Technical Director $52.45 – $52.45 per hour Manhattan School of Music New York, NY Backstage & Technical

Playwright Co; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Part time

Job summary

Manhattan School of Music seeks an experienced Technical Director to support two Spring 2027 productions: The Light in the Piazza and L'Amico Fritz. The role provides continuity across pre-production through strike for both shows, with an approximate start date of December 1, 2026 and finish in May 2027.

You will lead technical planning, collaborate with production management, designers, and vendors, supervise IATSE crews, ensure safety and schedule adherence, and maintain a professional

Qualifications

• BA/BFA in Technical Theatre or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Technical Director, Head Carpenter, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated experience supervising theatrical crews.
• Proficiency with Vectorworks CAD and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of technical plans for both productions, including load-in, technical rehearsals, notes sessions, and strike.
• Create detailed work plans, schedules, and task lists to support efficient execution.
• Collaborate with Production Managers and department heads regarding staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Review scenic designs for feasibility, safety, budget impact, and implementation strategy.
• Serve as a technical and creative partner to scenic designers throughout the production process.
• Participate in scenic bid review and award processes.
• Coordinate with scenic shops, vendors, and fabricators.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety standards, union regulations, and work rules.
• Lead IATSE Local 1 crews during load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.
• Maintain awareness of venue capabilities, limitations, and infrastructure.
• Establish a professional, collaborative, and educational work environment for crews and students.
• Comply with MSM administrative policies and procedures.

Skills

Strong organizational and

Experience supervising theatrical

Cross-department collaboration

Education

BA/BFA in Technical Theatre or related field

Tools

Vectorworks CAD

Microsoft Office

Job description

Technical Director

Spring 2027 Productions

The Light in the Piazza and L'Amico Fritz

Manhattan School of Music (MSM) seeks an experienced Technical Director to support two Spring 2027 productions: The Light in the Piazza and L'Amico Fritz.

MSM seeks to engage one Technical Director for both productions, providing continuity from pre-production through strike. The appointment is expected to begin approximately December 1, 2026 and continue through May 2027.

Reports To: Production Management

Compensation

• Part-time, non-exempt
• Hourly Rate: $52.45/hour
• Approximately 80 hours of compensated pre-production work total (40 hours per production)
• Additional compensated hours for load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, notes sessions, and strike

Production Schedule & Commitment

Approximately 80 hours of pre-production work are allocated across the two productions. Pre-production work will occur as production meetings, design reviews, planning milestones, deadlines, and deliverables arise, rather than on a fixed weekly schedule.

The Technical Director will collaborate with Production Management, scenic designers, and vendors throughout the design, bidding, fabrication, installation, and rehearsal process for both productions.

The Light in the Piazza

• Pre-production: December 2026 through March 2027
• Load-in and focus: March 21-25, 2027
• Technical and dress rehearsals: March 26-April 1, 2027
• Performances: April 2-4, 2027
• Strike: April 5-8, 2027

L'Amico Fritz

• Pre-production: December 2026 through April 2027
• Load-in and focus: April 16-20, 2027
• Technical and dress rehearsals: April 21-27, 2027
• Performances: April 29-May 2, 2027
• Strike: May 3-5, 2027

Applicants should be available for the full technical and dress rehearsal, performance, and strike periods for both productions.

Position Responsibilities

• Lead the development of technical plans for both productions, including load-in, technical rehearsals, notes sessions, and strike.
• Create detailed work plans, schedules, and task lists to support efficient execution.
• Collaborate with Production Managers and department heads regarding staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Review scenic designs for feasibility, safety, budget impact, and implementation strategy.
• Serve as a technical and creative partner to scenic designers throughout the production process.
• Participate in scenic bid review and award processes.
• Coordinate with scenic shops, vendors, and fabricators.
• Ensure compliance with institutional safety standards, union regulations, and work rules.
• Lead IATSE Local 1 crews during load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike.
• Maintain awareness of venue capabilities, limitations, and infrastructure.
• Establish a professional, collaborative, and educational work environment for crews and students.
• Comply with MSM administrative policies and procedures.

Pre-Production Expectations

• Production and design meetings
• Scenic design review and technical assessment
• Scenic bid review and vendor coordination
• Labor planning and staffing recommendations
• Installation and load-in planning
• Technical documentation and scheduling
• Coordination with Production Management and production departments
• Regular planning and progress check-ins

A combination of remote and on-site work is expected during the pre-production period.

Qualifications

Required

• BA/BFA in Technical Theatre or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience as a Technical Director, Head Carpenter, or equivalent
• Demonstrated experience supervising theatrical crews
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Vectorworks CAD and Microsoft Office

Preferred

• Experience working with IATSE crews
• Experience in opera and/or musical theatre production
• Experience in an academic or educational production environment
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Background in teaching, mentoring, or training artists and technicians

Equal employment and equal educational opportunity have been and will continue to be fundamental principles at Manhattan School of Music, where employment and enrollment are based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination or harassment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the status of being transgender, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship or veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Manhattan School of Music does not permit retaliation against individuals who oppose a discriminatory practice or participate in an investigation.