Experienced Technical Director for Theatre Productions - Leadership Role in a Dynamic and Collaborative Environment

Introduction to Trinity University and the Role

Trinity University, a renowned institution dedicated to academic excellence and creative expression, is seeking an experienced and skilled Technical Director to join its vibrant team in the Human Communication Theatre department. As a Technical Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing the technical aspects of four co-curricular mainstage productions and visiting guest artist theatre companies for the '24-'25 Academic Year and subsequent academic years. This is a unique opportunity to work with a talented team of students, designers, and professionals in a dynamic and collaborative environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in theatre production.

Key Responsibilities

As the Technical Director, your primary responsibilities will include:

• Providing technical direction for all productions, ensuring seamless execution and high-quality outcomes.
• Generating detailed build and installation schedules, taking into account production needs, resource availability, and student worker schedules.
• Overseeing the fabrication and installation of scenic elements, including drafting designs, purchasing supplies, managing budgets, and maintaining safe working conditions.
• Offering technical support for lighting, sound, rigging, and projections as required.
• Supervising and managing a team of student workers, a part-time employee, and a professional assistant in the Scene Shop, ensuring effective collaboration and skill development.
• Developing and engineering construction plans based on designer drafts, deciding on construction methods, materials, and equipment.
• Maintaining scenic, lighting, and property studios, tools, equipment, and supplies, as well as ensuring the upkeep of all equipment in theatre spaces and organization of storage areas.

Essential Qualifications

To be considered for this role, you must possess:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution.
• At least three years of experience supervising or managing scenic, lighting, and sound studio workers, workflow, and budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and mentor a diverse range of students, focusing on professional-level work in a safe environment.
• Experience as a Technical Director, with a strong understanding of technical theatre production principles and practices.
• Highly organized, professional, and positive, with strong leadership and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to plan and manage multiple tasks, projects, and demands, meeting immovable deadlines.
• Strong carpentry and metalworking skills, with working computer knowledge, including experience with Vectorworks, CAD, and CNC programming (preferred).
• Excellent knowledge of best practices for current construction and rigging techniques, as well as expert knowledge of scenic and property construction methods and techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

While not essential, the following qualifications are highly desirable:

• A Dual Master's Degree of Fine Arts in Lighting Design and Technical Production.
• Experience in sound design, sound reinforcement, sound equipment, and operation, as well as projections.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies employed in theatre production, including 3-D modeling, 3-D printing, and CNC-controlled fabrication.
• Expert knowledge of and practical experience with welding and metal fabrication.
• Expert knowledge of sound design, computerized sound control, and execution.
• ETCP-Entertainment Electrician and ETCP-Theatre Rigger certifications.

Skills and Competencies

To succeed in this role, you will require:

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a team of students and professionals.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, with the capacity to identify and resolve technical issues efficiently.
• Ability to work at heights on various ladders and AWPs, with a strong focus on safety and risk management.
• Comfort and experience working with undergraduate students, with a commitment to mentoring and skill development.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

As a Technical Director at Trinity University, you will have access to a range of career growth opportunities and learning benefits, including:

• Professional development and training programs, focusing on technical theatre production, leadership, and management.
• Collaboration with experienced professionals and academics in the field, providing opportunities for knowledge sharing and networking.
• Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars, staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in technical theatre production.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment, fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in theatre production.

Work Environment and Company Culture

Trinity University is committed to providing a positive and inclusive work environment, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a Technical Director, you will be part of a vibrant and collaborative team, working together to achieve excellence in theatre production. Our company culture values:

• Respect, empathy, and open communication.
• Collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support.
• Innovation, creativity, and risk-taking.
• Continuous learning and professional development.
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

Trinity University offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including:

• A comprehensive health insurance plan, with medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• A generous retirement plan, with employer matching contributions.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Access to professional development and training programs, with opportunities for career growth and advancement.
• A dynamic and supportive work environment, with a strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being.

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and experienced technical theatre professional, with a passion for leadership, collaboration, and innovation, we encourage you to apply for this exciting role. As a Technical Director at Trinity University, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented team of students and professionals, fostering creativity, excellence, and growth in theatre production. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to join our dynamic and collaborative environment – apply now and take the first step towards an exciting and rewarding career in technical theatre production.