New 6/98

City of San José

PUPPETEER (PT) (6365)

 CLASS PURPOSE
   Under direct supervision, prepares and presents puppet theatre 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.)

• Conducts and performs daily puppet shows using a variety of puppets including marionette, hand and rod puppets.
• Assists in developing new and updating existing marionette, hand and rod puppet shows for in-park and outreach performances.
• Works with Puppet Theater Coordinator to create story lines, puppets, scenery and props; writes scripts, tapes and records shows for new and existing shows.
• Participates in the coordination and presentation of puppetry workshops,
• Special events, special programs and projects that include working with other puppeteers, staff and volunteers.
• Performs routine maintenance tasks such as recycling and cleaning of puppet production areas.
• Performs daily safety checks in public and staff areas.
• Assists with the revenue and fee collection process.
• Assists with disposal of hazardous waste material such as paints and epoxies.
• Works weekends, evenings, and holidays during all climatic conditions as assigned.

 DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
   Incumbents in this class are responsible for the presentation of the puppet theatre productions to the public, which includes the creation of productions, puppets and scenery. This is a part time class and reports to the Puppet Theater Coordinator. This position differs from the lower class of Recreation Aide in that incumbents of the latter perform routine operational activities of a more general nature. It differs from the next higher class of Puppet Theater Coordinator in that the incumbent of the latter class supervises and provides direction to all puppeteer staff and program components in the daily operation of the Puppet Theater.

 QUALIFICATIONS
   Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of puppet presentations and small productions.
• Ability to present an effective puppet shows.
• Ability to be part of an effective work team.
• Ability to get along well with other employees, volunteers and the general public.
• Ability to follow written and oral direction.
• Ability to manipulate marionette, hand and rod puppets with proficiency.
• Ability to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, during all climatic conditions as assigned.

Competency Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of puppet theater programs.
• Ability to present puppet shows and participate in puppet productions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with other workers, volunteers and the public.
• Ability to use safe working practices and procedures.
• Ability to create and develop puppet theater presentations.
• Ability to use variety of sound equipment used in puppet theater presentations.
• Ability to coach and train less experienced employees and volunteers.
• Ability to perform various tasks related to puppet theater presentations such as writing scripts, making puppets, scenery and props.
• Ability to learn new puppetry techniques, and teach others including staff, volunteers or workshop participants these techniques and puppetry skills.

Education
   Completion of high school, General Educational Development (G.E.D.) Certificate or California Proficiency Certificate.

Experience
   One year experience as a puppeteer.

Acceptable Substitutions
   None.

 (New 6/98)
6365s000.doc