Assistantships are granted to applicants who have shown suitable experience, responsibility, and work habits. Assistants work directly with and are responsible to faculty/staff members; therefore, the experience may be considered an educational one as well as a supervisory one. An approximate hour requirement is listed at the end of each job description. The assistants should be aware that they will often exceed this approximation. The job is not over until the assigned task has been completed. Assistantship availability is announced in March. Announcements are posted on the callboard. Students then make application for desired position.

If at any time it becomes necessary to discipline or dismiss an assistant, the procedure shall be as follows:

1. Upon receipt of any complaints from the other assistants, staff or faculty concerning the performance of an assistant's job, the appropriate staff member shall meet with that assistant to inform him/her to improve his/her performance. This shall consitutute a first warning.
2. Should additional complaints be received against that assistant, the assistant shall be notified that pending a recommendation from the appropriate staff member to the Chairman, the assistant shall be dismissed.

To maintain the highest quality of workmanship and to encourage the best working conditions, a semester review of each assistant will be held. Assistants may request a review of their performance at any time. Assistantships will be renewed only if the work done has been of satisfactory quality.

For application as a University Theatre Assistant, the following applies:

1. Assistantship vacancies will be posted by the appropriate staff as they arise.
2. A written letter of application and a current resume must be submitted to the appropriate faculty/staff supervisor by the published due date.
3. Recommendations for awarding the assistantships will be made to the Chair with the area supervisor making the recommendation to the entire faculty and staff followed by a discussion of each applicant.
4. Announcement of assistants will be made at the end-of-the-year Theatre Gala.
5. Department of Theatre majors will receive first consideration.

The Scenic Assistant shall work with the Technical Director and under his supervision principally in the construction of scenery for the University Theatre season, in preparation of other technical areas (lights, sound, and properties) as needed, and in the supervision and training of volunteer crews during preparation and strike of a production. The technical assistant is expected to assist the Technical Director in maintenance of the Scene Shop, Shaw Stage, and equipment storage spaces in the theatre.

An applicant must have a working knowledge of hand and power tools and an exemplification of quality workmanship. The hours will vary with work load. Scene Shop hours are afternoons, Monday through Friday. Weekend work may be involved, including strike of shows on performance closings on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Costume Assistant shall work with the Costume Designer and costume shop supervisor under their supervision in the preparation of costumes for the University Theatre Season and in the training and supervision of volunteer crews in the preparation and care of costumes for the University Theatre productions. The costume assistant is expected to assist in the maintenance of costume storage areas, the costume shop, dressing rooms, and the make-up room and in the set up and strike of University Theatre Productions. Assistants will also be expected to take leadership of the shop if the Costume Designer or supervisor are unable to be present.

The applicant must have a working knowledge of sewing machine operation, ability to read and understand clothing patterns, a background in clothing construction, and/or basic knowledge of theatrical make-up skills. The hours will vary with work load and should be arranged with the costume designer. Standard costume shop hours are from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be involved, including Saturdays and Sundays.

The applicant should have a working knowledge of theatrical painting materials and equipment and exemplification of quality workmanship. The hours will vary with workload. Scene Shop hours are afternoons, Monday through Friday. Weekend work may be involved, including strike of shows on performance closings on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Theatrical Systems Assistant shall work under the direct supervision of the Lighting Designer and/or Technical Director, and work as a liaison with the Arena Coordinator in respect to classroom and production needs in York Arena. Duties include: maintenance of theatrical systems in Shaw Theatre, the Multiform Theatre, and York Arena; the supervision and training of student staff and volunteers in the use of lighting, audio, rigging, and seating systems in the Complex; attendance at rehearsals as determined in the initial conference regarding Studio Series, Footlights I/II, and Directing II productions; maintenance of repertory light plots in order to facilitate classroom and production usage of the theatres; and organization of associated work and storage areas.

The Assistant must have a working knowledge of theatrical lighting, audio, and rigging systems. The hours will vary with work load and should be arranged with the Lighting Designer/Technical Director. Weekend and evening work will be involved.

