Draftsperson

• Department: Production – Scenery

• Status: Part Time – Non-Exempt (Hourly) – 20-35 hours per week, flexible schedule

• Pay: $28.00 – $34.00 per hour (DOE)

• Location: La Jolla, CA on the beautiful campus of the University of California, San Diego

• Schedule: Regular weekday work, occasional overtime, flexible

• Reports to: Scenery Supervisors

• Works With: LJP Staff, Visiting Artists and Designers, IATSE Carpenters & Metal Fabricators

• Dates of Work: 6/1/24 – 12/31/24

Organization Overview

La Jolla Playhouse is a place where artists and audiences come together to create what’s new and next in the American theatre, from Tony Award-winning productions, to imaginative programs for young audiences, to interactive experiences outside our theatre walls. Founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer, the Playhouse is currently led by Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley, the Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse, and Managing Director Debby Buchholz. The Playhouse is internationally renowned for the development of new plays and musicals, including mounting 120 world premieres, commissioning more than 70 new works, and sending 36 productions to Broadway, garnering a total of 38 Tony Awards, as well as the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.

La Jolla Playhouse is committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. La Jolla Playhouse is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Statement of Job

The Draftsperson plays a crucial role in the production process by translating scenic design concepts into detailed technical drawings. They work under the direction of the Scenery Supervisors and closely with the Scenic Designer to create accurate and comprehensive drafting plans that guide the construction of scenic elements La Jolla Playhouse productions. Using identified materials and methods of construction, the Draftsperson creates 3D AutoCAD models and drawings for all scenic elements.

Essential Job Duties

• Create and maintain professional quality theatrical construction working drawings in AutoCAD for all scenic elements based on the designer drawings so they can be built by the shop staff or by over hire labor.
• Collaborate with the Scenic Designer, Scenery Supervisors and Paint Charge to understand the vision and requirements for all scenic elements.
• Prepare detailed ground plans and sections of designer drawings, rigging and technical drawings in AutoCAD and PDF formats for use by technical, production, stage management and design staff.
• Ensure that drafting plans accurately represent the intended aesthetic and functionality of scenic elements, with emphasis on structural integrity, safety, and practical considerations.
• Answer questions and clarify drawings as appropriate or necessary.
• Function in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and visiting artists.
• Draw and program files for ShopBot CNC Router and CNC Plasma Cutter.
• Adhere to deadlines and production schedules, managing workload efficiently to meet project milestones and delivery dates.
• Perform other duties as assigned in collaboration with theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and other visiting artists.

Inclusive & Safe Working Environment

• Function in a professional and collegial manner when collaborating with all theatre personnel, professional creative teams, staff, management, and other visiting artists.
• Be an active participant in LJP’s work towards being a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplace.
• Commitment to a culture of learning, community, anti-racism, inclusion, belonging, and respect among employees and visiting artists.
• Commitment to a culture of safety, both psychological and physical, ensuring a safe work environment.
• Maintain current knowledge of safety best practices and standards.

Requirements and Proficiencies

• Professional experience in drafting and engineering.
• Ability to read and create CAD scenic construction and engineering drawings and proficient in 3D AutoCAD.
• Strong understanding of theatrical construction techniques, materials, and terminology.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical and structural design for the stage, safe work practices, specialized tools used in advanced scenic construction (Wood and Metal Working tools, CNC, 3-D Printing), and scenic construction, welding, rigging, and automation solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and proactive monitoring of processes with excellent communication skills.
• Possess strong critical thinking, problem solving, and organizational skills.
• Commitment to uphold and meaningfully engage with the mission, vision, and values of La Jolla Playhouse.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Physical Demands

• Frequent work at a computer workstation.

Work Environment

• This position primarily works in an office or studio environment, with occasional visits to production spaces for onsite drafting and coordination.

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and references to productionjobs@ljp.org.

Please include in the subject line – “Draftsperson”