Wanted: Technical Director

Application Deadline – August 30

Summary

A full time, salaried position reporting to the Director of Production. The Technical Director has primary responsibility for the execution of all technical aspects of physical production (scenic, lighting, A/V, props) for all SPARC programs, productions, workshops, readings, special events (listing of current programming attached), along with teaching and facility management responsibilities. (listing of current programming attached)

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

PRODUCTION

Work in concert with the Director of Production to develop budgets for productions, classes and equipment.
Work in concert with the Director of Production and Director of Education to fulfill all production needs for all SPARC programming (LIVE ART, tuition based classes, fee for service programs, summer camps, Spotlight Ensemble and other events occurring in the SPARC Center)
Manage scenic build schedule, build, hang/focus, A/V set up for all productions; Provide guidance to Prop Master when needed
Work with Director of Production, directors and designers to implement all design elements within budgets. Evaluate designs, create materials and labor estimates.
Generate all construction drafting
Maintain accurate equipment inventory lists
Facilitate shop organization/upkeep and maintenance of all equipment/tools
Daily follow up on rehearsal reports to ensure all rehearsal needs are met in a timely fashion
Attend all scheduled staff and production meetings, technical rehearsals, performances and special events as scheduled
Train and supervise staff, over hire and Production Interns in daily schedules and tasks assigned following the production calendar; providing instruction and guidance in completing tasks
Provide instruction to staff and students on safe use of tools, equipment, and facilities
Ensure all safety practices and procedures are followed by staff and students
Work in concert with Production Assistant to facilitate scenic and prop rentals
Foster a positive, solution finding environment in assessing and achieving artistic and educational goals
Mentoring and supporting students involved in all SPARC programming

TECHNICAL THEATRE EDUCATION

Work in concert with the Director of Production to devise engaging, hands on courses and curriculum for technical theatre students
Teach one technical theatre class per semester
Teach specified sections during the summer Tech Theatre Camp
Work with Director of Production to train and supervise student tech crew as assigned on productions

FACILITY

Work in concert with the administrative team to identify budget planning needs for facility maintenance
Assist with facility maintenance as necessary by completing minor repairs (changing air filters, light bulbs, minor repair/installation projections, routine inspections to make sure facility is in good working condition), and advising administrative staff on larger capital improvements needed
Assisting various staff with facility projects as production schedule allows
Assisting Director of Production with supervision of rentals

Personal Qualities and Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre plus a minimum of 5 years professional experience as a technical director or shop head
Shop management experience, supported by thorough knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and the technical theatre production process
Working knowledge of standard scenic construction and practices; high level proficiency in stage rigging
Experience with all technical theatre elements, including lighting and sound (analog and digital consoles)
Proficiency with standard shop tools (hand, power, pneumatic)
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, as well as AutoCAD/ Vectorworks and hand drafting abilities
Ability to lift 75 lbs
Clean driving record and ability to drive rental vehicles (cargo van up to 24’ truck)
Willing to work flexible hours as needed
Student focused – all actions, communications and interactions with students and staff are expected to focus on creating a quality learning experience for SPARC students
Personable, positive attitude and agreeable nature with diplomatic leadership skills
Positive communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent public persona for SPARC to all constituents
Ability to work well in group problem-solving situations
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Ability to work under pressure on many projects and work with people of varying levels of experience

Current Annual Programming

LIVE ART
- Major public performance featuring nationally renowned musicians (past have included Jason Mraz, k.d. lang, Christina Perri, Sara Bareilles, René Marie and more) performing with 200 students of all abilities (with and without disabilities).
- Held annually in Richmond’s Altria Theater (3,500 seats)
- Single performance
- Production budget: approx. $125,000
2 Fall/Spring Student Productions (80-150 seat venues), with approx. 10 performances each
- One production each academic semester for students ages 10-18. Past titles have included Alice in Wonderland, Jr., Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte’s Web, The Wiz, The Music Man, Jr., The Addams Family, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
- Held every fall and spring in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or at off site venues (150-400 seats)
- Approx. 6-10 performances per production
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000-40,000
1 Summer Student Production, with 5-7 performances
- Musical for ages 14-18. Past titles have included Pride & Prejudice, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Noises Off, Chicago, You Can’t Take it With You, Hairspray and Avenue Q School Edition.
- Held in July in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or larger venue (approx. 400 seats) (venue dependent upon title and cast size)
- Production budgets: approx. $40,000
1 SummerStarz Touring Student Production, with approx. 7 performances
- Short musical for ages 9-14. Past titles have included The Big Talent (world premier), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bugsy Malone, and Willy Wonka.
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000
5-6 Spring Showcases (audiences ranging from 80-150 each)
- Students aged 5 and up perform a showcase at the end of the Fall and Spring terms. Young students (ages 5-7) perform small showcases at the SPARC Center. Older students (ages 8-18) perform in a series of mainstage Showcases in the Dominion Arts Center’s Gottwald Playhouse (approx. 150 seats).
2 Fee-For-Service After-School Production Programs at area elementary schools
6-8 Final Shares for STAGES In-School Outreach Program
1 Opening Night Reception for New Voices for the Theater (currently including a staged play reading)
2-Night Festival of New Works (staged readings for student plays) for New Voices for the Theater
Approx. 12-15 Spotlight Performances
Special events, as needed

To Apply

Submit cover letter, resume, three references, applicable portfolio samples of work and salary expectations to Ginnie Willard, Director of Production, at gwillard@sparconline.org. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. For more information on SPARC, please visit our website at www.sparconline.org. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Application Deadline – April 30, 2017
Start Date – June 2017
Salary – DOE, plus benefits package

The School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community — a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation — is committed to the most fundamental principles of equality of opportunity and human dignity. SPARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, military or veteran status, political beliefs, or status with regard to public assistance.