Technical Theater Director

The technical director (TD) reports to the director of fine arts and will coordinate all technical aspects of the Wesleyan theater program, K-12. In addition, this specialist will oversee the operation of Powell Theater (450 seat proscenium), Lencke Theater (100 seat Blackbox), and Bowen Cafetorium. The technical director will supervise the assistant technical director. This position is a 10-month position plus flexible summer responsibilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The technical director will:

• In conjunction with the middle and high school theater directors, and with the help of the assistant technical director and student technical crew, the technical director is responsible for the execution of all technical aspects of fine arts productions and performances, including:
  • Design and construct sets, set pieces, and props for all middle and high school theater productions.
  • Utilize standard theatrical practices, engineering techniques, and quality to build sets, set pieces, and props.
  • Operate, protect, and maintain the theater’s technical assets, including lighting, sound equipment, rigging, shop tools, etc.
  • With the directors, coordinate the use of assets between Powell Theater and Lencke Theater.
  • Provide direction in the areas of design, safety, shop efficiencies, and equipment care.
  • Set up and maintain accounts with local materials vendors. Order materials, return unused materials, and arrange receiving and pick-up.
  • Manage production budget.
  • Supervise volunteers to ensure all tools are being used properly and designs are built efficiently and to safety standards.
  • Provide additional set up expertise for other departments and vendors using Powell Theater, Lencke Theater, and Bowen Cafetorium performance venues including manipulation of theatrical rigging, curtains, lighting, sound, and staging.
• Guide and train inexperienced students and volunteers in after school programs on various aspects of technical theater, to include set construction, set design, lighting, and sound design.

• Provide professional consultation in the purchase of new equipment for the theatrical venues.

• Act as a mentor/ role model to Wesleyan theater students, sharing knowledge, skills, and guidance.

• Maintain membership in USITT (United States Institute for Theater Technology).

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor’s degree in fine arts is preferred, but not required.
• Technical theater experience in both educational and professional settings is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in working with youth.
• Basic knowledge of AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or other design software is preferred.
• Competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Teams, etc.).

PERSONAL QUALITIES 

• Grounding in the Christian faith and a strong interest in providing students with Christ-centered education.
• Detail-oriented and self-starting.
• Possesses a personal mission to serve young adults.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Strong work ethic, patient, creative, and adaptable to change.
• Team player, able to lead and follow.
• Works well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds.