Theatre Technical Director: Lead Builds & Safe Productions

Hillbarn Theatre; Foster City (CA); Hybrid; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Hillbarn Theatre & Conservatory in Foster City is seeking a Technical Director to turn scenic and technical designs into safe, high-quality productions. You will plan and supervise construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and strikes of scenery, balancing artistic ambition with schedule, budget, space, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will lead crews, collaborate with directors and designers, and maintain detailed technical documentation, all while fostering a calm,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in theatrical technical direction, scenic construction, production management, or a closely related area.
• Strong scenic carpentry and theatrical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read and create technical drawings and translate scenic designs into safe, buildable plans.
• Knowledge of theatrical construction methods, materials, hardware, tools, rigging practices, and standard safety procedures.
• Experience leading crews, assigning work, and coordinating projects across multiple deadlines.
• Ability to estimate materials, labor, and project costs accurately.
• Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and collaborative skills.
• Availability for a flexible theatrical schedule that may include evenings, weekends, rehearsals, performances, and strikes.

Responsibilities

• Production Planning and Implementation: review designs for feasibility, safety, cost, staffing, and schedule.
• Collaborate to develop practical technical solutions preserving artistic intent.
• Prepare drawings, construction plans, estimates, build schedules, and labor plans.
• Coordinate load-ins, rehearsals, notes, maintenance, and strikes with management and crew.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation for each production.
• Scenic Construction and Technical Operations: build, modify, install, rig, maintain and strike scenery.
• Lead and supervise carpenters, overhire staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Ensure safety of scenery, masking, rigging, and backstage traffic for all participants.

Skills

Technical direction

Scenic carpentry

Project leadership

Technical drawing

Budgeting

Safety awareness

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

SketchUp

Drafting software

Job description

Hillbarn Theatre & Conservatory in Foster City is seeking a Technical Director to turn scenic and technical designs into safe, high-quality productions. You will plan and supervise construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and strikes of scenery, balancing artistic ambition with schedule, budget, space, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate will lead crews, collaborate with directors and designers, and maintain detailed technical documentation, all while fostering a calm,