Temporary Mannes Opera Scenic Lead

Overview

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The New School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that promises diversity and tolerance in all areas of employment, education and access to its educational, artistic or cultural programs and activities. The New School does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex or gender (including gender identity and expression), pregnancy, sexual orientation, religion, religious practices, mental or physical disability, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital or partnership status, or any other legally protected status.

The New School – Performance Operations, Theater & Opera;
College of the Performing Arts

The College of Performing Arts at The New School is seeking a Temporary Mannes Opera Scenic Lead to support implementing all scenic designs and elements for the Mannes Opera’s March 2026 presentation of Erich Korngold’s Die Stumme Serenade.

Reporting to the Producer of Theater & Opera, the Temporary Mannes Opera Scenic Lead advises on technical strategies, schedules, and budgets; liaises with College of Performing Arts staff and artistic personnel, offsite venue contacts, vendors, and other partners; and consults with the College’s Scenic Department on existing College-owned inventories and resources to craft and generate captivating theatrical scenery.

The Temporary Mannes Opera Scenic Lead is a strong leader and collaborator who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly team-oriented environment.

This is an hourly, temporary FLSA non-exempt position (on average, 16 hours per week – exact weekly scheduling details to be determined pending departmental need) with a desired start date in mid-to-late January, and an end date of 3/23/2026.

• Plan and implement scenic designs, reviewing repertory plots to determine next steps with department heads
• Manage scenic-related communication between all stakeholders, including unionized staff at the external venue
• Attend all production meetings to advance shows and work with designers to ensure proposed deliverable deadlines are met
• Prepare build drawings for in-house scenic construction and/or bid packages
• Lead onsite load-in, load-out, and technical rehearsals as assigned to ensure scenic elements are installed safely and properly monitored
• Track the use of all inventories owned by either the College of Performing Arts, the offsite venue, or a rental supplier/company, ensuring all scenic elements are properly restored and returned to the proper organization
• Collaborate with Production Management on production calendars, including overhire trucking staff schedules
• Report all incurred expenses to Performance Operations leadership for tracking and reconciliation
• Ensure all fire, health, and safety permits, audits, and procedures meet regulatory compliance standards with offsite venue requirements

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement.

Hybrid work arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the role and operational needs. Any such arrangement must be discussed and approved in advance by the appropriate division lead or their designee.

$35.00-$40.00/hour

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not…