What are the responsibilities and job description for the Technical Director position at Portland Playhouse?
DESCRIPTION
The Technical Director is primarily responsible for supervision and implementation of all
production elements (lighting, sound, props, set design and construction) except costume, hair
and makeup.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty
satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or
ability required.
Duties and Responsibilities:
● Oversees and implements the company’s production elements, including build, paint,
props, maintenance and strike.
● Assess technical challenges and develop proactive solutions.
● Advises Director of Production on the technical specifications, costs and usage of
technical equipment required for the individual show.
● Reads and interprets blueprints, drawings and plots; supplements build drawings or
working drawings as needed.
● Plans, coordinates and completes construction of all scenic design elements within the
designated time and budget as determined by the overall production schedule and budget.
● Supervises the set up, maintenance and operations of sound, lighting, stage and other
technical equipment and systems.
● Assists with the preparation of and manages technical operation budgets; maintains
inventory of specialized supplies.
● Purchases, leases and/or borrows and returns equipment, as needed.
● Manages rental equipment to other organizations to maximize Playhouse inventory
● Makes recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
● Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, video and rigging
equipment; arranges for the repair and/or replacement of equipment within budgetary
constraints; and performs preventative maintenance on equipment.
● Maintains current knowledge of all equipment and supervises training on all equipment.
● Helps recruit, manage and retain stagehands (which includes specialists such as video
programmers, furniture carpenters, riggers, special effects people).
● Develops, implements and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment in the
stage and production areas.
● Attends production meetings & staff meetings
● Serves as Building Supervisor after normal hours of operation, or during assigned
productions and rental events.
● Research, budget, plan and implement shift to renewable energy-saving technologies.
● Develops and maintains relationships with local designers, builders & colleges with
technical training programs
● Provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for
replacement or maintenance
● Stays abreast of new technology and software relative to lighting and audio and video
engineering.
● Assists other departments as needed, especially Education, Community Programming and
Events.
● Additional duties as assigned by the Director of Production.
Education and/or Experience:
● Minimum 4-5 years of experience or formal training with in-depth knowledge in all
aspects of technical theater.
● Minimum 3 years of experience in the following areas:
● Training & Management of stagehands
● Theatre/Dance production
● Familiarity with the AEA rulebook.
● Nonprofit management
● Operations including budgeting, payroll, hiring, contracts, labor laws and
scheduling
● Multitasking
● Interpersonal Skills
● Carpentry, set construction, and rigging skills (required).
● Welding skills.
● Reading and producing ground plans, sections, technical/construction drawings
● Theatrical lighting, sound, and projection systems
Qualifications:
● Knowledge of ADA and OSHA compliance
● Able to handle multiple, simultaneous tasks in a timely manner
● Collaborative attitude
● Heavy-lifting abilities
● Competent, working knowledge of theatrical equipment, tools and software.
● Must have a car and a valid driver's license.
● BA or MFA in technical theatre
● Must be comfortable climbing an extension ladder.
● Ability to drive non-CDL trucks up to 26 feet with lift gate
Computer Skills:
● Drafting software: Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD
● Google suite
● Audio/video: Qlab, video projections
● Mac operating systems
DURATION
Aug 1, 2026 -
SALARY
$60,000.00 – $60,000.00 per year
- NON-UNION