Technical Supervisor
About The Position
Penn State Harrisburg is seeking a Technical Supervisor for the Mukund S. Kulkarni Theatre. Reporting directly to the Technical Director, this position serves as the primary operational support and backup, extending operational capacity and ensuring continuity of daily theatre operations. The Technical Supervisor provides advanced technical expertise, operational coordination, scenic construction, and independent problem-solving for theatrical productions, academic programming, campus events, touring performances, and community events. Because this role actively oversees live productions and event execution, it requires a flexible schedule, including regular evening and weekend hours to supervise student staff and ensure the overall success of events. Working collaboratively with the Technical Director, Performing Arts Operations Specialist, Special Events staff, faculty, students, community partners, and visiting artists, this role supervises student employees and contracted crews while promoting a safe, efficient, and high-quality performing arts environment.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, Event Production, Arts Administration, or a related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience), plus 3 years of progressively responsible experience in technical theatre, live event production, or performing arts operations.
- Experience supervising student employees or production crews.
- Demonstrated experience in scenic construction, lighting, audio, video, stage operations, theatrical rigging, and streaming technologies.
- Proficiency in theatre operations, production coordination, equipment maintenance, inventory management, customer service, and safety management.
- Strong communication skills, independent judgment, and operational problem-solving abilities.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education performing arts, institutional special events, and touring productions.
- Experience with livestreaming and hybrid events.
- Experience with ETC, Dante, QLab, Vectorworks, and Microsoft 365.
Responsibilities
- Lead setup, operation, troubleshooting, and strike for productions and events.
- Operate lighting, audio, video, projection, staging, rigging, and streaming/broadcasting systems.
- Interpret technical documentation and serve as Technical Supervisor, Crew Chief, Board Operator, or Lead Technician.
- Support touring shows, guest artists, recordings, and multimedia presentations.
- Coordinate work calls, rehearsals, load-ins, strikes, venue changeovers, and performance space prep.
- Participate in production meetings, post-event evaluations, and planning/implementation alongside faculty, staff, students, clients, and vendors.
- Construct, install, modify, and strike scenic elements based on technical drawings.
- Operate and maintain scene shop tools and equipment, maintain shop organization, and train/supervise student employees in construction and shop safety.
- Inspect, troubleshoot, repair, and conduct preventive maintenance on theatre systems.
- Maintain equipment inventories and records; recommend upgrades and replacements.
- Assist with recruiting, scheduling, training, supervising, and mentoring student employees.
- Assign work, track hours, monitor performance, develop crew leaders, and provide hands-on technical instruction.
- Maintain event calendars, run sheets, work orders, paperwork, and purchasing documentation.
- Conduct safety inspections, maintain safety records, and enforce compliance with University safety policies.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Robust retirement plans
- Substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
- 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
