DLR Group is an integrated design firm with a promise to elevate the human experience through design. This fuels the work we do around the world and inspires our mission to improve the lives of our clients, our communities, and our planet. If this sparks your interest, you’re in the right place.
DLR Group's Theater Planning team is growing. We're searching for a Theater Planner to join us in our Los Angeles studio.
About Theater Planning at DLR Grou p
DLR Group’s Theater Planning team brings together experienced theater practitioners who understand how performance and entertainment venues work from every perspective—patrons, performers, technicians, designers, and arts leaders. In close collaboration with our architecture, interiors, and engineering teams, we create performance spaces and technical systems that support storytelling, enhance the user experience, and adapt to the evolving needs of the performing arts. Our work combines deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and a shared passion for creating places that inspire connection and creativity.
Position Summary
As a Theater Planner at DLR Group, you will participate in the planning, design, and documentation of performance venues and theatrical systems as part of our integrated design teams. Working alongside architects, engineers, project managers, and experienced theater planners, you will contribute to the development of functional, technically sound spaces that support performance, production, and audience experience. This role is ideal for an emerging theater planning professional who brings techni cal curiosity, stron g communication skills, and an understanding of how perf ormance spaces operate .
If you are a creative collaborator wi th a strategic mindset this might be the position for you. DLR Group is 100% emplo yee ow ned and as such you’ll enjoy the opportunity to have ownership in the Firm. We rely on all our employee-owners to apply their financial acumen to grow the Firm profitably.
What you will do
Participate in the planning and design of performance venues, including performance space typologies, seating layouts, sightlines, stage lighting, rigging, and stage machinery
Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and other project documentation for theatrical equipment systems
Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and other design disciplines to integrate theater planning requirements into the overall project
Communicate the functional intent and technical requirements of theater planning and equipment system design decisions to project teams
Apply building, fire, electrical, and other applicable codes and standards to performance venues and places of assembly
Develop and coordinate project documentation using Revit, AutoCAD, and other design technologies
Apply BIM standards and participate in project coordination, clash detection, and QA/QC processes
Review construction materials, methods, and building systems as they relate to theater planning and theatrical equipment
Manage assigned tasks across multiple projects and project phases while meeting established schedules and work plans
Participate in design discussions, contribute ideas, and continue developing technical and professional expertise in theater planning and design
Required Qualifications:
Undergraduate degree in Theater, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field
At least 4 years of professional experience in theater planning, theatrical design, architecture, engineering, or a related field
Working knowledge of theater design concepts, including performance space typologies, seating layouts and sightlines, stage lighting, and stage rigging and machinery
Understanding of performance venue operations and the theatrical production process
Proficiency in computer aided drafting and/or modeling; Revit proficiency is highly preferred
Working knowledge of design documentation, technical drawings, and specifications
Working knowledge of building materials, construction…