Technical Director - Point Park University

POSITION: Technical Director

DEPARTMENT: Playhouse

REPORTS TO: General Manager/Producer

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Technical Director works in a creative, fast-paced educational and community-building environment with technical, management, and administrative responsibilities. This position is responsible for the safety, maintenance and utilization of the technical theater elements of Pittsburgh Playhouse. The Technical Director supports both COPA staff and students, guest directors and designers and both internal and external events in developing and managing produced, presented, and educational work at Pittsburgh Playhouse. Depending on background, skill sets, and organization needs, the Technical Director may also have the opportunity to teach technical theater classes for additional compensation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in theatre or equivalent with at least three years practical experience in professional theatre.
• Five years of professional scenic construction experience with a thorough knowledge of construction and scenic techniques.
• Ability to create accurate build drawings utilizing AutoCAD to draft in 3D, knowledge of Vectorworks a plus.
• Knowledge of theatrical scenery construction (lumber and steel).
• Strong writing and oral communication skills.
• Ability to think critically and problem solve while keeping big picture goals and parameters in mind.
• Ability to delegate and lead a team.
• Candidates must be resourceful, flexible, organized, and collaborative.
• Knowledge of and experience with theatrical automation, electric motors, electrical wiring, and pneumatic systems a plus.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Word and Excel.
• Strong skills in scenic carpentry and other disciplines such as metal working, plastics, rigging, mechanization, or soft goods.
• Understanding of structural and mechanical design.
• Understanding of OSHA general industry, OSHA construction industry, and other workplace safety standards.
• Able to climb ladders, use personnel lifts, and work in high places.
• Ability to drive a large cargo van.
• Understanding of design concepts, and the ability to communicate them effectively

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 4 direct reports

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Resident expert on technical assets including, but not limited to set, light, sound, and rigging infrastructure and equipment. Maintain Playhouse's technical assets in good working order; perform preventative maintenance and/or arrange for repair with approval of Production Manager and/or General Manager. (5%)

2. Provide a comprehensive learning experience for students enrolled in theatre practicum including apprentice, federal work studies and production students by instructing and supervising them in the technical aspects and safety procedures of theatre technical direction. Assigning tasks to student assistants and crews, supervising students in the operation of various technical theatre assignments. Oversee & approve time sheets from students and employees whom directly report to the Technical Director. (10%)

3. Acting as the last line of defense for technical problems. Responsible for safety regarding materials, methods of construction, and handling of shop and stage machinery. Determine potential health and safety hazards and recommend alternative solutions; implement alternatives as appropriate. Maintain all safety standards during set construction including tool maintenance. Make all efforts to maintain an accident-free learning and work environment by enforcing safety rules and supervising students when operating scenery shop tools and equipment.(10%)

4. Serve as proactive technical consultant to all directors and designers on use and capabilities of Playhouse equipment and spaces. Acting as the technical point of contact for renters and outside productions. Schedule technical staff for events or performances as needed.(5%)

5. Evaluate scenic designs for feasibility, safety, cost, viability, labor force, and audience comfort and engagement (e.g., sight lines, ADA compliance). Help to develop creative solutions when confronting design challenges relating to structure, material, cost, size, weight, and/or artistic objective of scenic units. (10%)

6. Create working (technical) drafting and drawings from designer sketches and produce construction and load in drawings for the shop staff. Produce working drawings for each element of the set to be constructed incorporating necessary changes in conjunction with scenic designer to meet production deadlines. (15%)

7. Maintain and oversee the entire show build. Work with the Scenic Shop Foreman and Scenic Charge to manage flow of materials and scenic units throughout the shops. Purchase and schedule pick-up or delivery of scenic build materials. Ensure the production of theatre scenery and sets is on schedule by determining the kind and amount of materials required and the tools or equipment needed, the order and sequence involved in the fabrication of single items or complete units, and the time required to meet production deadlines. Coordinate shop usage with prop and paint departments. Schedule staff, coordinate theatre usage with prop, electrics, sound, video and paint departments. (10%)

8. Schedule and lead meetings for working drawings, punch lists, plot/line-sets and organize and lead load-ins, strikes, and safety walk-throughs. Attend all production meetings. Read and respond to stage manager and departmental reports for repairs and notes. (5%)

9. Oversee and assisting on technical elements throughout technical processes. Oversee the dismantling of scenery at close of productions; determine units to be destroyed or saved for future use. (10%)

10. Collect expense reports and vacation requests for approval. Maintain communication with University departments, particularly regarding students apprentice and work study matters. (5%)

11. Participate in long term project planning and physical improvements in production

shops, other building spaces, and storage areas. (5%)

12. Maintain an amicable working relationship with all other department heads and employees. Should problem solve issues with direct supervisor. (5%)

13. Contributes to the overall success of the theatre by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned. (5%)

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Regular exposure to unfavorable conditions such as weather conditions, or confined, noisy, or dirty locations; The scope of the job requires working evenings and/or weekends, particularly prior to openings of theatre production presentations or special events.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The ability to lift and carry materials weighing between 50 - 100 pounds on a case-by-case basis is required. The position may require prolonged standing, frequent bending or stooping and climbing of steps and ladders. Occasionally may be required to work on stage grid at a height of 100 feet. Job may require being in contact with theatrical haze or strobing lights.
• Job requires repetitively lifting average weight objects with repetitive bending and stooping. Frequently lifts heavy objects but alternating with lighter activities. Job may require physical exertion such as long periods of standing. Job may require above-average agility and dexterity.
• Major portion of job activity requires heavy lifting or considerable and strenuous physical exertion such as frequent climbing of tall ladders,or crouching or crawling in restricted areas.