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Job ID |
75501 |
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Job Funding Source |
Work-Study |
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Employer |
Music, Theater & Dance, School of |
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Category |
Technical |
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Job Description |
Production Student Assistant – Department of Dance The Department of Dance considers this temporary part-time position to be a hands-on production opportunity. Students will work alongside faculty, staff, and guest artists on actual Department of Dance performances and events, gaining real, industry-quality experience in live performance production. This position supports the technical and logistical work that brings dance concerts, showings, and rehearsals to the stage. Experience in this role can be listed on a resume for future jobs and graduate school applications, and is considered a valuable part of a successful career in dance production. Hours vary with the production calendar and may include evening and weekend availability during tech weeks and performances. Responsibilities include: Assisting with load-in, load-out, and strike for dance concerts, showings, and rehearsals Supporting stage management duties, including spiking the floor, running props, and backstage communication during rehearsals and performances Assisting with lighting and/or sound equipment setup, hang, focus, and operation Assisting with general shop and studio maintenance and organization between productions Moving and setting seating, marley flooring, and other production equipment Providing general production office support, such as maintaining crew schedules, sending emails/reminders to crew members, and helping coordinate production paperwork Working with ticketing software to build event pages and maintain updated ticket listings for departmental events General production support as assigned by faculty and staff supervisors
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Educational Value |
?This position offers students hands-on, professional-level training in live performance production that directly complements academic coursework in dance and technical theatre. Students work on real departmental productions alongside faculty, staff, and guest artists, gaining exposure to industry standards and expectations they'll encounter in professional dance and theater careers. Tansferable skill set across multiple areas of production: Technical proficiency: Students gain practical experience with lighting and sound systems, stage management protocols, and production equipment. Project and organizational management: Through crew scheduling, production paperwork, and office support, students develop administrative and coordination skills relevant to arts administration and production management roles. Professional communication: Backstage communication during live performances teaches students to work under pressure, follow cues precisely, and collaborate effectively as part of a team.
Beyond specific technical skills, this position gives students a resume-ready credential and a body of concrete experience to draw on in job interviews and graduate school applications. It also allows students to test their interest in production-focused career paths, such as stage management, technical direction, or arts administration, before committing to further study or entry-level roles in the field. |
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Job Requirements |
Required Qualifications Must be a current University of Michigan student with Federal Work-Study eligibility Must be available for some evening and/or weekend hours, particularly during tech and performance weeks May need to travel across campus to various performance venues as needed. Ability to follow directions, work collaboratively, and communicate clearly with a production team This position routinely moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds. This position requires routine use of ladders and aerial work platforms and the ability to work at heights without difficulty.
Desired Qualifications Prior experience in dance, theater, or live event production is helpful but not required Interest in stage management, technical theater, or arts administration
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Hourly Rate |
$15.00/hour |
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Hours |
0.0 to 20.0 hours per week |
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Time Frame |
Fall/Winter |
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Start Date |
Fall 2026 |
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End Date |
End of Winter 2027 term |
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Primary Contact |
Megan McClure |
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Primary Contact's Email |
N/A |
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Supervisor |
Joseph Walls |
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Work Location |
ONSITE - Dance Building Main Office and Performance Studio |
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Phone |
N/A |
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Fax |
N/A |
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