Assistant Technical Director

St.Edward's University; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Edward's University in Austin, Texas, seeks an Assistant Technical Director to join the MMNT production team. This key role supports the technical director in delivering scenic, sound, properties, and lighting elements for productions while mentoring student crews.

The ideal candidate will have a BFA or BA in technical theater and two years of professional experience, along with strong carpentry and communication skills. The position requires a commitment to collaboration and safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of professional experience in a professional scene shop.
• Two years of experience as a scenic carpenter required.
• Ability to lift materials up to 50 pounds occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Support technical director and staff in planning and execution of scenic, sound, props, and lighting elements.
• Assist with construction load-in and day-to-day management of scene shop projects.
• Maintain a safe working environment and implement quality control standards.

Skills

Theatrical design knowledge

Carpentry skills

Sound engineering basics

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Proficiency in AutoCAD

Strong communication skills

Education

BFA or BA in technical theater

Tools

QLab

Job description

Overview

Mary Moody Northen Theatre/Department of Performing Arts, St. Edward's University, Austin, Texas, invites applications for the position of Assistant Technical Director. The Assistant Technical Director is a key member of the MMNT production team. This role works under the supervision of the Technical Director and closely with production teams and student technical crews to implement the technical theater elements related to scenic designs and construction, sound installation, properties construction and acquisition, light hanging and focus, and the execution of special effect requirements for all MMNT productions and course-related presentations. MMNT is the producing arm of the St. Edward's University Department of Performing Arts and operates under a University-Resident Theatre Agreement with Actors' Equity Association and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group.

Qualifications

• BFA or BA in technical theater or related field and a minimum of two years of professional experience in a professional scene shop or related theater experience. A combination of education and professional experience will be considered.
• Two years of experience as a scenic carpenter required.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction techniques and theatrical design.
• Ability to interpret and execute designer drawings.
• Secondary knowledge in theatrical sound engineering and design preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, QLab and AutoCAD.
• Strong organizational, oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work with tight deadlines.
• Commitment to working in a collaborative environment serving a wide variety of constituents.
• Physically able to lift various materials up to 50 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Comfortable working at heights in excess of 20 feet in a lift and on a tension mesh grid.
• Knowledge of Actors' Equity Association guidelines preferred.
• Ability to comply with workplace guidelines and policies including safety and Title IX protocols.
• Successful completion of an employment and/or criminal history background check required.

Essential Responsibilities Include

• Support the MMNT Technical Director and staff while working closely with production designers in regard to the planning and execution of all MMNT scenic, sound, props and lighting production elements. Ensure all production elements are delivered within budget and on schedule.
• Assist with construction and load-in of each production and the day-to-day management of scene shop projects.
• Work with TD and designers to analyze designs, estimate costs, and confirm the build plan on assigned projects.
• Effectively communicate and cooperate with designers and production teams, articulating the shop's ability to deliver designs.
• Follow production calendars, shop schedules, protocols, and procedures in concert with MMNT staff, faculty and guest designers.
• Attend production and departmental meetings, as well as dry techs, technical and other rehearsals as needed.
• Read and review all rehearsal and performance reports; reply with answers and information in a timely manner.
• Assist in the coordination of the daily shop schedule to ensure timely completion of notes and the continued flow of project builds.
• Maintain a safe working environment and implement current professional standards and quality control for MMNT.
• Ensure safe operations and oversee repair and cleaning of shop equipment; schedule maintenance in a timely and cost-effective manner.
• Create a positive and supportive work environment while mentoring, instructing and managing student work crews. (May include weekend work calls.)
• Assist with instruction of safe and effective construction techniques with the scene shop staff.
• Advise and instruct student stage managers and running crew on proper operation of all show elements.
• Assist practicum faculty and TD in training and scheduling student work and running crews.
• Assist with mentoring and supervising students in the lab portion of the technical skills course as needed.
• Organize and attend "strikes" for each production as needed.
• Participate in administrative projects such as purchasing and maintaining materials, maintaining production records, budgeting, and expense reports.
• Secure and drive university vehicles when necessary.
• Responsible for regulatory and policy compliance as it applies to the position.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

How To Apply

Interested applicants should submit an online application at https://stedwards.applicantpro.com. Please include resume, cover letter, and three employment references. No calls. Applications will not be considered if any of these items are missing.

Equal Opportunity Employer

St. Edward's University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.