Technical Director & Production Manager

Worcester Center for Performing Arts•Worcester, MA

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Director & Production Manager provides technical direction and production management for The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory’s original and self-produced productions across the BrickBox Theater, Main Stage, and other assigned performance locations. The role leads technical planning and execution from preproduction through strike, translating artistic concepts into safe, practical plans and coordinating schedules, budgets, designers, crews, vendors, and technical systems. The position also collaborates with fellow Production Managers on Main Stage touring and presented engagements, supporting assigned load-ins, technical preparation, changeovers, and load-outs. The position works independently within delegated authority and collaborates with the Head of Production, Programming, THT Rep, Conservatory, stage management, designers, visiting companies, and union and nonunion crews. It oversees technical planning and execution, production budgets and documentation, assigned crews, equipment and systems, and applicable safety and compliance practices. The role is full-time, exempt, and on-site, with work schedules that include evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays aligned with production schedules.

Requirements

Five or more years of progressively responsible professional technical theatre experience, including demonstrated technical direction and production coordination or management for staged work; equivalent combinations of education and experience are considered.
Demonstrated hands-on technical leadership across different performance venues, including adaptable black box spaces and larger proscenium or presenting-house environments.
Experience delivering original productions from planning through strike.
Deep practical knowledge of theatrical lighting control and distribution, audio systems, projection and video, scenic construction, rigging, and stage operations; ability to diagnose problems without routine supervision.
Strong independent judgment, organization, written documentation, budget tracking, vendor coordination, and calm decision-making under live-show pressure.
Ability to balance simultaneous productions and communicate effectively with designers, artists, students, technical specialists, and union crews.
Commitment to respectful collaboration, accessibility, organizational values, and high-quality audience experiences.
Ability to move equipment and scenery, including lifting up to 50 pounds when safely appropriate; team lifts or mechanical assistance are used when needed.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with production planning tools.
Familiarity with ETC Eos, DMX/networked lighting, and digital audio systems.
Experience with professional producing theatre, original works, Main Stage load-ins, visiting touring productions, and union environments.
Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre, theatre production, or a related field; not required where equivalent experience is demonstrated.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical lead for assigned original and self-produced productions at the BrickBox Theater, Main Stage, and other designated locations; assess venue readiness, technical feasibility, equipment, staffing, and production-specific needs.
Assess and operate lighting, sound, video and projection, theatrical electrical distribution, scenic systems, stage machinery, and applicable rigging within training, certification, and approved safety limits.
Interpret design drawings, riders, specifications, technical drawings, cue and system documentation, equipment lists, and implementation plans.
Advance technical requirements with directors, designers, visiting artists, and venue partners; assess feasibility, labor, equipment, schedules, and costs; identify conflicts and escalate material risks.
Participate in scenic builds, installations, load-ins, technical rehearsals, performances, changeovers, strikes, and load-outs for assigned original productions; arrange qualified specialists when needed.
Serve as Production Manager for original and self-produced works across THT Rep, the Conservatory, and other Hanover programming.
Own production schedules, milestones, design and technical meetings, labor plans, budgets, rehearsals, technical periods, load-ins, performance support, strikes, and closeout for assigned original productions.
Coordinate design and production departments, stage management, contractors, and vendors; document decisions, owners, dependencies, and changes.
Prepare technical cost estimates; track approved budgets, purchase orders, rentals, invoices, and labor use; report variances and propose solutions before commitments exceed authorization.
Maintain production files, risk assessments, run-of-show and handoff documentation; lead postproduction technical debriefs and record lessons learned.
Collaborate with fellow Production Managers on Main Stage touring and presented engagements, supporting pre-arrival preparation, equipment and stage readiness, load-ins, changeovers, rehearsals, and load-outs.
Work with the Production Manager assigned to each engagement, house technical personnel, visiting production representatives, IATSE crews, and vendors to resolve technical requirements, troubleshoot problems, and support safe, efficient operations.
Carry out responsibilities assigned by the Head of Production in coordination with fellow Production Managers.
Plan, oversee, and participate in scenic fabrication, installation, and maintenance; manage shop tools, materials, and inventory.
Ensure technical elements are structurally sound and appropriately reviewed; obtain qualified rigging, electrical, or engineering support when needed.
Direct assigned union and nonunion crews for original productions within applicable collective bargaining agreements and established reporting relationships; coordinate work calls, technical handoffs, and readiness meetings.
Coach assigned personnel and students on safe practices and equipment use; coordinate with stage management and other production leads.
Maintain safe stages, shops, and backstage workspaces; enforce applicable PPE, fall protection, ladder and lift, electrical, fire, rigging, and emergency protocols.
Coordinate annual inspections and required certifications with Production leadership and qualified vendors; document findings, corrective actions, and equipment taken out of service.
Maintain preventive maintenance schedules, service logs, equipment inventories, inspection records, and repair priorities for assigned theatrical equipment and systems.
Recommend capital replacements and upgrades with cost, safety, and operational justification; coordinate building-related work with Facilities.
Follow applicable collective bargaining agreements, safety requirements, and internal purchasing approvals; refer contract interpretation or labor disputes to designated leadership.
Perform other duties as assigned and comply with organizational values, rules, and regulations for the safe and efficient operation of all spaces.