Description
The Technical Director plays a vital role in the Fine Arts Department, collaborating closely with department colleagues and overseeing the design, creation, and execution of all technical elements for theatre productions, music and dance concerts, and other Fine Arts events. This includes scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, projections, and other technical needs per show.
This role also involves managing theatre spaces and equipment, mentoring students in technical theatre processes, fostering a collaborative and professional backstage environment, and creating a creative and joyful learning environment for students of all experience levels to develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for theatre and the arts.
Job Details
The position averages 28 hours per week across the academic year, varying from 20–25 hours on lighter weeks to 40–50 hours on heavier weeks as needed. The Technical Director collaborates with the Department Chair and Theatre Producer/Director to establish weekly schedules. The role provides audiovisual support during pre‑scheduled hours and includes the annual Summer Stock Camp (8:30 AM–3:30 PM for 2 weeks, with a show at 7:00 PM on the final camp day).
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Design and Production
- Set construction and scenic painting
- Props
- Lighting design and execution (prior dance lighting experience preferred)
- Sound design and reinforcement
- Costumes
- Projections, puppetry, and other special effects as needed per show
- Supervision and Mentorship
- Supervise and mentor students in the technical theatre program, ensuring skill development in design, construction, and backstage operations.
- Ensure all technical elements align with artistic vision, safety standards, and budget constraints.
- Collaboration and Professionalism
- Work closely with the Department Chair, Theatre Director/Producer, and Music/Dance teachers to coordinate technical needs.
- Ensure design ideas meet artistic and practical needs.
- Collaborate with parent volunteers while maintaining a culture of student‑led technical work.
- Provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning experience for students involved in theatre.
- Instruction and Student Mentorship
- Recruit, train, and mentor student tech crew members, including student department heads and designers.
- Develop leadership and technical skills in students, ensuring ownership of backstage operations.
- Future potential for teaching a semester‑long Technical Theatre course or other courses such as Photography, Film, or Digital Audio.
- Theatre Operations and Facility Management
- Maintain and organize all theatre spaces, including the scene shop, costume loft, technical booth, and storage areas.
- Oversee equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and safe operation of lighting, sound, and rigging systems.
- Recommend and oversee necessary equipment and facility upgrades in collaboration with Facilities.
- Provide technical support for school events requiring audiovisual setup during pre‑scheduled hours.
- Coordinate with Fine Arts faculty for maintenance of theatre spaces and equipment throughout the year.
- Work with facilities team and external vendors for rentals, installations, or specialized repairs.
- After‑School and Weekend Commitments
- Be present for all major production dates, including two major theatre productions, two dance concerts, two music concerts, and the end‑of‑year Fine Arts Department awards gala and Honor Society induction ceremony.
- Develop the after‑school tech crew schedule with the Department Chair and Theatre Director.
- Lead and oversee set construction, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.
Qualifications and Skills
- Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- BA/BFA or Master’s in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Design/Production or related field preferred.
- Several years of experience in technical theatre, with design and production experience in at least two of the following: scenery, lighting, sound, costumes.
- Experience working with high‑school students or young theatre technicians.
- Experience with dance lighting is a plus.
- Technical Skills
- Proficiency with power tools and stage carpentry.
- Strong knowledge of lighting design, including ETC Ion consoles, moving lights, LEDs, and DMX protocol.
- Experience with sound design and operation, including digital soundboard, wireless microphones, QLab or other audio interfaces, audio editing software.
- Prior familiarity with rigging, projections, and video editing software, a plus.
- Ability to obtain rental materials or hardware supplies as needed during the school day.
Typical Physical Demands
- Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs.
- Safety work at heights via ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.
- Extended standing, walking, crouching, climbing, and moving during rehearsals, performances, and technical work.
- Work in varied environmental conditions (warm, cold, dusty, low‑light).
- Use of power tools, hand tools, and theatrical equipment safely.
- Flexibility to work in tight backstage spaces or elevated positions.
- Attention to detail on repetitive tasks for extended periods.
- Support extended work periods during production weeks, including occasional evenings and weekends, with hours pre‑scheduled.
- Take responsibility for completing tasks during school hours if students cannot finish during after‑school sessions.
To Apply
Please digitally submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources: The Academy of the Holy Cross is a Catholic college‑preparatory school, and this position is subject to Equal Opportunity laws.
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