Lead Experience Design & Production Technical Director

CalArts Extended Studies; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

CalArts' School of Theater seeks a forward-thinking Special Faculty member who also serves as Technical Director to bridge teaching and practice across a multi-show season. The role blends curricular development, coursework, and mentorship with oversight of production work in a safe, dynamic environment.

You will lead technical execution, structural design, safety, and budgets while mentoring BFA/MFA students and guiding student productions, including coordination across Modular Theater, Black

Qualifications

• MFA or equivalent professional experience required.
• Minimum 5 years as a Technical Director in relevant settings.
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD/Vectorworks and rigging.
• Strong commitment to teaching and mentoring diverse students.

Responsibilities

• Teach specialized courses in technical direction and related topics.
• Mentor BFA/MFA students and oversee student technical directors.
• Provide technical leadership for a multi-show season and budgets.
• Review structural, rigging, and mechanical drawings for productions.
• Coordinate production schedules with faculty and staff.
• Ensure safety compliance and oversee training and inspections.

Skills

Teaching & mentoring

Collaboration

Student-centered pedagogy

Leadership

Education

MFA in Technical Direction or Theatre Technology, or equivalent

Tools

AutoCAD/Vectorworks

Structural engineering calculations

Rigging techniques

Automation systems

Job description

CalArts' School of Theater seeks a forward-thinking Special Faculty member who also serves as Technical Director to bridge teaching and practice across a multi-show season. The role blends curricular development, coursework, and mentorship with oversight of production work in a safe, dynamic environment.

You will lead technical execution, structural design, safety, and budgets while mentoring BFA/MFA students and guiding student productions, including coordination across Modular Theater, Black