Assistant Technical Director

$54,683 - $62,400/Yr

Chapman University - Orange, CA

Full-time - Mid Level

Orange, CA

Educational Services

About the position

The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) at Chapman University plays a crucial role in the operational aspects of production, focusing on the technical preparation and execution of events supported by the College of Performing Arts (CoPA). The ATD collaborates with various teams to ensure that performance venues are ready, supervises technical crews, and maintains production equipment. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and effective communication to facilitate seamless integration of creative and educational objectives in productions.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CoPA Production Management team to ensure that CoPA performance venues are ready for use.
• Meet deadlines, provide technical expertise, manage resources, and recommend staffing needs.
• Participate in the review and translation of designs in all production disciplines through verbal and written means, as assigned.
• Assist and occasionally lead CoPA production load-ins, running crews, and strikes, as assigned.
• Participate in the training of running crews for all CoPA productions - stagehands, board ops, and specialty positions - creating tracking sheets as needed.
• Act as the Technical Director's representative in their absence or during times of overlapping production schedules, as needed and assigned.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise to student employees and crews, as well as faculty and staff, as assigned.
• Utilize proper safety practices and procedures, including maintaining safety protocols and inspection records for production facilities and equipment.
• Travel to different locations for Production Management work and drive company vehicles when required.
• Supervise Production Management activity in various CoPA venues, as assigned and in the absence of the Technical Director.
• Collaborate closely with designers and faculty to ensure seamless integration of creative and educational objectives.
• Attend production meetings and technical/dress rehearsals, as needed. Record meeting minutes, as assigned.
• Step in to cover key roles and responsibilities in the absence of other team members to ensure uninterrupted workflow and project continuity.

Requirements

• Five or more (5+) years of experience in general stagecraft techniques and experience in stage carpentry, properties construction, scenic painting, audio systems, lighting systems, video, and/or projection systems.
• Experience in maintaining production equipment and inventory and overseeing technical staff in inventory practices.
• One to three years (1-3) experience as a stage technician, lighting, audio, or video engineer, and/or stage manager.
• Broad knowledge of theatrical design across the various disciplines.
• Experience with equipment and facilities for professional, educational, and performing arts productions.
• Proficiency in stage lighting/audio/visual equipment/electricity/console programming and operations.
• Knowledge of basic principles and methods of stage management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of standard theatrical equipment and terminology.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the methods and techniques in maintaining, installing, and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment used in stage productions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and directing stage crews.
• Ability to read and interpret ground plans, elevations, CAD drawings, and lighting plots.
• Ability to prioritize tasks when faced with interruptions, distractions, and fluctuating workloads.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills to prioritize schedules, projects, and resources in a complex, multi-venue environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups of individuals at all organizational levels.
• Ability to remain calm and respond confidently and promptly to stressful situations.
• Ability to use creative thinking and sound judgment in dealing with a variety of personality types and situations.
• Ability to follow and apply safety and work-related policies and procedures.
• Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment and follow instructions.
• Ability to work independently and follow-through on assignments with minimal direction/instruction.
• Strong organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to lift and carry over 50 pounds.
• Valid CA Driver License.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of pertinent regulations and codes relating to theater productions.
• Proficiency in scenic load-in/operation/strike.
• Experience in Stage Carpentry, theatrical lighting, audio, projection, properties, and paint.
• Proficiency in rigging, and counterweight systems.
• Familiarity in setting up sound and lighting for video purposes.
• Familiarity with equipment and systems associated with the recording and live streaming of performing arts content.
• Basic camera-operating skills.
• Experience with rigging and counterweight fly systems.
• Experience working as a scenic carpenter.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling