Technical Director - University Department of Theatre & Dance

Otterbein University; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 13,000 - 15,000; Full time

Job summary

Otterbein University’s Department of Theatre & Dance seeks a sabbatical replacement for the Technical Director role for the Spring 2027 semester. The position is on site in Westerville, OH, from January 4 through April 26, with some off-site work possible before January 4.

Compensation is $14,000 for the semester, with housing not included. This is a temporary, full-time appointment overseeing scene shop operations and production logistics for a vibrant BFA program.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Theatre Design/Technology or similar degree.
• Proficient in scenic construction, drafting, basic rigging, and scene shop safety.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a passion for mentoring undergraduate students in a fast-paced professional training environment.

Responsibilities

• Draft scenic designs via AutoCAD, assist in budgeting and purchasing materials, help with lineset schedule, and lead construction and load-in of scenery.
• Mentor Design/Technology students in carpentry, rigging, and welding per safety protocols.
• Supervise daily shop hours and manage shop operations and student crews M-F and weekends as needed.
• Meet deadlines according to production schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Rigging

Education

Undergraduate degree in Theatre Design/Technology

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Details

Otterbein University Department of Theatre & Dance is seeking a sabbatical replacement for the position of Technical Director for the spring 2027 semester beginning onsite January 4 and ending after strike of spring musical April 26. Some off‑site work may be required prior to Jan. 4. Compensation is $14,000 / housing is not included. This is a temporary full‑time position responsible for overseeing the safe operation of the scene shop and production logistics for a vibrant nationally recognized BFA Theatre Program. The position will require some nights and weekend work. Full production calendar available upon request.

Location: 1 S Grove St, Westerville, OH

Job Type: Temporary

Job Number: 00535

Division: Academic Affairs

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Director for the winter mainstage play (Romeo & Juliet) and spring musical (Into the Woods): Drafting of scenic designs via AutoCAD, budgeting and purchasing materials, assisting in the creation of the lineset schedule, and leading/participating in the construction and load in of all scenery.
• Mentor Students: Provide supportive hands‑on supervision and mentorship to BFA Design/Technology students in carpentry, rigging, and welding as required for the scenic build, according to industry standard safety protocols.
• Supervise students in daily shop hours; manage daily shop operation and student crews M-F and occasional weekends as the scenic build demands.
• Meet deadlines according to production schedule.
• Attend all technical/dress rehearsals to supervise all scenic elements, and be on‑call during all performances.
• Lead scenery & prop strike for each production.
• Collaborate closely with faculty and guest designers, stage managers, and production staff; attend weekly production meetings.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Theatre Design/Technology or similar degree.
• Proficient in scenic construction, drafting, basic rigging, and scene shop safety.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a passion for mentoring undergraduate students in a fast‑paced professional training environment.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Additional Information

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind of level of difficulty.

Otterbein University's achievement of academic excellence depends on its commitment to inclusion and belonging. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Otterbein University is an EEO Employer.