Technical Director for Dance and Entertainment

Oklahoma City University • Oklahoma City, OK

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About The Position

Oklahoma City University invites applications for a nine-month, non-tenure-track, full-time faculty position beginning in January 2027 or August 2027. The Technical Director for Dance and Entertainment teaches basic-to-intermediate entertainment production courses and supports co-curricular productions and activities. Assigned work may include technical direction, production oversight, and possibly design for events such as the Student Choreography Show, Star Dance Company shows, the Community Dance Center Showcase, and university graduation ceremonies. The role also maintains theatrical equipment and venues used by the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment, serves on department and school committees, and stays current with developments in entertainment management and production, particularly technical theatre equipment and trends.

The successful candidate participates in departmental assessment, advising, and student recruitment and retention. They are expected to contribute to a collaborative faculty environment and help develop and nurture a program for students pursuing varied careers in musical theatre and entertainment. The position involves teaching and working in studios, classrooms, and theatre facilities, with varied hours that may include early mornings, evenings, and weekends, and travel when assigned.

The Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment prepares arts and entertainment managers and dancers for the American entertainment industry. It includes the Arts Management and Dance departments and offers degree programs in entertainment business, dance management, American dance pedagogy, dance science, and dance performance.

Requirements

• One or more of the following: an MFA in technical theatre or a related field; an MBA and extensive professional entertainment technology, touring, and/or production experience; or a bachelor's degree in technical theatre, design and production, or an entertainment-related field and extensive professional production experience.
• Knowledge of technical production, such as technical direction, lighting, sound, set design, union rules, and contracts.
• Ability to manage productions.
• Commitment to developing and nurturing a program aimed at students seeking varied roles in the musical theatre and entertainment industry.
• Appreciation of American theatrical dance.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite programs, including Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, software related to lighting and sound design.
• Ability to follow the policies and procedures of the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment and commitment to the school's vision.
• Collegiality, professional conduct, and teamwork.
• Ability to perform sustained physical activity, including lifting and carrying equipment and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds; bending, stooping, climbing, and reaching.
• Ability to work at heights and in lighting attic spaces, move quickly between audience and stage areas at different levels, and work in low-light theatrical environments.
• Ability to work in studios, lecture in classrooms, and perform activities in theatre facilities, with prolonged exposure to theatre and studio sound equipment volume levels.
• Adequate hearing to communicate in person, by phone, and through theatrical headset systems; near vision sufficient to read written communications and computer displays; and night vision sufficient for safe movement in low-light theatrical environments.
• Ability to work outdoors when traveling between buildings or off campus, including loading theatrical equipment in and out of performance spaces.
• Ability to work varied hours, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends, for classes, rehearsals, and rehearsal or production monitoring.
• Ability and willingness to travel locally, nationally, and internationally when assigned.
• Ability to drive vans and/or trucks for show productions, with a valid driver's license and solid driving record.

Nice To Haves

• University teaching experience is preferred.
• Qualifications to teach Stage Management are preferred but not required.
• Qualifications in Touring for the Performing Arts, Contracts for Performers, Venue Management, or Event Management are a plus.
• Theatrical design or lighting design experience is a plus.
• Event and venue management experience is a plus.
• Theatrical touring experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Teach basic-intermediate entertainment production courses as assigned, including Arts Management and Production Levels 1, 2, and 3.
• Handle assigned co-curricular program activities, including technical direction, production oversight, and possibly design for student and university productions and events.
• Maintain theatrical equipment and venues used by the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment as assigned.
• Serve on arts management department and school committees as assigned.
• Stay current in entertainment management and production, particularly technical theatre equipment and industry trends.
• Participate in the department's assessment program, advising activities, and student recruiting and retention efforts.
• Develop and nurture a program for students seeking work in the musical theatre and entertainment industry in a variety of capacities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, including in team-taught or collaboratively taught courses.
• Travel locally, nationally, and internationally when assigned to activities involving road or air travel; drive vans and/or trucks for show productions when required.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• University-paid life insurance.
• University-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Tuition remission for employees and qualifying dependents who wish to take classes or pursue a degree at OCU.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level