Senior Event Tech Lead — Stage & Rigging

Tennessee Performing Arts Center; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TPAC in Nashville seeks an experienced Event Technical Director to lead technical operations across our venues. You will oversee carpentry, rigging, fly systems, and backstage workflows, while managing crews, coordinating with visiting productions, and upholding TPAC safety standards.

The role requires hands-on leadership, excellent communication, and a strong focus on problem solving and safety compliance during rehearsals and performances.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ professional experience in theatrical carpentry and rigging.
• Ability to read technical drawings and advance plans.
• Strong communication and problem-solving under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary technical liaison for events, coordinating schedules and load-in/out.
• Lead scenic construction, rigging, fly systems, and stage operations.
• Prepare post-event notes, invoices, and safety documentation.
• Supervise crew and enforce TPAC safety protocols.

Skills

Theatrical carpentry

Rigging

Crew leadership

Safety compliance

Problem-solving

Education

ETCP or comparable rigging certifications

Job description

Reports to:Lead Event Technical Director

Core Values

Position Overview

The Event Technical Director is a key member of TPAC’s Production team, responsible for leading technical operations and ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional execution across TPAC venues. This role requires advanced skill and hands-on experience in theatrical carpentry, rigging, and stage operations with a strong focus on crew leadership, client interaction, and safety compliance.Working closely with visiting productions, internal departments, and local crews, the Event Technical Director manages technical logistics, verifies scenic and rigging integrity, and ensures all backstage operations reflect TPAC’s core values.

Primary Responsibilities

Event and Client Coordination

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned events, coordinating schedules, technical logistics, equipment usage, and load-in/load-out operations.
• Prior to load-in, thoroughly review advance details and technical notes to create an actionable plan in conjunction with technical operations team and external clients.
• Provide real-time problem-solving during rehearsals and performances, maintaining calm, professional communication under pressure.
• Oversee preparation and restoration of spaces for all scheduled events.

Carpentry, Rigging, & Stage Operations

• Lead and participate in scenic construction, stage builds, rigging installations, fly rail operation, soft goods, and automation elements as needed.
• Inspect and approve all flown elements, chain hoists, truss configurations, ground support systems, and scenic installation to ensure compliance with industry safety standards.
• Maintain constant, professional, and solution-focused communication with crew members, visiting productions, and internal departments.
• Support event-related department head responsibilities that may include stage management, lighting, audio, carpentry, or other areas of support as needed.

Administration and Reporting

• Prepare accurate post-event billing including labor and equipment charges.
• Document pre and post event notes, maintenance logs, and incident reports.
• Attend organization-wide, departmental, and advance meetings as required.
• Respond to internal and external communications in a timely, professional manner.

Crew Supervision and Safety

• Foster a team-based culture focused on respect, communication, inclusivity, and collaboration.
• Communicate expectations clearly to all crew members at the start of each call, including safety priorities, workflow, and client-specific needs.
• Act as crew lead or steward, assign tasks to stagehands ensuring efficient workflow.
• Enforce TPAC’s safety protocols including fall protection, weight ratings, and emergency procedures.
• Coordinate with building security and local authorities in emergency response or audience evacuation situations.

Facility & Equipment Management

• Maintain backstage workspaces, technical systems, tools, and inventory. Proactively identify and complete repair or improvement projects.
• Assist with identifying long-term planning for technical equipment upgrades and capital improvements.

The responsibilities listed above are not all inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned.

Skills and Knowledge

Required:

• Flexible full-time availability, including evening, weekend, and possible holiday hours.
• Demonstrated knowledge/ expertise in theatrical carpentry and rigging (minimum of 3 years of professional experience).
• Knowledge of rigging hardware, load limits, bridles, truss, and fly systems.
• Daily email access.
• Consistent professional and neat presentation.
• Ability to work well in a group.
• Ability to solve problems and remain calm in stressful situations.

Preferred:

• Experience in a touring house, regional theatre, or performing arts venue.
• ETCP or comparable rigging certifications (arena or theatre).
• Knowledge of lighting, audio, or stage management.
• Forklift, aerial lift, or OSHA safety certifications.

Software and Services Used:

Frequent Functions and Working Conditions

• Standing and being stationary for long periods of time. Pushing/pulling. Ascending and Descending flights of stairs and ladders. Face to face contact. Working in the dark with loud noises and flashing lights. Basic math skills. Analysis, problem solving/decision making. Lifting and moving equipment up to 30 lbs.

Occasional Functions include:

• Bending and Stooping. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions including hot and cold temperatures. Working at a high elevation.

TPAC is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All aspects of the employment process will be merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or other protected characteristics.