Job (Edmonton): Technical Director – University of Alberta

Theatre Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alberta in Edmonton seeks an experienced Technical Director to lead technical operations for the Drama department. The role is a full-time academic appointment as a Faculty Service Officer, reporting to the Chair and Production Manager, and guiding student learning through mentorship.

Responsibilities include project management, facilities oversight, budget development, and supportive teaching within a dynamic, diverse academic setting.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience as a Technical Director in mid/large scale theatre or academia.
• Proven ability to oversee productions, facilities, timelines, budgets, and staff.
• Experience teaching/mentoring in theatre production contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide project management and administrative support for class and production activities.
• Oversee facilities, equipment, and safety within the drama department.
• Develop and manage production and technical budgets and schedules.
• Contribute to teaching/research activities within the department.

Skills

Technical leadership

Stagecraft knowledge

Teaching/mentoring

Budgeting & scheduling

Education

Master of Fine Arts in Drama/Theatre

Job description

Home » Blog » Job (Edmonton): Technical Director – University of Alberta

The Virgin Trial – Alberta Theatre Projects The Virgin Trial Alberta Theatre Projects

Directed by: Glynis Leyshon

Written by: Kate Hennig

Actors Pictured: Nigel Shawn Williams, Jamie Konchak, Emma Houghton, Conrad Belau & Sarah Orenstein

Set Design: Scott Reid.

Lighting Design: David Fraser

Costume Design: Heather Moore

Photo: Benjamin Laird

Photo Credits

Job (Edmonton): Technical Director – University of Alberta

Job (Edmonton): Technical Director – University of Alberta

Edmonton and the University of Alberta are situated on Treaty 6 territory and are a traditional meeting ground and home for many Indigenous Peoples, including Cree, Saulteaux, Blackfoot, Dene, Métis, and Nakota Sioux.

The University of Alberta is committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and student body; therefore, we encourage applicants from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, as well as Indigenous peoples. In addition, we encourage Two-Spirit/LGBTQ+ candidates, international candidates, trans/women. Those who can contribute to these goals are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in these areas.

The University of Alberta is among Canada’s largest and most-respected research universities. The Department of Drama has an outstanding reputation in entwining theatre practice with theory through a variety of degree offerings, which include liberal arts undergraduate (BA, BA/BEd, BA Honours) and graduate (MA and PhD in Performance Studies and Dramaturgy) qualifications, and its fine arts programs which offer professional training at the undergraduate (BFA specializations in Acting, Stage Management, Design and Technical Production) and graduate level (MFA specializations in Directing, Design, Voice Pedagogy, and Theatre Practice).

The Department of Drama operates the Timms Centre for the Arts, a highly acclaimed theatre complex, and additional training facilities within the adjacent Fine Arts Building. In total, our department’s resources include exclusive use of four performance venues (proscenium stage with full fly tower, two flexible ‘black box’ studios, and a ‘corner stage’ studio), six rehearsal halls, five fully equipped and professionally staffed workshops, and a recording studio. The department currently produces its Studio Theatre series – five public productions per year on its main stage – now in its 70th season, as well as another twenty smaller scale productions staged throughout the department.

We are seeking an experienced Technical Director, who will work effectively and collaboratively to uphold the department’s educational mission, for a full-time academic appointment as a Faculty Service Officer (FSO), a unique role which enjoys an interesting and diverse set of responsibilities. The Drama’s Technical Director, Fine Arts Building oversees many formative projects by guiding student learning through a mentor/apprentice style relationship. The position reports to the department’s Chair, in terms of teaching and research activities, and to the Production Manager for their assigned projects and operational activities. S/he will contribute to department research and evolving practices in the theatre, and will share in the collective day-to-day administration of the department.

The position’s areas of responsibility include:

• Project Management (planning and executing technical and administrative support for department classes and productions – including risk mitigation)
• Human Resource Management (typically consisting of students in technical theatre practicum roles)
• Facility Management (theatrical infrastructure and equipment renewal)
• Financial Management (developing and maintaining production and technical budgets)
• Teaching and Research (provides instruction in contemporary theatre production methodologies, particularly within practicum settings)

Requirements:

The successful applicant must have substantial experience as a Technical Director in a mid or large scale professional and/or academic theatre, or possess related skills and experience. S/he will have proven capacities to oversee theatrical productions, manage facilities, production timelines/budgets/space, and lead production staff. Experience and interest in working within a diverse group of students, faculty and professional staff is essential.

Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts in Drama/Theatre, preferably in a Technical/Production related discipline
• Minimum of ten years of experience in supervisory roles employing management functions within a professional theatre setting (project/facility and operations/health and safety management)
• Generalist skills, knowledge and experience employing current and emerging stagecraft and theatre technology trends
• A minimum of two years’ experience in teaching/mentoring roles
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• The Department of Drama has a record of recognizing substantial theatre experience and training in lieu of a terminal degree.

Secondary assets could include:

Specialist training and experience in a particular facet of stagecraft (e.g. scenic and properties construction, rigging, automation, lighting/audio/video design and technology)

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