Technical and Operations Fellowships - Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

Working Title: Technical and Operations Fellowships - Forbes Center for the Performing Arts

State Role Title: Part time, Salaried

Position Type: Temporary

Position Status: Part-Time

FLSA Status: N/A

College/Division: College of Visual and Performing Arts

Department: 100551 - College of Visual and Performing Arts

Pay Band: 

Pay Rate: Stipend

Specify Range or Amount: 17,225.00 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? No

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 

About JMU:

At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.

JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
• A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
• Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
• A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
• Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
• Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.

At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.

Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

Technical and Operations Fellowships at the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University provide advanced, hands-on training in theatre production and stage management, as well as opportunities to operate state-of-the-art audio, lighting and video systems.

The Fellowship begins Sunday, August 30, 2026 and runs through Saturday, May 8, 2027. Fellowships require a season-long commitment. The Fellow will receive a stipend total of $17,225 for the 36 week contract, which will be paid in increments bi-weekly. The Fellow will not work more than 40 hours per week, but will average 29 hours per week across the length of the contract. Housing and benefits are not included.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Mentored by the Production Services Manager, the cohort of fellows will set up and operate sound, lighting, video, and staging equipment for our professional Encore Series performances, the School of Music Ensemble and Recital performances, Opera productions, and ancillary events a performances presented by the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Fellows may support equipment maintenance across our five venues, advancing events, and stage management, and technical support. Daily activities may include event prep, show running, general maintenance, and basic office operations. Work hours will be irregular and include early morning, evening and weekend calls. It is our intention to build a team of fellows that will each explore the full range of production and technical support but who may be assigned special projects across production elements that suit their particular areas of interest.

Qualifications:

Ideal candidates will have a broad knowledge and experience in technical theatre as well as solid organizational and essential computer skills. Experience working with theatrical audio, lighting, and video systems is a plus. Hands-on knowledge of lighting systems, audio systems, and DANTE networking systems is helpful. An undergraduate degree in the arts is preferred.

Additional Posting Information:

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

This is a part-time wage position working up to an average of 29 hours per week over the course of a calendar year with no benefits.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.