TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Position Title:     Theatre & Performing Arts Technical Director

Reports To:         Director of CTPA

Status:                  Salaried, Exempt

Updated:             September 25, 2025

Job Summary: The Theatre and Performing Arts Technical Director oversees all technical operations of the AMFA Theatre and Performing Arts Department. Working within the Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts department—which produces Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) and presents diverse programming in film, dance, concerts, and more—this role ensures seamless technical support for Theatre and Performing Arts programming across the museum, including the Performing Arts Theater, event lawn, Cultural Living Room, Amerine/Calhoun Glass Box, Winthrop Rockefeller Lecture Hall, and other flexible venues.

The Technical Director is responsible for implementing all production elements, including lighting, sound, scenery, and rigging, while supervising hourly and contract crews. This position works closely with AMFA production staff, partner organizations, and outside contractors to deliver high-quality performances and maintain strict safety standards. Additional responsibilities include overseeing the care and maintenance of theatre systems, backstage areas, and technical shops, as well as managing prop and costume inventories.

Key Responsibilities:

General

• Arrive on time and ready to work, as scheduled.
• Maintain an accurate record of time worked using web-based time and attendance system.
• Work occasional mandatory overtime, as necessary. v
• Work in a professional and cooperative manner with other AMFA associates and employees.
• Maintain a professional, neat, clean, well-groomed appearance. 
• Assist with other duties as assigned.

Job Specific

• Oversee implementation of the institution’s theatrical production elements, including scenic, lighting, props, sound, and cinema
• Provide supervision and training to Assistant Technical Director
• Determine technical support necessary for all departmental events and performances, primarily in the Performing Arts Theatre and as needed in other museum venues (event lawn, Cultural Living Room, Glass Box, Lecture Hall, and flexible spaces)
• Supervise installation of scenic elements, including recruiting, approving, and managing contract technicians and crews
• Read and interpret blueprints, drawings, lighting and sound plots, and technical riders to ascertain production requirements and equipment needs
• Maintain advanced communication with AMFA staff, presenting production companies, resident partners, and rental clients to review technical needs and foster a collaborative work environment
• Coordinate with internal facilities and events teams to ensure smooth integration of theatrical programming in shared spaces
• Plan and supervise technical set-up, operation, and strike of all departmental productions, events, and rentals to ensure the highest quality outcomes
• Provide hands-on support for lighting installations and operations
• Operate or supervise operation of sound equipment, including setup and mixing for live performances, wireless microphone systems, and playback using QLab
• Operate lifts, rigging systems, counterweight hoist systems, and other specialized stage equipment as needed
• Prepare and manage technical operations budgets; maintain inventory and order specialized supplies
• Monitor the condition of all equipment, including scene shop equipment and tools, lighting, sound, and rigging systems; arrange repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; and perform preventive maintenance
• Train, supervise, and maintain current knowledge of safe operation for all equipment and technical systems
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies to ensure a safe work environment in backstage, onstage, and support areas
• Oversee load-ins and load-outs for AMFA-produced shows, presented programming, and rental events
• Contribute design expertise as an associate artist in areas of theatrical design when requested
• Foster positive relationships with guest artists, partner organizations, and visiting productions in support of AMFA’s mission
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, or related field; or equivalent professional experience
• 3–5 years of experience in technical theatre, including supervisory or leadership roles
• Must possess current driver's license and be insurable under AMFA’s auto insurance policy
• Proficiency in theatrical lighting, sound, rigging, and scenery construction
• Expertise in sound engineering technology, including setup and management of wireless microphones, live sound mixing, and use of QLab, Dante, and computer networking for playback and cues
• Expertise with implementation of QLab as a standalone multi-media device and/or in conjunction with sound and lighting consoles for execution of cues.
• Experience interpreting technical riders and supporting the needs of visiting musical and theatrical acts
• Strong knowledge of safety standards and best practices (OSHA, ETCP, ANSI, NFPA)
• Demonstrated ability to recruit, train, and supervise hourly and contract crews
• Excellent organizational and project management skills; ability to manage multiple productions and venues simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for working with staff, artists, and contractors
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues under pressure in live performance environments
• Experience maintaining and managing technical equipment, backstage spaces, and inventory
• Ability to safely operate a scissor lift and other stage equipment
• Physical ability to climb ladders, lift up to 50 lbs., and work at heights or in confined spaces as required
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours based on performance and event schedules
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Walking & Standing – Regularly stand and walk for extended periods of time (5+ hours at a time), including on hard surfaces, catwalks, and uneven terrain.
• Lifting & Carrying – Frequently lift, move, and carry objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Occasionally lift or maneuver items weighing up to 75 lbs. with assistance.
• Climbing & Heights – Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and scaffolding; work at heights on catwalks, grids, and other elevated or potentially precarious positions.
• Bending, Kneeling, & Reaching – Regularly required to stoop, crouch, crawl, or reach overhead to install, adjust, or remove technical equipment.
• Manual Dexterity & Use of Hands – Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle tools, operate equipment, adjust rigging, connect wiring, and perform detailed technical work.
• Hearing – Ability to hear cues, instructions, and communication in a sometimes noisy environment; must be able to detect equipment sounds, alarms, or safety warnings.
• Vision – Close, distance, peripheral vision, and depth perception required; ability to distinguish colors and adjust focus in varying lighting conditions (including low light).
• Balance & Coordination – Must maintain physical balance and coordination when working in high or confined spaces.
• Endurance – Ability to work long hours, including nights and weekends, in physically demanding conditions.
• Driving – Occasional driving with adherence to all driving laws.
• Environment – Comfort working in dark, loud, dusty, hot, or cold environments typical of backstage and stage construction areas.

Note:  This job description is intended to outline the general responsibilities and qualifications of the Technical Director.  It may be subject to change based on the Museum’s specific needs and policies.