Technical Director

The Walt Disney Company; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 105,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and savings benefits

Educational opportunities

Bonus potential

Job summary

Disney Live Entertainment in Anaheim seeks a seasoned Technical Director to lead the technical development, installation, and turnover of live entertainment shows for Disneyland Resort locations. You will collaborate with designers, directors, and producers to ensure safe, spectacular productions.

The role requires managing multiple projects, strong leadership, and travel as needed. A Bachelor’s in Technical Theater is required, with a Master’s preferred, and a track record in high-profile

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Technical Theater or Themed Live Show Entertainment.
• Knowledge of show systems and technology including fabrication, audio, lighting, and rigging.
• Familiarity with entertainment tech and safety standards.
• Strong written, verbal, and stakeholder communication skills.
• Experience with procurement processes and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development for live entertainment shows and events.
• Coordinate with safety, engineering, and local authorities for code compliance.
• Manage vendor selections and fabrication, shipping, installation, and sign-off.
• Provide maintenance and reliability evaluations for shows and productions.
• Mentor staff and promote standards and efficiencies across teams.
• Coordinate with Operations, Facilities, Security, and other partners for event delivery.

Skills

Technical Theater

Show systems

Project management

Stakeholder management

Vendor coordination

Leadership

Safety compliance

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater or equivalent

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Show control systems

Automation systems

Lighting systems

Rigging

Audio systems

Special effects

Job description

About The Role & Team

Through innovative storytelling and collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of fields and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!

Through innovative storytelling and collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of fields and talents from technical directors, writers and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust!

The Technical Director for Disney Live Entertainment at the Disneyland Resort leads technical production efforts related to the development, production, installation, and turnover of live entertainment shows and product offerings, including parades, stage and atmosphere shows, spectaculars, and special events for Disneyland Resorts locations.

This position reports to the Manager - Technical Direction.

This role is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do

• Participate in creative and technical development and coordinating/partnering with internal safety and engineering partners and local and government authorities responsible for legal code compliance, including safety, engineering, permitting, Fire Safety and ADA
• Partner in the coordination of bid processes and vendor selections with the larger production team and Procurement, and manage vendor efforts including design development, construction and interaction with other party's fabrication, shipping, installation and buy-off
• Supports/consults on maintenance, design/mounts of new shows and provides ongoing reliability and sustainment evaluations as part of implementation and operational planning, and maintains project files, tech logs, design documents, bid packages, schedules and punch lists
• Provide leadership and functions as a mentor/developer and promote Company-wide standards and efficiencies
• Coordinate technical implementation with Operations, Security, Entertainment Operations, Facilities, Food & Beverage, Merchandise, Transportation, and Guest Experience partners to ensure successful event delivery
• Conduct technical risk assessments and operational readiness reviews to support safe execution and continuity planning
• Develop, monitor, and manage project schedule, budgets, forecasts, change orders, purchase requisitions, and vendor expenditures

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in Technical Theater or Themed Live Show Entertainment
• Proven knowledge and general understanding of the operation and artistic application of several show systems and technology, including fabrication, audio, special effects, puppets, lighting, show control and automation systems, facilities, and rigging
• Knowledge and familiarity with entertainment industry state-of-the-art technologies
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to translate technical information for diverse audiences
• Working knowledge of procurement processes, contract administration, bid evaluation, scope management, and change order negotiation
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects while balancing competing priorities and deadlines
• Experience with facility design, engineering, and construction
• Skilled in project management or similar field
• Leadership, partnering and strategic planning skills
• Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with designers, directors, writers, and producers
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, overnights, weekends, holidays, and travel
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven knowledge and proficiency in some or all of the following Engineering disciplines: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and/or Safety

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater or equivalent practical experience with focus on Technical Design, Construction and Production required
• Master’s Degree in Technical Theater or equivalent practical experience with focus on Technical Design, Construction and Production preferred

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

#DLEJobs

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $105,100.00 to $140,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.