additional technical duties.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be an undergraduate student at the University of Detroit Mercy.
• Must qualify for work study through the University of Detroit Mercy Financial Aid office.
• Organized and detail oriented. Able to approach tasks with care and precision.
• Great communication and collaboration skills.
• Willing to learn how to work with power tools and work carefully and safely.
• Willing to learn basic sewing techniques.
• Able to follow instructions, ask questions, problem solve, and work professionally.
• Can work well independently and in a team setting.
• Candidates must be available for at least 2 shift per week for at least 2 hours (4 hours total).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Previous experience in sewing technique and/or working with power tools is a plus but not required.
• Training will be provided.
• The ideal candidate will be open to learning new skills, good at listening and following instructions, and excited about working in a creative and collaborative environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Some work can require lifting up to 25 lbs. However, accommodations can be made

Anticipated Schedule: 

• Flexible schedule, up to 8 hours a week.

Job Contact:  Sarah Rusk – (313) 993-3273 – hawkinsk@udmercy.edu