POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Technical Director, Theater and Dance
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 2134
GRADE 44
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Production Manager
MAJOR ADMINISTRATOR Head, Theatre and Dance
GENERAL FUNCTION
The primary duty of the Technical Director, Theater and Dance is the coordination of all scenic activities (scenery construction, painting, and props) for departmental productions through producing working drawings, determining the production expenses of projects given the designer drawings, the number of workers available and their level of skill, and the time frame for completion, negotiating alternatives with the director and scenic designer, establishing the production/construction calendar, overseeing and managing the scenic budget, coordinating shop and stage activities with other faculty and staff positions, and overseeing the running crews for all productions.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A Bachelor's degree in Theatre with an emphasis in theatre design/technology is required; a Master of Fine Arts degree (60 hours) in Theatre with an emphasis in theatre design/technology is preferred.
Experience: At least two years of practical work experience in technical production on the university or professional level is required.
Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills are required. Supervisory skills are required. Mechanical skills in the use of hand and power tools and gas and electric welders are required. The ability to read and understand floor plans, design sketches, blueprints, construction plans and the ability to produce working drawings are required.
Effort: The ability to lift and carry materials weighing between 50 - 100 pounds on a daily basis is required.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Helps to assure an effective approach to departmental productions by coordinating all scenic activities for the departmental production season with the Production Manager and ensuring that all production schedule deadlines are met.
2. Assists in moving from design to construction by producing working drawings for scenic construction of designs submitted by resident, student, and visiting designers, determining whether the designer drawings can be executed given the budget, time frame, and the number and the skill levels of workers, negotiating with the director and scenic designer on alternatives, and preparing the production/construction calendar.
3. Provides a comprehensive learning experience for students serving on construction and running crews by assessing skill levels and overseeing the instruction of the technical aspects and safety procedures involved in scenic construction.
4. Facilitates the movement of scenic elements by configuring and affecting the relationship of scenic elements to be shifted manually or mechanically, securing materials for rigging and flying, and calculating the movement patterns for design efficiency and safety.
5. Assures the efficient operation of the shop by overseeing human and material resources and promoting preventive maintenance, preservation, and cleaning of scenery shop tools and equipment.
6. Serves an active role in the education of students by assisting the Stagecraft and Construction I and II classes, mentoring, and supervising student scenic designers.
7. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses and/or conferences, and attending training and/or courses required by the supervisor.
8. Helps to ensure the overall success of the Department of Theatre and Dance by performing all other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Technical Director, Theater and Dance is supervised by the Production Manager, exercises considerable independence in daily operations, and supervises the Theatre Scene Shop Supervisor and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
MAY 2007
