General Summary of Position:
The technical director works within the English department to manage and supervise the Comley-Lane Theater at UMass Lowell. The technical director executes all aspects of Theatre Arts production designs and oversees health and safety for theater productions and courses in coordination with the Theatre Arts Concentration. This role additionally provides support, guidance, and education for the student theatre organization in conjunction with the office of Student Activities. The technical director teaches Play Production each semester. Teaching and design opportunities as well as the opportunity to collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators in shaping the future of theater at the university.
Essential Job Duties:
1. Executes all aspects of production designs and safety for theater productions and courses, manages the build, load-in and technical schedule for productions and staged readings for both the Theatre Arts and student lead productions. ( 25% )
2. Manages and approves use of Comley-Lane Theatre and adjacent theatre spaces (shop, storage, etc.) in coordination with Hospitality and Event Services. Facilitate communication between Theatre Arts and campus partners and community partners to ensure proper use, risk management, and community building. Point person with facilities and housekeeping. EHS, OSHA, Hazmat compliance,
including: (25%)
- The Technical director must inform the department of compliance issues, reporting and implementation of new procedures, and required safety updates.
- Report workplace accidents in scene shop and theatre, including workman’s comp claims to the chair
- Point person for EHS communication.
- Instruct students in proper use of tools and equipment, this includes equipment demonstrations for multiple classes each semester and keeping track of annual lab safety certificates for instructors.
- Inventory, maintenance, ordering, storage, disposal & updating of chemicals and emergency wash stations.
3. Oversight of safety and maintenance of the scene shop, theatre space, and Theatre Arts Program storage including tool machinery, lighting equipment, and rigging. Budgeting, purchasing and inventory management in coordination with departmental and collaborators utilizing Comely-Lane. Contribute to long-range plans to meet facility goals, ongoing capital equipment replacement and technology replacement. (20%)
4. Serve as the technical director for the Off-Broadway Players, a student theater organization. This group typically produces 2 productions a year. Within this role there is opportunity for training, education, mentorship and advising to occur. This role will work in conjunction with the organization’s faculty and program advisors. (15%)
5. Serve as the instructor for Play Production class. This introduction to technical aspects of theatre through hands-on experience working and executing on campus productions. Focus on basic principles of set, lighting, props, costume, makeup, and sound production. Supervise lab hours for this course. (15%)
Minimum Qualification (Required):
Education:
- B.A. with 2-5 years' professional experience in a professional theater or scene shop environment
Experience:
- Knowledge of theatrical engineering and experience with successful practical applications
- Knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, including, but not limited to carpentry
- Knowledge of scene shop equipment and machinery
- Experience with basic rigging, lighting and theatrical sound equipment; Including industry-standard rigging practices and safety
- Practice working in a collaborative environment and ability to communicate effectively with a diverse population
- Ability to work with students and provide education, supervision, and ensure health and safety requirements are being met
- Ability to communicate with clarity and collegiality, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment
Skills:
- Technical drawings, CAD experience preferred
- Scenery fabrication
- Basic sound and lighting equipment knowledge
- Application of arithmetic and geometry to everyday construction problem solving.
- Preferred Qualification:
- M.F.A. in Technical Direction
- Teaching experience, experience working with student theater.
- Experience in a higher education setting
- Experience teaching theater or production classes
Additional Considerations:
- M.F.A. in Technical Direction
- Teaching experience, experience working with student theater
- Experience in a higher education setting
- Experience teaching theater or production classes
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Only Internal Professional (SEIU 888 Professional Union) Bargaining candidates will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.
This is an SEIU 888 Professional Union position, Grade P17.
Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.
Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required at the time of application.
