Emerging Arts Professional, Technical Direction

Job Posting Title:

Emerging Arts Professional, Technical Direction

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Hiring Department:

Texas Performing Arts

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Mar 30, 2026

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue Until Jul 31, 2027

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

General Notes

The fellowship is expected to be from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027. However, the dates are flexible. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2026. Please submit your application prior to the deadline.

If you have questions about the fellowship or the application process, please contact Tim Rogers, Director of Education & Engagement at trogers@texasperformingarts.org. More information is available at: https://texasperformingarts.org/emergingarts

About Texas Performing Arts

Texas Performing Arts (TPA) is the professional arts presenting and producing program of The University of Texas at Austin.  One of the largest and most active university-based performing arts centers in the U.S., TPA is an anchor institution in Austin’s arts, cultural, and entertainment scene.  TPA operates venues on the UT campus including Austin’s largest theater, Bass Concert Hall.  Its public programs include Broadway in Austin; a curated season of international dance, theater, and music; and presentations of national touring artists. TPA is an integral unit of UT’s College of Fine Arts and engages students across the university in creative experiences.

Purpose

The Emerging Arts Professional program is a year-long paid opportunity for on-the-job learning in arts administration. Participants work within their area of focus to support the growth and programmatic activity of Texas Performing Arts while developing the job skills, understanding of the field, and network connections necessary to begin or advance a professional career in the arts and entertainment industry. Emerging Arts Professionals receive an annual salary and UT Austin’s benefits package.

The Fabrication Studios at Texas Performing Arts supports academic productions within the College of Fine Arts as well as creates elements for professional productions, other university departments and outside clients. Emerging Arts Professionals working in this area will work on scenic fabrication, technical direction for live performance, prop building, and training in design and technical theatre, especially in relation to UT’s Department of Theatre and Dance and the Butler Opera Center. Additionally, they will support the training and development of UT students interacting with the Fabrication Studios.

Responsibilities

• Project or Event Planning & Implementation:
  • Serve as project Technical Director or Assistant Technical Director as assigned on Academic and special projects as well as Summer Stock Austin 2027.
  • Supervise and assist in purchasing of materials and cost estimates for assigned productions and projects.
  • Draft elements for fabrication and/or venue installation.
  • Assist in planning and execution of rigging elements for Academic Productions.
  • Supervise students and professionals during fabrication, installation, and striking of production elements. 
  • Operate and maintain equipment and machinery including sewing machine, CNC router, laser cutter, 3D printer and related digital fabrication tools.
  • Fabricate, alter, repair, and assist with temporary and long-term storage of fabricated production elements including props, scenery, and backdrops. 
  • Purchase, borrow, or rent props and/or scenic elements.
     
• General Administrative Support:
  • Coordinate and prepare cost estimates for scenic and prop elements including materials and labor for construction.
  • Facilitate student training and monitor student progress in close collaboration with staff and faculty. 
  • Train students, volunteers, and employees through hands-on demonstration and participation during all phases of planning, production, and management.  
  • Attend production meetings and technical rehearsals as needed.
  • Coordinate internal and external meetings and events.
  • Coordinate across areas for appropriate project documentation.
  • Complete evaluations and reports.
     
• Professional Development:
  • Participate in Emerging Arts Professional educational programming including monthly meetings, developmental projects and networking events.
  • Serve as a member of the TPA All-Staff Committee
  • Attend TPA performances and activities.
  • Complete a capstone project or experience
     
• Perform other related functions as assigned. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. 

Required Qualifications

• 1-3 years work experience in performing arts production with a focus on scenic and/or props fabrication. Student roles can count toward this requirement.
• Demonstrated intent to pursue a career in professional arts administration or production.
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• Demonstrated positive attitude, flexibility with working assignments and a willingness to learn and adapt.
• Demonstrated competencies in:
  • Teamwork
  • Effective communication (written and spoken)
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Initiative
  • Decision making and critical thinking
  • Problem solving

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated training and/or experience in computer-aided drafting.
• Demonstrated training and/or experience in technical direction or fabrication project management
• Experience and interest in properties fabrication and management in a live performance environment
• Prior work experience working in a performing arts organization.
• Familiarity with Texas Performing Arts and UT Austin venues and programs

Driving Required

Not Required
 

Salary Range

$3,500/month

Working Conditions

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation. Prolonged screen time.
• Physically able to lift and carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• Works independently and unsupervised on a regular basis.
• Work collaboratively as member of a team with people of varied backgrounds.
• Work with sensitive and confidential information, under pressure of rigid deadlines and time limitations, and with overlapping projects.
• Accept supervision.
• Maintain professional demeanor.
• Regular and punctual attendance at workplace with flexibility for early morning, evening and weekend work related to performances and events.
• This position has a limited term of 1 year.

Work Shift

• Standard 8am – 5pm work hours.
• Early morning, evening and weekend work is required in relation to performances and events.  A compensatory time program is provided.
• Occasional work-related travel may be required.

Required Materials

• Letter of Interest including the following: 1. Interest in and qualifications for this specific opportunity 2. How will this position help you achieve your career goals?
• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor.
• Work samples may be requested if applicant advances to the interview stage.

Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded.  Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.