Performing Arts Technical Director

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Join a growth-oriented, collaborative learning community committed to developing the whole person for college and life. Westminster hires and retains passionate, talented, diverse educators like you to prepare our students to be lifelong learners, well-equipped to address local and global challenges. Westminster excels regionally and nationally in every area of school life, from academics to the arts and athletics, achieving excellence through a wide range of programming — and we need you to help us! 

The Technical Director will oversee the technical needs of six or more theatrical productions and multiple concerts annually. Additionally, the Technical Director will consult on or manage several other campus performance spaces. The Technical Director will supervise and manage the school’s student tech crews, thus also needs to be proficient in instructional practices.  The successful candidate designs and builds productions, liaises on all aspects of backstage staffing, student crew, theater spaces (prop loft, costume areas, storage areas, sound booth, lighting booth, backstage, Green Room, dressing rooms, etc.)

For our part, Westminster stands ready to support you with exceptional resources, including a Center for Teaching that provides workshops, cohorts, coaching, travel grants, and resources to help you be your best. At Westminster, you are more than just an academic expert; you make a difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and families – and they, in turn, make a difference in yours.

Supervisor: Director of Performing Arts

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Position Status:  Salaried, exempt, full-time, 10-month

Hours of Work: Typical hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required, which can be balanced with typical hours in conversation with the supervisor.

Anticipated Start Date: January 6th, 2025
 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate.

• Relevant undergraduate degree; advanced degree preferred
• Demonstrated success in Technical Direction; experience in educational settings preferred
• Proficiency in most or all of the following elements of theatrical production: Scenery design and construction, lighting design, sound design, costume design, wardrobe maintenance, and projection design
• Demonstrated success instructing and mentoring students in some or all of the areas listed above
• Familiarity with national trends and new technologies in technical theater and production
• Previous professional theatrical experience preferred
• Knowledge of safety standards in theater production and building
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate production schedules

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees all technical aspects of at least six annual productions, including lighting, sound, set design, and construction
• Collaborates with directors, designers, and production teams to achieve artistic vision 
• Collaborates with the theater director to develop and implement production schedules.
• Supervises technical rehearsals, ensuring all technical elements are prepared and functional
• Develops and teaches courses in technical theater, covering topics such as stagecraft, lighting design, prop, and sound design
• Mentors students in practical applications of technical theater, providing hands-on learning experiences for student stage crews
• Supervises students during rehearsals and performances, ensuring a safe and productive atmosphere
• Recruits and manages student tech crew for productions and Thescon
• Attends, chaperones, and supervises Thespian Conference and technical competition events in February
• Conducts Facility Management & Safety Compliance training sessions for technical theater students 
• Manages the technical operations of the Broyles Performing Arts Center, including inventory and maintenance of equipment and supplies
• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and best practices in all technical operations
• Coordinates with external vendors and contractors for equipment purchases and repairs
• Maintains theater spaces, including lighting booth and catwalks, props and prop loft, backstage wing space, backstage scene shop, storage units, etc
• Evenings and weekend work are required during production periods.
• Perform other duties as assigned

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. Other physical demands include lifting and moving equipment, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces. The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day.  Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Driving a Westminster vehicle may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state and local laws.  EOE/M/F/D/V.

Qualifications