What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mobile Tech Theatre Manager position at La Jolla Playhouse?
DEPARTMENT: Learning and Engagement
REPORTS TO: Director of Learning and Engagement
LOCATION: Hybrid position with some remote work. Based in La Jolla, CA and travels to various schools, facilities, and community centers throughout San Diego County
CLASSIFICATION: Part-time (up to 29 hours per week), seasonal (up to 10 months of the year), non-exempt (hourly) position with limited benefits including paid sick leave and complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances
COMPENSATION: $30.00 per hour
APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover Letter and Resume
About The Position
The Mobile Technical Theatre Manager supports La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning and Engagement department by managing the operations, logistics, and personnel of the Mobile Technical Theatre Touring Program. This position ensures that the program runs smoothly and safely as it brings hands-on technical theatre workshops in costumes, lighting, props, sound, and scenic design to schools and community partners across the region.
Working closely with the Director of Learning and Engagement and a team of Teaching Artists, the Mobile Technical Theatre Manager coordinates tour schedules, oversees vehicle and equipment maintenance, monitors supplies and curriculum materials, and supports the teaching team in creating an engaging and professional learning experience for all participants. The ideal candidate has a strong background in technical theatre production, arts education, and logistics management, and is equally comfortable behind the scenes, on the road, and in the classroom.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
REPORTS TO: Director of Learning and Engagement
LOCATION: Hybrid position with some remote work. Based in La Jolla, CA and travels to various schools, facilities, and community centers throughout San Diego County
CLASSIFICATION: Part-time (up to 29 hours per week), seasonal (up to 10 months of the year), non-exempt (hourly) position with limited benefits including paid sick leave and complimentary tickets to Playhouse performances
COMPENSATION: $30.00 per hour
APPLICATION MATERIALS: Cover Letter and Resume
About The Position
The Mobile Technical Theatre Manager supports La Jolla Playhouse’s Learning and Engagement department by managing the operations, logistics, and personnel of the Mobile Technical Theatre Touring Program. This position ensures that the program runs smoothly and safely as it brings hands-on technical theatre workshops in costumes, lighting, props, sound, and scenic design to schools and community partners across the region.
Working closely with the Director of Learning and Engagement and a team of Teaching Artists, the Mobile Technical Theatre Manager coordinates tour schedules, oversees vehicle and equipment maintenance, monitors supplies and curriculum materials, and supports the teaching team in creating an engaging and professional learning experience for all participants. The ideal candidate has a strong background in technical theatre production, arts education, and logistics management, and is equally comfortable behind the scenes, on the road, and in the classroom.
ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:
- Plan and manage the tour schedule for the Mobile Technical Theatre Program, including site logistics, routing, and coordination with schools and community partners.
- Supervise and support the Teaching Artist team, ensuring alignment with curriculum goals, safety protocols, and program standards.
- Oversee truck operations, including vehicle readiness, maintenance schedules, and safe transport of materials and equipment.
- Maintain and inventory supplies, tools, and technical equipment for costume, lighting, props, scenic, and sound workshops; order replacements as needed.
- Coordinate with Learning and Engagement staff to track data, attendance, and feedback from participating schools and partners.
- Provide onsite support during program loadin, setup, and strike as needed.
- Monitor program quality and safety, ensuring compliance with La Jolla Playhouse policies and all applicable regulations.
- Assist with staff training and orientation for Teaching Artists and drivers.
- Prepare reports, timesheets, and documentation for the department as required.
- Serve as the primary logistical liaison between La Jolla Playhouse, the teaching team, and school/community partners.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support Learning and Engagement initiatives including serving as a teaching artist in this program on occasion.
- Professional experience in technical theatre, production management, tour management, or arts education administration.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate logistics for mobile or touring programs.
- 35 years of relevant experience in technical theatre or production operations.
- Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
- Experience supervising or mentoring teaching artists or production teams.
- Ability to lift, load, and move items up to 40 lbs, and comfort working in a handson technical environment.
- Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; experience driving or managing vehicle fleets preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office or Google Suite; comfort with digital scheduling and tracking tools.
- Demonstrated cultural competency. Ability to engage diverse communities.
- Must pass a Livescan background check and hold a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
- Bachelor’s degree in theatre, design, education, or related field.
- English/Spanish bilingual.
- Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality required.
- Availability to work daytime, evening, and occasional weekend hours based on school and community program schedules.
- Work performed in a variety of environments, including schools, community centers, outdoor spaces, and onsite at La Jolla Playhouse.
- Must be comfortable driving and operating a touring truck and managing loadin/loadout of equipment at partner sites (training provided).
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting or moving items weighing up to 40 lbs, such as set pieces, technical gear, and educational materials.
- Periods of computer and administrative work, including email communication, scheduling, and documentation.
- May involve exposure to varying weather conditions during outdoor or mobile program operations.
- Commitment to maintaining safety standards for self, participants, and equipment during travel and workshop facilitation.
Salary : $30