Technical Director (Theater)

Zach Theater•Austin, TX

1d•$67,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community. The Technical Director is in charge of the on-time and on-budget execution of Scenery for Main Stage, Family Series, Education, and Event productions, including support of Development and Marketing events, at the direction of the Director of Production. This position works in conjunction with the Stage Operations Supervisor and Assistant Technical Director in order to achieve high pace and safe scenery change overs, including leading load-in and load-out of scenery, automation, and special effects. This role maintains budgets, creates calendars, schedules, hires and supervises technical personnel for all operations at the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios, including Scenery and Paint shops. This position is responsible for guiding the scenic construction and engineering decisions throughout the design process including automation and special effects. In conjunction with the Assistant Technical Director, the TD produces accurate and detailed drawing packets including ground plans, sections, and construction drawings for all productions. The TD is responsible for the daily operations of the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios supervising the fabrication and paint shops and their teams and resources.

Requirements

6+ years of scene shop leadership (preferred), including budget and hiring experience OR 3+ years of scene shop leadership and an MFA in Technical Direction or related field, with specific knowledge of Stage Automation practices, equipment, and techniques
Demonstrated planning and organizational skills
Demonstrated ability to work independently or as part of a team
Demonstrated skills in situational leadership, recruiting, hiring, and developing staff
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, manage projects and multitask
Ability to communicate orally and in writing
Ability to interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, and other key stakeholders
Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines, lead personnel and projects, and multitask efficiently
Demonstrated experience in managing artisan teams with multiple priorities and varied needs
Mathematical skills including structural design, geometry, algebra and trigonometry
Demonstrated skills that encompass all areas of theatrical carpentry/ craftsmanship
Ability to produce construction drawings, from concept to shop floor, using both 2D and 3D AutoCAD drafting techniques
Ability to project material and labor costs for scenic units
In depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation
Ability in design and installation of Stage Automation solution, with preferred familiarity of Creative Conners equipment and SpikeMark software
Demonstrated knowledge of 3d Printing, CnC, and other advanced fabrication techniques, specifically in preparatory drafting
Demonstrated knowledge of scenic painting techniques and tools
Working knowledge of MS Office including MS Word and Excel, as well as Google Suite
Ability to operate panel vans and box trucks up to 24’ in length
Ability and desire to be a part of a technical problem solving environment
Willingness to safely operate forklift per Zach protocol after in-house certification
A demonstrated knowledge of stage operations
A general knowledge of equity and union rules
A working knowledge of theatre history and the design processes
Working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems
Ability to perform all work with a direct reflection of the vision, mission, and values of Zach Theater

Nice To Haves

Familiarity of Creative Conners equipment and SpikeMark software

Responsibilities

Supervises the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios Scenic and paint shops including the building and delivery of all scenery, automation, and special effects for all productions–this includes the reviewing, budgeting, scheduling, staffing, drafting, construction, installation/load in, storing, and load out of all theatrical productions
Responsible for the development of engineering and construction solutions for production design, including automation solutions, structural design, rigging solutions, and material specification and procurement
Responsible for the development of build schedules and estimates in coordination with the Assistant Technical Director and Lead Scenic Charge
Supervises the execution of technical and construction drawings by the Assistant Technical Director for all Scenic, Paints, and Properties
Orchestrates Load-In and attends Technical and Dress Rehearsals, and Design Meetings at the Director of Production’s direction
Implements Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios workplace safety program and develops new protocols and processes to maintain safe and best practices in a dynamic workplace, including holding weekly meetings about safety and current productions
Periodic floor rotations to ensure builds are on track with scheduled daily and weekly activities. Frequent check-in with scenic staff to support workflows, provide guidance, and monitor work quality and deadlines
Supervises all scenery and paint staff of the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios including approval of timesheets, PTO requests, performance feedback, review and growth, and hiring/termination of full-time, part-time, and temporary part-time staff
Maintains all production equipment, tools, stock goods, and scenery at the Nowlin-Renaud Scenic Studios
Coordinates all facility repairs, maintenance, inspections, and compliance of the Scenic Studios in coordination with the Zach Facilities Manager and General Manager
Works effectively with the Stage Operations Supervisor, Lighting Supervisor, Audio Visual Manager, and other departments to coordinate and achieve safe, efficient, and high paced changeovers
Keeps the Director of Production informed of any problems within the Scenery Department via weekly budget updates and general sharing of information
Oversees FIFO Materials Inventory system for Scenic Studios
Development and maintenance of production and show budgets, as well as the submission of receipts to Finance according to set deadlines and processes
Works with Development, Director of Production, and the Artistic Director in the scheduling, logistics and technical requirements of company events
Supports technical needs of facility rentals
Other duties as assigned