Lead Technical Director — Theatre & Dance

James Madison University; Harrisonburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

James Madison University’s School of Theatre and Dance in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a Technical Director to supervise the scene shop and oversee productions across theatre, musical theatre, and dance. This full-time, 12-month Administrative and Professional Faculty position reports to the Director and offers teaching opportunities in technical direction.

The successful candidate will develop construction plans, manage budgets, mentor students, ensure safety, and collaborate with faculty, guest

Qualifications

• MFA in Technical Direction or related field, or a BA with substantial professional technical direction experience.
• Experience in technical direction or scenic production.
• Proficiency with drafting software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD) used to produce scenic construction documentation.
• Ability to develop scenic construction estimates, manage material and labor budgets, and plan production schedules.
• Knowledge of safety guidelines from ESTA, OSHA, NEC.
• Experience supervising student crews, over-hire labor, or production staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead construction, load-in, and strike of scenery, properties, and rigging for all productions.
• Develop construction plans, drafts, deliverable schedules, and budgets for scenery and properties.
• Serve as Dance Technical Director for festivals in coordination with Lighting and Sound teams.
• Collaborate with designers and staff to track budgets and milestones; ensure scope.
• Manage and maintain the scene shop and related equipment.
• Supervise scene-shop staff, student employees, and over-hire labor.
• Implement safety protocols and Universal Design standards.
• Foster a collaborative learning environment and mentor students.
• Work non-standard hours including evenings/weekends; typical week is 40 hours.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Budgeting

Safety protocols

Project management

Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

MFA in Technical Direction or related field

Bachelor’s degree with substantial professional technical direction experience

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

James Madison University’s School of Theatre and Dance in Harrisonburg, VA seeks a Technical Director to supervise the scene shop and oversee productions across theatre, musical theatre, and dance. This full-time, 12-month Administrative and Professional Faculty position reports to the Director and offers teaching opportunities in technical direction.

The successful candidate will develop construction plans, manage budgets, mentor students, ensure safety, and collaborate with faculty, guest