Technical Director

Pay Rate Range $54,000 – $57,000

Job Summary

Kingsbury Hall and UtahPresents is looking for a Technical Director. The Technical Director, reports to the Production Manager and works in tandem with the full-time Head Electrician and Head Audio Engineer to plan and execute events and maintain all systems in a busy, historic theatrical venue. This role is hands-on and oversees a wide range of stage operations; counterweight fly rail, rigging, deck, truck loading, etc.; to lighting, audio, projection, video streaming, and all aspects of live entertainment presentation. They’ll oversee the hiring, scheduling, and training of part-time and contract technicians as needed.

Kingsbury Hall is a 1900-seat proscenium theatre in the heart of University of Utah that hosts a wide spectrum of events including the UtahPresents Series, campus events, student performances, as well as numerous rental events for community groups and national promoters. Genres include music, theater, dance, comedy, film screenings, lectures, conferences, graduations, and more. Support may extend to other UtahPresents presentations in other venues, several times a year.

UtahPresents highly values individuals who can actively contribute to the diversity of perspectives, experiences, cultural backgrounds, and expertise within our staff.

Responsibilities         

Operations/Equipment:

• Supervises assigned stage activities, primarily ensuring all operations are executed safely and efficiently. Communicates progress and modifications to Production Manager and Operations Director for accurate billing and accounting of event services.
• Keeps events on time, communicating variances with clients, show personnel, and front-of-house personnel as appropriate.
• Advises production managers, lighting, and sound designers, on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show. With other venue department heads supervises the implementations of approved technical designs.
• Creates venue paperwork for events including drafting plans, plots, and lineset schedules to assist productions working in the venue. Ensures crew calls times and break times will fall within venue policy.
• Attends planning and production meetings and site visits as needed.
• Operates, maintains, and safeguards the technical assets of the theatre, maintaining an accurate inventory and maintenance schedule. Continuously makes recommendations on purchasing and rental needs based on event bookings.
• Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; performs preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Develops and updates all safety and emergency protocol, ensuring the production team and visitors are aware and upholding Kingsbury Hall standards.

Supervisory/Training:

• Oversees recruiting, training, and scheduling of part-time and contract crew. Proficient in teaching skills with the ability to train and work with employees at all levels of proficiency ranging from new students to seasoned professionals.
• Ensures training and communication of proper evacuation or shelter in place processes for backstage personnel in an emergency. During an emergency, coordinates with front-of-house for full accountability.
• Work with a great deal of independence and exercise independent judgment in performing a wide variety of duties. Must be punctual and able to work a variable schedule, including nights, weekends, and long shifts.
• A steady energy level and calm demeanor; ability to navigate challenges with creativity, flexibility, patience, tenacity, and empathy.
• A team-based approach to the work environment.

Technical Proficiency:

• Ability to draft and interpret technical drawings, stage plots, technical riders, and other applicable production documentation. Proficiency in Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD.
• Proficient in counterweight and chain motor rigging practices. ETCP certification a plus.
• Demonstrated familiarity with common stage electrics and lighting equipment:
  • ETC, High End, ChamSys, etc. consoles
  • Stage lighting fixtures, both conventional/intelligent, and cabling
  • Vectorworks and Lightwright
• Demonstrated familiarity with live audio engineering and equipment including:
  • QLab
  • Digital and analog consoles
  • RF Spectrum management
  • Allen & Heath DLive Series, Dante Networking, and Q-SYS
• Demonstrated familiarity with projection and video switching, scaling, and distribution. Experience with LED video wall a plus.
  • QLab, PowerPoint, Keynote, etc.
• As a key technical representative for the venue, demonstrates excellent customer service and is a willing and collaborative participant in the department and campus community, helping with inter-departmental projects.
• General duties include moving and assembling stage platforms, operating hydraulic orchestra lift, operating counterweight rigging system, rigging with ropes, steel, chain hoists and chain motors. Loading and unloading equipment from trucks, stacking and safely maneuvering cases, etc.
• Proficiency in basic office computer systems including Mac OS, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams, Slack, networked AV, ZOOM productions, cloud-based storage systems, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

Six (6) years of experience in stage lighting, production audio, theatrical rigging, and/or theatrical production management, of which two (2) must have been supervisory; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Apply at utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/156512