Technical Director - Straz Patel Conservatory

Straz Center for the Performing Arts; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health/dental/vision

Discounted parking

Show discounts

403(b) plan

PTO/Holidays 26 days

Job summary

Straz Center for the Performing Arts seeks a Technical Director to lead the Patel Conservatory's production team. This role oversees lighting, sound, scenic design, and construction, guiding staff and coordinating with department chairs to meet technical needs.

The position is based in downtown Tampa, offering a strong benefits package and a team-focused, community-driven workplace. Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Qualifications

• Requires college degree in theater/production or related field.
• 4 years of experience in theatrical production, design, or stage management preferred.
• Background in technical theatre, design, production, or theatre education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical operations for Patel Conservatory, including lighting, sound, scenic, and construction.
• Supervise Conservatory Technical Supervisor and Education Production staff; manage staffing and performance reviews.
• Coordinate production needs and oversee safety, budgets, and SOPs for assigned areas.

Skills

Administrative skills

Budgeting

Interpersonal communication

Microsoft Office

Leadership

Evenings/weekends flexibility

Education

College degree in theater/production or related field

4 years in theatrical production/education setting

Budget management experience

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

PowerPoint

Job description

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a Technical Director to join our Patel Conservatory's production team. The conservatory is our year-round accredited educational performing arts school. This position oversees the production/event/class-related technical operations, including lighting. sound, scenic, costume design, and construction for the Patel Conservatory. The Technical Director supervises the Production personnel and collaborates with production directors and Department Chairs to support the production and departmental technical needs of the Patel Conservatory.

Located in downtown Tampa, Straz Center is one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 26 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Staffing Management:

• Supervises Conservatory Technical Supervisor, Production Administrator, and Education Production staff which includes responsibility for interviewing, selection, training, and performance evaluation; schedules assigned workers, approves work hours in payroll system; ensures a harmonious work environment to maximize employee morale and productivity.
• Facilitates training for students, staff, independent contractors, volunteers, interns, and apprentices in technical capacities such as stage management and stage crew, as needed.

Production/Event Management:

• Evaluates production and event needs; assigns and schedules production staff accordingly.
• Coordinates technical production needs for Education and Community Engagement events and productions; provides technical oversight for Conservatory performances.
• Negotiates and executes approved contractor agreements for designers, stage managers, guest artists. directors, choreographers, scenic artists, costumers, and other production personnel.
• Advises student and professional designers on technical specifications, equipment, costs, and usage; supervises implementation of approved designs.
• Provides event specific technical support in areas such as lighting, sound, and scenic production.
• Supervises and assists with set and stage construction and management.
• Facilitate production meetings and maintain regular communication with the Production Team, including oversight of Stage Manager communications during productions. Recommends Lighting Designers and oversees the installation of lighting plot.
• Partners with the Technical Supervisor to evaluate production needs and efficiently manage space and equipment requests.

Operations:

• Operates, maintains and safeguards Conservatory and TECO Theatre technical assets, including lighting, sound, video, musical, communications, and stage equipment.
• Monitors the Conservatory and TECO Theatre calendars, communicates scheduling needs, and assists with resolving space conflicts.
• Oversees equipment condition, preventative maintenance, repairs, and replacements within budget; recommends capital equipment purchases.
• Attends technical rehearsals and performance as needed to supervise and support production technical needs.
• Serves as liaison with the Straz Center Production Department for Conservatory events in Straz center venues.
• Partners with Security and Center Operations to ensure productions comply with safety and security policies.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOP's) for assigned areas. to meet artistic vision.

Fiscal and Budget management

• Collaborates with Chairs of Theater, Dance and Music in the development of production/event budgets.
• Monitors budgets to ensure expenses remain in line with approved budgetary requirements.
• Processes final Settlements for Conservatory productions/events.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position supervises the Technical Supervisor, Production Administrator, and Education Production staff.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Self- Motivated with strong administrative and organizational skills, along with close attention to detail and ability to maintain good records.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Good understanding of budgeting, planning, and general management principles.
• Ability to work with tact, diplomacy, discretion, adept at interacting positively with co-workers and management.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft suite of business applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work independently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as scheduled.
• Must be able to pass a Level 2 background screening.

Education and Work Experience:

• College degree in theater, production or related field or, equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 4 years of experience in a theatrical production, design, or stage management, and /or theater educational setting preferred.
• Background in technical theatre, design, production, stage management for theatre and/or theater education preferred.
• 2 years of experience managing teams of people and working within budgets to achieve goals.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.
• Requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, moving, reaching, and communicating.
• Frequently moves event materials or theatrical equipment weighing up to 40lbs. and climbs narrow backstage ladders.
• Must identify visual and auditory issues during events and operate electrical or sound equipment.
• Works in low-light, restricted-access areas and may encounter hazardous materials such as spray paint and cleaning products.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• Primarily indoors. Employee is occasionally required to be outside. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud at times.

* As a condition of employment and in compliance with Florida House Bill 531, the candidate(s) selected for this position are required to complete a Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse. Please use the following link to view more about the required screening: https://info.flclearinghouse.com. Failure to complete the screening or meet the requirements may result in disqualification from consideration.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.