CTPA Technical Director

Compensation

$60,000

The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA), located in Little Rock, AR, is seeking a full-time Theatre & Performing Arts Technical Director.  As a vital contributor to the educational, economic, and cultural fabric of a diverse community, AMFA fosters discovery, creativity, and learning through rich experiences in the visual and performing arts.

Reporting to the Director of Children’s Theatre and Performing Arts (CTPA), the Technical Director oversees all technical operations of the CTPA 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.

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: 

• 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).
• For complex events, advise on technical elements to ensure all Museum events and programs are polished and professional and provide the best guest experience.
• 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
• 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
• 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

Candidate Profile: 

• 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

AMFA offers a full complement of benefits including: 

• Group Term Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability insurance
• Voluntary Group Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employer-sponsored 401(a) retirement saving plan
• Employee-sponsored 403(b) retirement saving plan
• Voluntary Supplemental Insurance plans
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Paid Vacation and Sick Leave that accrues immediately
• Paid holidays
• AMFA Membership

Please apply on our website: https://arkmfa.org/careers/