Technical Director (Theater)
$67,000–$80,000 year
On-siteAustin, Texas, United States
Job Summary
Lead the on-time, on-budget execution of scenery, automation, and special effects for Main Stage, Family Series, Education, and Event productions. Supervise the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios, including the scenic and paint shops, by reviewing budgets, drafting construction drawings, and managing staffing for fabrication and installation. Develop engineering solutions, build schedules, and oversee load-in, load-out, and technical rehearsals while maintaining workplace safety protocols. Coordinate facility repairs, manage FIFO inventory, and direct artisan teams through hiring, performance feedback, and termination. Work with the Director of Production and other department heads to ensure efficient changeovers and accurate budget reporting.
Required Qualifications
- 6+ years of scene shop leadership, including budget and hiring experience
- 3+ years of scene shop leadership and an MFA in Technical Direction or related field
- specific knowledge of Stage Automation practices, equipment, and techniques
- Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team
- Demonstrated skills in situational leadership, recruiting, hiring, and developing staff
- Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, manage projects and multitask
- Ability to communicate orally and in writing
- Ability to interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, and other key stakeholders
- Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, lead personnel and projects, and multitask efficiently
- Demonstrated experience in managing artisan teams with multiple priorities and varied needs
- Mathematical skills including structural design, geometry, algebra and trigonometry
- Demonstrated skills that encompass all areas of theatrical carpentry/ craftsmanship
- Ability to produce construction drawings, from concept to shop floor, using both 2D and 3D AutoCAD drafting techniques
- Ability to project material and labor costs for scenic units
- In depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation
- Ability in design and installation of Stage Automation solution
- Demonstrated knowledge of 3d Printing, CnC, and other advanced fabrication techniques, specifically in preparatory drafting
- Demonstrated knowledge of scenic painting techniques and tools
- Working knowledge of MS Office including MS Word and Excel, as well as Google Suite
- Ability to operate panel vans and box trucks up to 24' in length
- Ability and desire to be a part of a technical problem solving environment
- Willingness to safely operate forklift per Zach protocol after in-house certification
- A demonstrated knowledge of stage operations
- A general knowledge of equity and union rules
- A working knowledge of theatre history and the design processes
- Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
- Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater
- Ability to lift, push, pull or otherwise maneuver up to 70 lbs repeatedly, either alone or with assistance
- Comfortable working on ladders, mechanical lifts or other high places
- Comfortable working in confined spaces
- Comfortable with mechanics and automation
- Must have reliable transportation and the ability to work with a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends as scheduled
Desired Qualifications
- preferred familiarity of Creative Conners equipment and SpikeMark software
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