Assistant Technical Director

Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Shakespeare Theater is seeking an Assistant Technical Director to partner with the Technical Director in planning and managing scenic production for CST shows. The ATD will own assigned projects, translate designs into work plans, and lead crews through safe construction, installation, changeovers, maintenance, and strikes.

Responsibilities include interpreting drawings, coordinating materials, staffing, and collaborating with TD and other departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience in technical direction or scene shop management.
• Experience supervising a large, diverse workforce.
• Ability to read and interpret scenic drawings and technical drawings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to safety and PPE adherence.

Responsibilities

• Manage IATSE technicians and a large workforce of over hire carpenters.
• Create construction drawings and technical designs for CST in-house builds.
• Interpret scenic drawings in the context of the production.
• Plan and lead crews in safe shop and stage operations.
• Coordinate procurement of scene shop materials and supplies.
• Monitor rehearsals and communicate issues to the TD and other departments.
• Coordinate hiring of over hire labor for load-ins and load-outs.
• Track work against schedules and alert the TD to delays or staffing needs.
• Engage in CST committees, events, training and initiatives as needed.
• Represent CST in communications with external technical departments to support performances.

Skills

AutoCAD literacy

3D drafting

Rigging knowledge

Stage engineering

Carpentry

Welding

Project management

People management

Communication

Tools

AutoCAD

3D drafting software

Job description

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Assistant Technical Director (ATD) partners with the Technical Director (TD) in the technical planning and management of scenic production for the Theater’s produced and presented works.The ATD takes ownership of assigned projects and day-to-day shop and stage operations, translating scenic designs and approved technical drawings into clear work plans and leading crews through safe construction, installation, changeovers, maintenance, and strikes.Responsibilities include interpreting and developing working drawings, answering shop staff’s technical questions, coordinating materials and staffing, tracking progress and labor against schedules and budgets, and communicating issues and proposed changes to the TD and other departments.ESSENTIAL DUTIESReasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.Manage IATSE technicians as well as a large workforce of over hire carpentersCreate construction drawings and technical designs for CST in-house buildsInterpret scenic drawings in the context of the full productionAnswer shop staff’s technical questionsIndependently plan and lead crews in the safe execution of assigned shop and stage operationsIn conjunction with the TD, manage off-site build locations, in particular off-site scene shopsCoordinate the procurement of scene shop materials and suppliesCoordinate the implementation of safety programs within the scene shopMonitor technical rehearsals. Takes down notes from the scenic designerRepresent CST in the communication with the technical departments of external collaborators to fully support their performances, on CST stages and in site-specific work throughout ChicagoCoordinate the hiring of over hire labor for load ins and load outsCoordinate the management and hiring of scenic charge artistsTrack assigned work against schedules and alert the Technical Director to delays, staffing needs, or technical issues early enough to adjust the planHelp maintain scene shop inventoriesEngage in committees, events, training and other initiatives as neededModels CST’s core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethosOther duties as assignedCOMPETENCIESAutoCAD literacy and drafting abilities; 3D drafting capabilitiesWorking knowledge of all aspects of scenic technical design and productionKnowledge of rigging, stage engineering, scenic construction techniques, carpentry, welding, and safe working practices in the theaterProject management and decision makingDemonstrated exceptional human management skills in a fast-paced environmentExcellent verbal and written communication skillsMission-drivenWORK ENVIRONMENTWork hours are generally 7am-3pm, Monday through Friday, but may be scheduled earlier or later depending on needOvertime hours will be necessaryEvening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessaryWorksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks or other off-site performance venuesWill work in a variety of environments including but not limited to construction shops, stages, trap rooms, catwalks and grids, warehouses, exposed loading docks, and outdoorsWork environment may sometimes be dirty, noisy, in low-light, or in a tight or cramped spaceWill be exposed, at times, to potentially hazardous materials and equipmentWill regularly be required to wear PPE during work activitiesPHYSICAL DEMANDPerform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pullingAbility to sit or stand for long periods of timeAbility to work at a computer for hours at a timeWork at height in locations including but not limited to catwalks, grids, ladders, and geniesPerform a variety of physical tasks while wearing safety equipment including body harness, hardhat, and safety glassesPush, pull, lift, and move up to 50 lbs. at times on a repetitive basisUse of manual dexterity in the operation of toolsMINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEA minimum of five years of experience in technical direction, scene shop management or stage operations supervision at a large regional theater or equivalentDIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENTCST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.