Technical Director - Academy of the Holy Cross - Kensington Maryland

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, and any other technical needs per show (e.g., projections, special effects). The role also involves managing theatre spaces and equipment, mentoring students in technical theatre processes, and fostering a collaborative and professional backstage environment.

Position averages 28 hours per week across the academic year. Weekly hours vary depending on production calendar: lighter weeks (20–25 hours) and heavier weeks (up to 40–50 hours) as needed. The Technical Director collaborates with the Department Chair and Theatre Producer/Director to establish weekly schedules in advance based on production deadlines, rehearsals, performances, and department needs. The Technical Director also provides audiovisual support and setup for events during pre‑scheduled hours and is expected to work the annual Summer Stock Camp, which is stipended separately.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design and Production

Oversee all technical aspects of theatre productions, music and dance concerts, and other school events

Set construction and scenic painting

Source, manage, and maintain properties

Design and execute lighting (prior dance lighting experience preferred)

Design and reinforce sound

Design and supervise costumes

Manage projections, puppetry, and other special effects as needed per show

Supervise and mentor students in technical theatre, ensuring skill development in design, construction, and backstage operations

Ensure all technical elements align with the director’s artistic vision, safety standards, and budget constraints

Collaboration and Professionalism

Work closely with Department Chair, Theatre Director/Producer, and Music/Dance teachers to coordinate technical needs

Ensure design ideas meet artistic and practical needs of productions

Collaborate with parent volunteers while maintaining a culture of student‑led technical work

Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning experience for students involved in theatre

Instruction and Student Mentorship

Recruit, train, and mentor all student tech crew members, including department heads and designers

Develop leadership and technical skills in students, ensuring ownership of backstage operations

Provide guidance for future teaching of a semester‑long Technical Theatre course or other courses within expertise areas

Theatre Operations and Facility Management

Maintain and organize all theatre spaces, scene shop, costume loft, technical booth, and storage areas

Oversee equipment maintenance and safe operation of lighting, sound, and rigging systems

Recommend and oversee equipment and facility upgrades with Director of Facilities

Provide technical support for school events requiring audiovisual setup during pre‑scheduled hours

Coordinate with Fine Arts faculty to ensure upkeep of theatre spaces and equipment throughout the academic calendar

Coordinate with facilities team and external vendors for rentals, installations, or specialized repairs

After‑School and Weekend Commitments

Be present for all major production dates: 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

Collaborate with Department Chair and Theatre Director to develop after‑school tech crew schedule

Lead and oversee set construction, painting, 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; candidates with other degrees and significant technical theatre experience encouraged.

Several years of experience in technical theatre, including 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.

Familiarity with theatrical rigging, projections, and video editing software is a plus.

Ability to source rental materials or hardware during school day as needed.

Typical Physical Demands

Lift and carry up to 50 lbs.

Safe work at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.

Stand, walk, crouch, climb, and move for extended periods during rehearsals, performances, and technical work.

Work in varied environments: warm, cold, dusty, or low‑light spaces.

Use power tools, hand tools, and theatrical equipment safely.

Flexibility to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach during building, installing, and maintaining sets and equipment.

Work in tight backstage spaces or elevated positions.

Focus on detailed or repetitive tasks for extended periods.

Support extended work periods during production weeks, including occasional evenings and weekends, with hours pre‑scheduled in collaboration with Theatre Producer and Department Chair.

When students cannot complete production tasks during after‑school sessions, finish or supplement tasks during school hours to keep productions on track and maintain quality standards.

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