The York Arena Assistant shall work under the supervision of the Arena Coordinator and personnel of the Design/Tech area, and as assigned, with the individual Arena project/York Series directors. The Assistant will be responsible for the general maintenance of the York Arena for classroom and production usage:

• Rigging and operation of the lighting system
• Rigging and maintenance of the stock scenic units
• Painting the production floor when necessary
• Maintaining the carpeted platforms
• Reporting any mechanical maintenance necessities

In addition, for Footlights productions, the Assistant will be responsible for:

• Determining the light/sound technicians
• Training the light/sound technicians
• Setup and strike of Arena seating units as needed
• Being present at rehearsals as determined in initial conferences
• Hanging and focusing lights for Directing I and II final projects
• Teaching directing class students how to run the light board
• Enforcing proper use of the designated storage areas
• Supervising and signing off the Strike Sheet.

The applicant must have a working knowledge of lighting and scenic rigging practices and a willingness to be trained in the setup and use of York Arena equipment. Versatility and adaptability to different theatrical situations as well as different directors is essential. A minimum of a 2.0 GPA is required. The hours will vary with work load and should be arranged with the Arena Coordinator and Design/Tech supervisors. Evening and weekend work will be involved.

The Properties Assistant shall work under the supervision of the Director of Design and Technical Production in training and supervision of all properties crew personnel for the University Theatre season, maintaining properties and furniture storage areas, and serving as properties crew head for at least one mainstage production each semester.

The applicant should have a working knowledge of theatrical tools and materials and exemplification of quality workmanship. Hours will vary with work load and must be arranged with the Director of Design and Technical Production. Weekend work may be involved, including strikes of productions which close on Saturdays and Sundays.

The Introduction to Theatre Assistant will work under the supervision of the faculty member assigned to teach THEA 100. Duties include:

• Reading and grading critical papers, and grading quizzes
• Maintaining grade book
• Liaison with Testing Services
• Performing other duties as assigned

An applicant needs a working knowledge of computers and must possess adequate typing skills. He/she must be able to work independently and have the ability to work under pressure. The applicant must be available during the class period and (preferably not required) immediately following the class. The hours will vary. The assistant will have office hours in the main office.

The Music Theatre Performance Assistant will work under the supervision of the Director of Music Theatre Performance. Duties will include:

• Maintaining current files on all MTP majors and graduates of the program
• Assisting with MTP auditions
• Maintaining an MTP directory
• Updating mailing lists
• Correspondence with potential students
• Coordinating logistical support for the MTP NY Senior Showcase
• Main office coverage
• Performing other duties as assigned

An applicant needs a working knowledge of computers and must possess adequate typing skills. He/she must be able to work independently and have the ability to work under pressure. The hours will vary between 15 and 20 hours per week. Weekend and evening work are possible.

The University Theatre Guild Assistant will work under the supervision of the Director of Audience Services. The assistant will also interact with the Guild Board, especially the Executive Committee. The assistant will be responsible for work related to the University Theatre Guild. This includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Process donations to the Guild, including depositing checks and cash, updating records, sending acknowledgments and informing the Chair of new donors
• Produce Guild Newsletter, "Curtain Call," including assigning and writing articles, editing, design layout, printing and distribution
• Generating Guild mailings, e.g., reminder postcards, invitations, etc., including writing, editing, design layout, printing and distribution
• Coordinate or assist in coordination of all Guild functions, including guest artists/master classes, showcases, trips, and other special events
• Attend Guild Board and Executive Committee meetings as class schedule permits
• Serve as liaison between the Guild Board and Department faculty/students
• Perform other Guild related duties as assigned by the Director of Arts Management, as time permits

The assistant is expected to work 15 - 20 hours per week. The applicant must be proficient in the use of MS Word and PageMaker. Additional computer skills are useful. Editing and grammatical skills are also required. Knowledge of the Department, faculty and staff are essential.