Technical Director

Coker University•Hartsville, SC

17h•Onsite

About The Position

This position plays a vital role primarily in, but not limited to, designing and executing the technical aspects of a variety of productions and events presented in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center. The TD fosters a positive and inclusive environment that encourages teamwork and nurtures professional and personal growth among students and staff. The position is full-time (12-months) and renewable, beginning June 1, 2026 or not later than July 1, 2026. Salary and benefits are competitive. The position reports to the Director of the McCall School of Visual and Performing Arts. The TD maintains a full-time schedule of day, evening, and occasional weekend, hours primarily focused on university performances from the Music, Dance, and Theater programs, and many rental events. Additional compensation comes from work on rental events outside of regular business hours. This is an excellent opportunity for a passionate and experienced individual dedicated to teaching theatre arts, fostering creativity, initiating collaborations, and pursuing excellence in academic and creative spaces.

Requirements

Master of Fine Arts in Technical Theatre or Scenic Design; or An advanced degree in another field with applicable technical director experience.
Minimum 3-5 years as a TD or ATD, preferably in higher education and with teaching experience
Designing and building productions (theatre, musical theatre, concert, dance, and others)
Theatre technology skills, not limited to, operating lighting and sound system consoles, live-streaming systems, projections, stage rigging, sewing machines, and incorporating other scenic construction techniques
Designing with CAD software (AutoCAD or Vectorworks)
Leading production development with flexibility and problem-resolving
Prioritizing workflow in a fast-paced environment involving heavy phone, walk-in, and computer contact
Managing ticket management software
Working easily with diverse populations
Developing and maintaining meaningful, collegial working relationships with students, faculty, and staff across campus departments

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage all day-to-day operations in the Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Performing Arts Center, including The Watson Theater, the Black Box Theater, the Stein Gallery (Lobby), production spaces, dressing rooms, and the green room
Produce a variety of university and external stakeholder performances and events in the Performing Arts Center
Lead all technical aspects of productions chiefly lighting design and sound engineering, stage management , and set design and construction
Ensure stage and scene shop safety, according to industry best practices
Maintain stage and scene shop equipment, organizing annual inspections
Attend and contribute to weekly faculty and production meetings
Serve as a creative thought partner to the McCall School dean and director, faculty, students, and staff
Coordinate with administration, faculty, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operation of theatrical events, performances, and streaming of live events
Deploy strong organization and communication skills to accomplish multiple tasks and set priorities
Compile and submit requisitions for supplies and equipment related to technical aspects of productions and events
Recruit, train, and supervise student and work-study crews for various technical roles, providing mentorship and guidance
Have the opportunity occasionally to teach 3 hours in a semester as needed
Offer ideas that support student success
Manage students with respect in the scene shop
Commit to and contribute actively to Coker's mission