Technical Director

POSITION SUMMARY

An active member of Dallas Theater Center (DTC)’s Production Department, the Technical Director is responsible for approving and the realization of all scenic elements as designed by Scenic Designers, lead the management of scenic department personnel, as well as supervise all rigging/carpentry needs of the production department as needed.

The Technical Director reports directly to the Director of Production, and is responsible for effectively supporting the scenic design, ensuring that high artistic standards are met at all times.

This is a full time, exempt position, which is not eligible for overtime. This position includes a full benefits package optional enrollment: medical, dental, and vision insurance, DTC-paid life insurance, voluntary life insurance, 403b programs, complimentary tickets, and generous paid-time off. Some nights and weekends will be required as needed throughout the season.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Director of Production
• Production Manager
• Lead / Staff Carpenters
• Stage Operations Manager
• Overhire Carpenters / Scenic Artists
• Production Department Heads
• Stage Management teams
• Scenic Designer
• Kalita Technical Operations Manager
• AT&T Performing Arts Center House Staff

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• DTC’S Technical Director supervises full time scenic staff – presently consisting of Lead Carpenter, Staff Carpenter, and Stage Operations Manager, and recruits and supervises all scenic, paints, and rigging personnel, contractors, and vendors.
• Lead shop in maintaining a clean and safe workspace, as well as enforcing safe work practices.
• Responsible for creating and maintaining technical drawings of all performances spaces.
• Responsible for the technical design, engineering, drafting, and construction of all scenery.
• Responsible for managing the annual scenic budgets, developing budget estimates, financial projections and staff planning as needed. This includes long range planning, research, and pricing for capital improvements.
• Oversee Scenic Load-In and Strike, providing assistance to other departments as necessary, and coordinating with AT&T Performing Arts Center technical staff when working in spaces controlled by that organization.
• Oversee and enforce safe rigging practices and installation for entire production department.
• Responsible for scenic budget, including creation of labor and materials estimates.
• Attend all departmental, production meetings, tech rehearsals, and preview performances as needed.
• Maintaining effective communication with designer, stage manager, director, and department heads to ensure smooth development and installation of the set throughout the rehearsal and performance process.
• Responsible for maintenance and organization of DTC scenery stock and equipment, including annual A CHRISTMAS CAROL Set.
• Support the Kalita Technical Operations Manager with Scenic/Rigging needs for renters at the Kalita Humphrey’s Theater.
• To perform work in a manner this is consistent with DTC’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Be an active participant in DTC’s work towards equity, diversity, and inclusion and becoming an anti-racist organization by:
  • Participating in all DTC-wide EDI trainings, workshops, or experiences
  • Participating in all EDI learning or experiences cultivated within the Production and/or Scenic Department
• To maintain safe working conditions in keeping with DTC health and safety guidelines and COVID19 Response Protocols.
• Other Duties as assigned

This job description is not exhaustive and is subject to review in conjunction with the post holder and according to future changes/developments.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to work under the stress of deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Must be able to handle a high volume of work and attend to numerous projects concurrently.
• Must be prompt and demonstrate strong time management skills and the ability to work under pressure.
• Must be able to work effectively with all DTC Staff, visiting artists, and AT&T Performing Arts Center staff in co-operative and approachable manner.
• Significant experience and knowledge of following: scenery construction, estimating of time and materials, stage rigging, and mechanical design.
• Oversee and enforce safe rigging practices and installation for entire production department.
• Instill a positive attitude as a team leader, while motivating and managing a team with a variety of experience levels.
• Must be able to comply with all OSHA regulations for creatine and maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Completed and current OSHA10 certification preferred.
• Must be proficient in Dropbox, Microsoft Office Suite, and G-Suite.
• Must be available to work extended work hours at times, including nights and weekends.
• Demonstrated ability to drive box trucks and forklifts preferred.
• Must have a valid US Driver License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Able to sit, stand, and squat for extended periods of time.
• Able to move 50lbs
• Able to work full shifts in non-climate controlled environment.
• Comfortable working at heights.
• Able to work quickly and accurately in a complex and fast-moving environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in Technical Theatre
• MFA in Technical Direction preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience
• Well versed in AutoCAD 2D, 3D capabilities are a plus
• Knowledge of theatrical automation systems, Creative Conners preferred
• Experience with CNC equipment and V-carve preferred.

COVID19 REQUIREMENTS

• Ensure that all work is performing in alignment with DTC’s COVID19 Response Protocols
• Be able to provide documentation of full vaccination of a US-government approved vaccine regime for COVID19, at time of hire.

Dallas Theater Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized because of such a request.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit resume and cover letter via email to hr@dallastheatercenter.org with Technical Director in the subject line.

ABOUT DALLAS THEATER CENTER

One of the leading regional theaters in the country and the 2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award® Recipient, Dallas Theater Center (DTC) performs to an audience of more than 100,000 North Texas residents annually. Founded in 1959, DTC is now a resident company of the AT&T Performing Arts Center and presents its Mainstage season at the Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre, and at its original home, the Kalita Humphreys Theater. DTC is one of only two theaters in Texas that is a member of the League of Resident Theatres, the largest and most prestigious non-profit professional theater association in the country. Under the leadership of Enloe/Rose Artistic Director Kevin Moriarty and Managing Director Jeffrey Woodward, DTC produces a six-play subscription series of classics, musicals and new plays and an annual production of A Christmas Carol; education programs, including the Award-winning Project Discovery and a significant partnership with Southern Methodist University’s Meadows School of the Arts; and many community collaboration efforts with local organizations. In 2017, DTC launched Public Works Dallas, a groundbreaking community engagement and participatory theater project designed to deliberately blur the line between professional artists and community members, culminating in an annual production featuring over 200 Dallas citizens performing a Shakespeare play. Throughout its history, DTC has produced many new works, including recent premieres of Miller, Mississippi by Boo Killebrew; Hood: The Robin Hood Musical Adventure by Douglas Carter Beane and Lewis Flinn; Bella: An American Tall Tale by Kirsten Childs; Clarkston by Samuel D. Hunter; The Fortress of Solitude by Michael Friedman and Itamar Moses; Giant by Michael John LaChiusa and Sybille Pearson, and many more.

As a member of The League of Resident Theaters (LORT), DTC operates under the LORT agreement with Actors’ Equity, the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society and United Scenic Artists.

ABOUT THE DALLAS COMMUNITY

Dallas is a richly diverse modern metropolis in north Texas and is a commercial and cultural hub of the region. Over the years it has become a melting pot of cultures, religions and lifestyles. This important convergence of uniqueness and differences is reflected throughout the sights and sounds of the city. Dallas’ authentic arts, music, food, places of worship, historic landmarks and urban lifestyle all contribute to the city’s makeup. Located in the northeast corner of downtown Dallas, the Dallas Arts District is the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, spanning 68 acres and 19 contiguous blocks. This iconic neighborhood has more buildings.