Technical Director
Summary
Position Title
Technical Director
Department
Stein College
Position Reports to (Position Title)
Associate Dean, Linda Berry Stein College of Fine Arts & Humanities
Effective Date
July 1, 2023
Status
Full Time/Exempt
Job Summary
The Technical Director serves as the technical point of contact for Stein College. Responsibilities to performance spaces include the overall technical operations, set up and maintaining of lighting and sound systems, set construction, coordination and oversight of maintenance and safety protocols, oversight of the Swisher Shop and assets for productions. Assistance with technical matters for guest designers and artists can be anticipated. Technical operations for dance, film, music, theater and other productions are expected.
The Technical Director assures that scheduled events are well coordinated and properly staffed, and works in collaboration with the Associate Dean, Department Chairs, faculty and staff of the College to ensure quality work is delivered on time and according to scheduled deadlines. Operational responsibilities include overseeing day-to-day functions of Swisher Theater: usage, scheduling, maintenance, and replacement of facilities, furniture, and equipment.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Oversees technical operations for Swisher Theater and other performance spaces of Stein College
Duties/Responsibilities
Operations Direction
- Responsible for readiness/management of production spaces for each semester
- Coordinates maintenance for Swisher Theater
- Establishes facility, furniture, and equipment needs for production spaces
- Care takes base light plots and home base planning
- Manages shop budget and equipment requests
- Maintains calendars for productions and rehearsals in production spaces
- Recruits, hires, trains, and manages student technical staff for theater shop
Technical Director
- Operates, maintains, and safeguards technical assets of the theater (includes use of lighting, sound, construction, and communication equipment)
- Monitors, performs and schedules maintenance of stage facilities and theatrical equipment (condition checks including lighting, sound, and rigging)
- Works with Directors to determine necessary technical support staffing and equipment for events/performances in advance of production dates
- Maintains inventory and usage protocol for production assets (furniture, props,
costumes, etc) - Orients facility renters and outside of Stein College productions to safety, technical characteristics, and other areas of performance facility operations
- Attends production meetings and technical rehearsals to supervise/assist in technical aspects of mounting shows
- Assists with preparation and control of production budgets
- Advises production managers, stage managers, lighting designers, and sound designers on technical specifications, costs and usage of show equipment
- Supervises implementations of approved technical designs
- Oversees/assists student workers in completion of technical elements for productions
- Advises student technicians in proper theatre protocols
Designer
- Presents drawings and/or models to directors and design staff for approval, makes changes/corrections as directed
- Confers with heads of production and direction to establish budget, schedules, and discuss design ideas
- Estimates costs of design materials and construction, or rental of location or props
Required Skills/Abilities
Because the Technical Director may be called upon to deal with a wide range of technical issues, the incumbent benefits from:
- Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and film presentations
- Working knowledge and implementation of stage, set, sound and lighting design
- Applied knowledge of safety regulations, precautions, and procedures
- Knowledge in computerized sound and lighting systems
- Experienced stage management
- Stage carpentry skills
Education, Certificates, Licenses, & Experience
- BFA or BA in Technical Theatre from accredited university
- 3 years technical direction/production experience
- Record of professional achievement preferred
Physical Requirements
- Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds
- Must be able to bend, stoop and reach
- Manual dexterity to safely operate construction and other theatrical equipment
- Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a keyboard and other business machines
- Distance vision sufficient to safely oversee construction/installations of scenic elements, including overhead
- Near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer display screens
- Adequate hearing to be alerted to potential safety issues with equipment
- Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone
Important Note
This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.
To Apply
Interested applicants are asked to submit a copy of their resume, cover letter, list of references along with a completed JU Application to Dana Tupa at dchapma@ju.edu.