Technical Director

Children's Theater of Madison / Madison, WI

Compensation

$43,000-$48,000

THE ROLE: As the Technical Director you will oversee all facets of scenery engineering, construction, load-ins, and strikes for the organization’s mainstage and summer program productions. This role actively participates in the build of each production and is responsible for operating, protecting, and maintaining the MYArts (Madison Youth Arts) production shop. As an integral part of CTM’s core staff, your collaboration plays a part in advancing the organization’s mission and upholding our shared values.

You should have a diverse range of experience and/or training in theater technology and be an excellent collaborator. You must possess a thorough knowledge of theater production, have experience assembling labor crews, and proven success establishing and managing production timelines. You play multiple roles, at times serving as a technical expert, lead builder, project coordinator, or educator.

THE COMPANY: Children’s Theater of Madison (CTM), is dedicated to sparking imagination and building community through the creation and experience of theater. For over 55 years, CTM has been part of the cultural fabric of South-Central Wisconsin, providing exceptional theater productions and educational programs for youth and families. Inclusion is a core value at CTM, and creating an inclusive workplace and work culture is essential. To learn more about us, click HERE.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: This job is all about bringing different moving parts together: understanding long-term production goals, breaking them down into short-term ones, and delegating them effectively. For this, being organized, communicative, and goal-oriented is absolutely essential. You should have solid experience and interest in hands-on technical work and managerial/supervisory responsibilities.
Specific duties include:

  • Assist in season planning and master scheduling
  • Prepare and manage construction and labor budgets
  • Create and manage build schedules
  • Hire, recruit, or train all shop personnel, including seasonal staff and project overhire, including but not limited to carpenters, scenic artists, and props master
  • Organize and maintain the MYArts shop
  • Ensure all safety practices and protocols are followed, including providing instruction on safe and efficient use of tools, equipment, and facilities
  • Actively participate in the build of all productions
  • Attend all specified rehearsals, tech/dress rehearsals, production and staff meetings, as well as other applicable events
  • Routinely perform (or delegate) preventative maintenance on equipment
  • Advise in the purchase of new equipment and replacement of failing equipment as needed
  • Keep an inventory of the CTM’s technical supplies and scenic stock
  • Advise Director of Production, directors, and designers on feasibility, cost, and equipment capabilities
  • Turn designer’s sketches into technical drafts to be used by carpenters
  • Schedule and lead meetings and regular check-ins with other production departments
  • Schedule technical staff for events or performances
  • Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment

SKILLS WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

  • Shop and project management
  • Personnel management
  • Budgeting
  • Carpentry (sets and props)
  • CAD drafting abilities (AutoCAD, Vectorworks)
  • Rigging
  • Welding skills
  • Painting (sets and props)
  • General knowledge of Lighting (programming and rigging), sound design, and costuming
  • Working knowledge of technical effects (i.e. pyrotechnics, video projection, etc.) and electrical engineering
  • Time management

WHEN AND WHERE WILL YOU WORK: A typical week is Monday through Friday. However, due to the nature of the business, you will often be on call for events and performances, thus making nights and weekends a regular occurrence. In periods of high intensity—usually during load-in and tech rehearsals, the Technical Director will attend nightly rehearsals through the opening of the show.

This position has on-site work requirements and occasional work-from-home options. Primary work sites include MYArts and the Overture Center. There is bicycle parking onsite; numerous nearby bus routes; street and garage parking. This role can be physically active at times and you must be able to lift at least 60 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

WHAT YOU WILL RECEIVE: This full-time position offers an annual salary range of $43,000 to $48,000, commensurate with experience. Your benefits include employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement saving options, paid floating holidays, vacation, sick, and personal leave. Plus, you’ll work with a dynamic, cohesive team of people.

TIMELINE / APPLICATION PROCESS:

  • Applications will be reviewed as they are received
  • Interviews will begin soon after suitable candidates are identified
  • Position opened until filled

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send the following to Rafael Castanera, Director of Production, at rafael@ctmtheater.org, Include in the subject line “Technical Director Job Search.”

  • Resume and references
  • Digital portfolio

Children’s Theater of Madison is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.