Technical Theater Director

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

State-of-the-art equipment

Professional development

Collaborative team environment

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Technical Theater Director to oversee all technical aspects of the flagship venue in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. You will lead lighting, sound, stage management, and construction teams, shaping the technical strategy for diverse productions.

The role demands a hands-on leader with a strong track record in managing complex operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and world-class production standards at a vibrant venue.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in technical theater direction or senior technical roles within Arts & Entertainment.
• Expertise in lighting, sound, set construction, and rigging.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and foster collaboration.
• Strong knowledge of production processes and workflows.
• Ability to read blueprints, schedules, and technical drawings.
• Excellent budget planning and financial skills.
• In-depth health and safety regulations knowledge in theatre.
• Experience with various theatrical technologies and software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical operations for the theater, including lighting, sound, stage mechanics, set design, and construction.
• Direct and manage a team of technical staff and crew members.
• Develop and manage budgets for productions and venue maintenance.
• Ensure safety and compliance of all equipment and operations.
• Collaborate with directors and designers to realize artistic vision.
• Schedule load-ins, rehearsals, and strikes for performances.
• Maintain and upgrade technical equipment and infrastructure.
• Develop preventive maintenance plans for assets.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols.
• Liaise with vendors for equipment rentals and services.
• Train and mentor staff on best practices and new technologies.

Skills

Technical theater

Stage management

Budget management

Team leadership

Health & safety

Reading blueprints

Vendor liaison

Problem solving

Education

Theater technology degree

Tools

Lighting software

Sound systems

Set construction tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious institution within the Arts & Entertainment sector, is actively seeking a highly experienced and technically adept Technical Theater Director for their flagship venue located in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is paramount to the successful execution of all theatrical productions, demanding a blend of strong leadership, profound technical knowledge, and exceptional organizational skills. The Technical Theater Director will be responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of the theater, including lighting, sound, stage management, set construction, and technical crew management. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the technical infrastructure and creative execution of diverse performances, contributing significantly to the vibrant cultural landscape of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . We are looking for a hands-on leader with a proven track record in managing complex theatrical operations and a dedication to delivering world-class production standards. The ideal candidate will foster a safe, efficient, and innovative technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical operations for the theater, including lighting, sound, stage mechanics, set design, and construction.
• Manage and direct a team of technical staff, including stagehands, lighting technicians, sound engineers, and carpenters.
• Develop and manage technical budgets for all productions and venue maintenance.
• Ensure the safety and compliance of all technical equipment and stage operations according to industry standards.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, and production managers to realize the artistic vision of each production.
• Schedule and supervise load-ins, technical rehearsals, and strike for all performances.
• Maintain and upgrade theater's technical equipment, including sound systems, lighting rigs, and stage machinery.
• Develop and implement preventative maintenance plans for all technical assets.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols for all technical activities.
• Liaise with external vendors and suppliers for equipment rentals, purchases, and specialized services.
• Train and mentor technical staff on best practices and new technologies.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (7+ years) in technical theater direction, stage management, or a similar senior technical role within the Arts & Entertainment industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in stage lighting, sound engineering, set construction, and stage rigging.
• Proven ability to manage technical teams effectively and foster a collaborative working environment.
• Strong understanding of theatrical production processes and workflows.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and production schedules.
• Excellent budget management and financial planning skills.
• In-depth knowledge of health and safety regulations within a theatrical setting.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure during live performances.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• A degree in Theater Technology, Technical Theatre, or a related field is highly desirable.
• Experience working with various theatrical technologies and software.
• Familiarity with the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga cultural scene is a plus.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting extensive experience and expertise.
• The opportunity to be a key player in major theatrical productions.
• Access to state-of-the-art technical equipment.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Collaborative and passionate team environment.
• Generous annual leave and other employment benefits.