New 6/98

City of San José

CLASS PURPOSE
   Under general direction, supervises puppet theater staff in the preparation, planning and staging of puppet theater productions and services.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESULTS (The position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed.)

• Supervises and initiates the development of new puppet shows for in-park and outreach performances.
• Coordinates puppet show productions for in-park and outreach performances.
• Works with staff in the creation of story lines, puppets, scenery and props, scripts, and taping and recording puppet shows.
• Develops, coordinates and supervises puppetry workshops, special puppetry events, programs and projects which may include working with other puppeteers, operations and promotions staff, or volunteers.
• Responsible for maintaining a clean and safe work environment in the puppet theater for the public and staff.
• Conducts daily facility safety checks and identifies potential safety hazards in the amusement park.
• Coordinates the amusement park hazardous waste and recycling programs.
• Assists with cash handling and fee collections.
• Works weekends, evenings, and holidays during all climatic conditions as assigned.

Typical End Results Include
   Puppet theater productions and programs are executed in a safe, timely and professional manner. Well-coordinated recycling and hazardous waste programs.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   An employee in this class is responsible for the coordination and production of the puppet theater productions. This classification differs from the next lower class of Puppeteer (PT) in that incumbents of the latter perform routine operational activities and are supervised by the Puppet Theater Coordinator. It differs from the next higher class of Amusement Park Supervisor in that the incumbent of the latter class supervises and provides direction to the Puppet Theater Coordinator and other lead staff in the daily operation of the amusement park.

QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of puppet theater productions and presentations.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures involved in making puppet presentations to the public.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
• Knowledge of the proper disposal of paint and other hazardous materials used in puppet show presentations.
• Ability to supervise, train, evaluate and assign work to staff and volunteers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with the public, staff and volunteers.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, during all climatic conditions as assigned.

• Knowledge of the operation of a puppet theater program.
• Knowledge of safety practices and procedures involved in making presentations to the public.
• Knowledge of basic sewing skills.
• Ability to use tools in a safe manner.
• Ability to work with materials such as plaster casting, poly foams, latexes and neoprene.
• Ability to maintain an effective puppet theater operation.
• Ability to develop and coordinate puppet theater productions.
• Ability to use variety of sound and lighting systems found at the amusement park and in the theater.
• Ability to teach and train puppetry skills to staff, volunteers and the general public.

Education
   Two years of course work from an accredited college or university in theater arts or drama.

Experience
   Two years experience as a puppeteer.

Acceptable Substitutions
   Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in theater arts or drama may be substituted for the required experience; OR two (2) years as a puppeteer may be substituted for the required education.

(New 6/98)
6363s000.doc