Technical Director

JOB TITLE: Technical Director             

DEPARTMENT:  School of Theater

REPORTS TO:  Associate Producer

Summary:

Under the supervision of the Associate Producer of the School of Theater, the Technical Director is responsible for building/fabricating and installing the physical elements of the production and development project work that makes up the School of Theater season. They will interact with designers (both student and professional) to problem-solve, partner on material choices, and oversee all of the physical elements of our theatrical work (including audience seating) are installed according to the needs of the designs and the resources available. They are charged to create a safe and joyful environment for students, guest artists, and staff.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Engineering and construction of scenic needs for all Theater production projects. This will include building new items as well as the acquisition and transport of prebuilt/found/borrowed objects
• Production planning, including attending production meetings and staff meetings to discuss the construction and load in/out of all scenic elements, coordinated across multiple departments
• Attendance at technical rehearsals, previews, and post mortems as needed to support the production team, complete scenic notes, and develop and hone best practices for a joyful and safe work environment.
• Planning and supervision of all scenic labor, including student work study and professional independent contractors, in the shop, performance venues, and all ancillary spaces. This will include the supervision of hiring and payroll paperwork, and ensuring students receive quality mentorship.
• Purchasing of all shop and production related supplies, and maintaining relationships with relevant vendors. Regular reconciliation of production budgets and monthly purchasing reconciliation based on University policies
• Maintenance of all associated shop, storage, and venue spaces, in coordination with other production staff. Ensuring drawings of spaces are accurate and sent out in a timely manner.
• Working in collaboration with the Associate Producer and School Dean, making sure design deadlines are met, pricing out design elements for execution, and making sure projects stay within the given budget parameters.
• Coordinating with the University the specifics of using non-traditional spaces for performance and development projects.
• Prioritizing audience and shop safety, and meeting codes (including but not limited to rights of occupancy, fire code, building regulations, university safety policies, and all the aspects suggested herein).
• Other related duties as assigned by the Associate Producer and Dean.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent; they do not purport to describe all functions.  Incumbent may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may change from time to time as necessary.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience) preferred

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience in the area of theatrical construction and planning. Preferred 5+ years

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Technical expertise in theatrical construction and rigging
• Written and oral communication skills paired with analytical thinking and strategic intellect, and care.
• AutoCAD, Vectorworks, Photoshop, and other standard drafting and design software
• Fluency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite Applications
• Valid driver’s license required
• Welding and/or Rigging certification a plus

Supervisory Responsibility:

• Scheduling and supervision of student and independent contractor labor for scenic construction, installation, and load out.

About The University:

University of the Arts’ mission is simple: to advance human creativity. Established in 1876, UArts believes creativity is the most essential skill for success in today’s society and has educated generations of groundbreaking artists, performers, designers and creative leaders for more than 141 years.  After being granted university status in 1987, University of the Arts became the largest institution of its kind in the nation, offering programs in design, fine arts, media arts, crafts, music, dance, theater and writing. It now features 30 undergraduate arts majors, 15 graduate programs and the nation’s first PhD program in Creativity. UArts is also home to innovative centers across disciplines, including the Center for Immersive Media, Lightbox Film Center, Philadelphia Art Alliance and Rosenwald-Wolf Gallery. Learn more about UArts.

TO APPLY: Interested, qualified applicants should submit letters of application and resumes to the Human Resources Department via email to jobs@uarts.edu.
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