Technical Director
10 days ago
Varsity Village
Job Description OUTSTANDING BENEFITS UNLIKE ANY OTHER. Low-cost health benefits, 6% 403b contribution, affordable tuition at Niagara University for you and eligible immediate family members, tuition exchange at other designated universities for eligible dependent children, generous holidays (20 days annually), PTO, and ½ day Fridays throughout the summer. Niagara University is also an approved employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Campus life is vibrant and offers free parking, on-site dining options, and fresh coffee at Tim Horton's and Starbucks, all in a beautiful park-like setting. If you'd like to know more, check out all of the NU Facts. JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the Artistic Director of NU Theatre and the department Production Manager, and in collaboration with the design faculty of the Department of Theatre & Fine Arts, the Technical Director is responsible for technical oversight of all NU Theatre productions in the Leary Theatre, the Acting Studio, other site-specific venues, or for touring to the community, as well as the oversight of all student crews. This position is also responsible for maintenance and oversight of the scene shop and all theatre spaces including, but not limited to, the tech room and stage management booth. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Oversight and construction/installation of all scenery for NU theatre productions during the academic year and summer months, • In collaboration with the Production Manager, supervises and organizes all student construction and paint crews in the scene shop and the theatrical spaces, • Oversees and manages a team of work study students throughout the year, • In conjunction with the Production Manager, oversees student stage managers, and all student crews throughout the semester, • Maintains physical aspects of the theatre, acting studio, scene shop, catwalks, and storage areas, • Work with Director of Theatre and the Production Manager to price out upgrades to the theatre spaces, and put them into action, • Responsible for the safety of student crews and the safe operation of performance spaces and work areas, • Assists with the crewing of each semester's productions, • Attends department meetings as necessary, • Attends all technical rehearsals and production meetings, • Under the supervision of the Director of Theatre and the Production Manager, the technical director is responsible for all budgets related to purchasing materials related to scenery, properties and electrics, • Responsible for locating, ordering, and organizing all materials related to scenery, properties, electrics, and year-round maintenance of the theatre spaces, • Ability to read, interpret and supplement scale drawings furnished by scenic and lighting designers (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Sketchup), • Responsible for safe rigging of all scenery, flying pieces, and curtains, • Special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise/experience in one or more of the following areas: Lighting design or other design areas, projections, scenic automation, • Other duties as assigned by supervisor GENERAL DESCRIPTION: It is nearly impossible to provide a percentage breakdown of time spent on various aspects of the position. Most of the time will be spent in the scene shop and in the theater spaces working on construction and installation of scenery, both with students and alone. A significant amount of time will be spent preparing working drawings and planning construction, and overseeing student crews. Some time will be spent researching, ordering, and procuring materials for scenery and properties. During the summer months, significant time will be spent on maintenance and upgrading of materials and other resources necessary for the academic year. The amount of time spent will vary from show to show, as well as from season to season, depending on the number of productions, as well as the nature, size, and scope of those productions. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES • Knowledge of scenic construction methods as applied to theatrical use, • Knowledge and advanced skills in using various tools found in the scene shop including, but not limited to, saws, drills, pneumatics, sewing equipment, welding, and lathe work, • General electrical/lighting knowledge and skills as applied to theatrical use, • Knowledge of theatrical practices in the use of scenic elements on the stage and in the air, as well as the relationships between the various design disciplines and how they impact one another in the creation of a theatrical production, • Knowledge and experience in standard theatrical rigging practices, • Ability to supervise and instruct students in the safe use of various tools found in the scene shop, • Ability to supervise and train students in the construction methods necessary for creating theatrical scenic elements and properties, • Ability to read, comprehend and create scale drawings, as well as the accompanying forms, files, and other documentation necessary to physically mount a stage production (AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Sketchup), • Proficiency with office machines such as computers, copy machines, and fax., • Proficiency in budgeting spreadsheet software such as Excel, Numbers, or Google Sheets, • Ability to receive telephone calls, respond to inquiries, and communicate with others by telephone and email ERGONOMIC REQUIREMENTS: The functions of this position are usually performed standing but may require some amount of time sitting. Some amount of stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, lifting, climbing, walking, carrying and other movements will be required. Tasks involving a computer keyboard, typewriter, the calculator will be necessary as will tasks that require cutting, labeling and taping, sawing, hammering, drilling, stapling, and others that involve extensive wrist hand, and arm movements. All individuals are required to be able to perform these movements without significant risk of injury to themselves or others. QUALIFICATION STANDARDS • Bachelor's Degree in Theater Design or Production, or related discipline, preferred, • High School diploma required, along with the adequate professional experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities, • A minimum of two years experience as a technical director in either the professional entertainment industry and/or educational theatre, • Must have a valid driver's license Job Posted by ApplicantPro