Shop Hours
Required weekly meeting: Monday 9:00–9:50 a.m.
- Monday: 1–4 p.m.
- Tuesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–4 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m.–12 p.m., 1–4 p.m.
Safety Training
Training begins with online ladder, electrical and shop safety classes. Next will be specific training by staff in all power and hand tools in the scene shop. In addition, training will involve theatrical systems such as the flyrail, orchestra pit, and automated scene shop door, along with aerial lifts, and fall arrest/restraint training. As this shop involves physical labor, training will also include the proper ways to lift, use of mechanical advantages, and other personal safety measures.
Production Support
Working side by side with staff, you’ll learn standard scenic building techniques for platforms and flats, furniture repair and maintenance, scenic painting and prop making for the upcoming productions. Shop maintenance will also be included.
Advanced Training
For those wishing to delve deeper into scenic construction, arrangements can be made for working in welding, pneumatics and detailed painting techniques.
Course Description
Meet the Staff
Catherine Kunkel
Position Title
Scene Shop Supervisor
Department of Theatre and Dance
- Theatre and Dance
Catherine F. Kunkel, Scene Technician (Scene Shop Foreman): An alumnus of the UC Davis Theatre and Dance program, Catherine has worked in Sacramento area theaters for over a decade, working as a mic dresser at Music Circus, carpenter/scenic designer at B Street Theater, carpenter at UC Davis (two separate times), Technical Director and scenic/lighting designer for St. Francis High School, and has finally settled as the Scene Shop Foreman at UC Davis since 2019. She also has supplementary experience in painting and costuming.
- B.A. drama (UC Davis)