Technical Director

Grand View University; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Grand View University seeks a Designer/Technical Director to guide student designers in scenic, lighting and sound for four productions annually. The role schedules and oversees all theatre technical elements, and supports external events. It also mentors work-study students, maintains shops, and ensures safety and budget discipline.

A collaborative spirit and strong organizational skills are essential. The position runs 9 months (mid-August through mid-May) with irregular hours, and there is

Qualifications

• Degree in design with technical direction experience, or TD degree with design experience.
• Experience in scenic construction, lighting electrics, and sound reinforcement.
• Ability to mentor and inspire students new to theatre.

Responsibilities

• Design or mentor student designers in scenic, lighting and sound for four yearly productions.
• Schedule and oversee all technical elements for theatre productions and external events.
• Collaborate with conferencing manager to manage technical needs for external events.
• Maintain scene shop, light shop, and storage areas; mentor student workers.
• Maintain safe work environment and manage budgets and supplies.

Skills

Scenic design

Lighting design

Board operation

Mentoring students

Education

Design degree with TD experience

Tools

Q-lab

Job description

This 9-month Designer/Technical Director Position is responsible for designing and mentoring students through four productions each year in the areas of scenic, lighting and sound. Additionally, this position is responsible for scheduling, managing and overseeing all technical elements in the Viking theatre, including theatre productions and theatre rentals. The Designer/Technical Director will also manage and mentor work-study students who work in the shops and stage crews for productions. Degree in a Design area with Technical Direction experience or degree in Technical Direction with Design experience is necessary. A collaborative spirit and strong organizational skills are highly desirable. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach design and technical courses for additional compensation according to their expertise. Position runs Mid- August through Mid-MayESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOBDesign, or mentor student designers, in areas of scenic, lighting and soundSchedule, manage and oversee all technical (scenic, lighting and sound) elements for theatre productionCollaborate with the conferencing manager to schedule and oversee manage all technical elements for external events held in the theatreMaintain and improve scene shop, control booth light shop, and theatre storage areasHold regular shop hours and mentor student workers in technical theatreMaintain a safe work environment for student workers and theatrical participantsOrder supplies for theatre productions and maintain stock of essential supplies in shopsMaintain financial records and budgets for productionsWORKING CONDITIONSIrregular hours- weekends and nights as neededUse of power toolsLifting large and heavy objects and scenic elementsClimbing ladders and scaffoldingClimbing up to and bending down on the gridThis position is an 9-month position from mid-August through mid-May and will have irregular hours based upon theatre production schedule. Time off for Christmas Break, Thanksgiving Break and Spring Break.Interested candidates should apply via our online application process and include a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references.Pre-employment background check required.QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTSScenic Design and ConstructionLighting Design and electrics, board operationWorking knowledge of basic soundboard mixing and Q-lab.Ability to work on a deadline, according to the production calendarAbility to mentor and inspire students who are new to theatre