What are the responsibilities and job description for the Theatre Technical Director position at Gardner Webb University?
Gardner-Webb University (GWU) offers a vibrant academic environment. The close-knit, and vibrant Boiling Springs, NC extends the feeling of family from campus to the community. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, our hometown gives you the freedom to focus on teaching, scholarship, and service, with easy access to big-city benefits in nearby Charlotte, NC, Asheville, NC, and the Greenville-Spartanburg, SC region. Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.
Gardner-Webb University (https://gardner-webb.edu/) invites applications for the position of Technical Director to begin Fall 2026.
We seek a dynamic and experienced professional with a degree in Technical Theatre/Design, having experience working in traditional theatre venues. The candidate will oversee the scene shop, fly rail, and lighting in our 550-seat proscenium theatre, as well as manage the smaller theatre on campus. The candidate should be able to work with college students on class projects and other assignments, as well as oversee their work on design elements of university productions.
Theatre Technical Director Responsibilities:
Technical Director-specific Duties:
- Support productions in the Theatre Arts season, including set construction, electrics, hang/focus of lighting and so on
- Serve as the production manager for each production
- Run production meetings
- Serve as the production Technical Director overseeing crew work and deadlines
- Setup for other events, such as Festival of Lights, NCTC High School Play
- Festival, etc.
Facility Manager-specific Duties:
- Maintain and oversee the scene and paint shops
- Maintain safety/OSHA standards
- Maintain tools
- Maintain set pieces and props
- Maintain paint, brushes, and other painting implements
- Upkeep of Dover Theatre and Millennium Playhouse:
- Reporting problems, i.e. leaks, needed repairs, etc.
- Keeping up with results of maintenance inspections
- Rigging (Dover Theatre)
- Upkeep of the electrical systems: Lighting console and Lighting instruments
- Setup and strike for Theatre, Music, and University events, rehearsals, etc.
Essential Requirements: Experience, Knowledge and Skills
- A minimum of a Bachelors in Theatre (Masters in theatre design preferred).
- Experience building theatre sets and working with the tools used in construction.
- Experience working with a fly rail.
- Experience working with theatre lighting, including hanging/focusing and programming lighting consoles.
- Evidence of working with students in a safe and friendly environment.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian Higher Education and the university’s faith-based learning environment.
- Must be comfortable working on and operating ladders and lifts
- Must be able to lift heavy loads
- Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Application Materials include the following documents:
- Letter of Interest that addresses candidate’s qualifications for the position
- Updated Curriculum Vita/Resume
- Contact information for three (3) references
Salary is commensurate with experience. Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.