Technical Director Job at Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan in Ypsilanti

About Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI)

Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan (PYTMI) is a nonprofit youth theatre company dedicated to providing high-quality performing arts training and production experiences for young performers and technicians across Southeast Michigan. PYTMI fosters inclusive, educational environments where students develop artistic, technical, and leadership skills while collaborating with professional teaching artists and production staff.

Position Summary

PYTMI seeks a Technical Director for our Spring 2026 production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr..

The Technical Director oversees the technical execution of the production while mentoring student technicians and ensuring safe, efficient, and professional production practices. This role supervises scenic, props, lighting, and backstage technical operations and works closely with the director and production team.

This is a contracted independent contractor position running from March 24 through June 1, 2026, culminating in technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.

There is opportunity for contract renewal for future PYTMI productions based on production needs and performance in the role.

Primary Responsibilities

Production & Design Oversight

• Design or supervise student design work for scenery, props, lighting, and other technical elements as needed.
• Collaborate with the director and production team to realize production needs.
• Oversee construction, installation, and maintenance of scenic and technical elements.
• Ensure all technical elements meet safety and quality standards.

Student Mentorship & Supervision

• Guide and mentor student technicians through hands‑on production processes.
• Supervise student technical crews during build, rehearsals, performances, and strike.
• Foster a safe, educational, and collaborative environment.

Technical Management

• Coordinate scenic, lighting, sound, and backstage technical operations.
• Develop and maintain build and production schedules.
• Manage technical elements within allocated budgets and available resources.
• Maintain and store technical equipment and materials for future use.

Rehearsals & Performances

• Attend scheduled production meetings and rehearsals as needed.
• Lead and oversee technical rehearsals.
• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges during rehearsals and performances.
• Supervise load‑in, performances, and strike.

Time Commitment

The Technical Director is expected to attend production meetings, build sessions, rehearsals, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike as required by the production calendar.

Commitments generally include:

• Weekly production meetings
• Scheduled technical build and crew sessions
• Designer and run‑through rehearsals as needed
• Load‑in and technical rehearsal period
• All scheduled performances
• Strike and post‑production wrap‑up

A detailed calendar will be provided upon hiring.

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in technical direction or theatre production management
• Scenic construction and technical theatre skills
• Experience mentoring or working with youth technicians
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues under pressure
• Commitment to safe working practices
• Ability to collaborate within an educational theatre environment

Additional Terms & Expectations

• This position is contracted as an independent contractor; employee benefits are not provided.
• PYTMI reserves the right to use staff likeness and images for promotional purposes.
• Participation in promotional or public‑facing events may be requested with advance notice.
• A criminal background check may be required to ensure participant safety.

Compensation

The Technical Director will receive a flat stipend of $1,500 covering all responsibilities from March 24 through June 1, 2026.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Resume
• Brief statement of interest
• Relevant technical or production experience

Applications and inquiries may be sent to:

Sophia Esch, Managing Director

Professional Youth Theatre of Michigan

cannella.sophia@gmail.com