Technical Director
The Role: Opera Southwest is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical theatre operations of the company.
The right candidate will be a team player with the ability to lead and work collaboratively with a diverse array of artists and technical personnel.
Direct managerial responsibilities include Scenic, Lighting & Electrics, Props, Sound, and Orchestra Services. Other responsibilities include close collaboration with and support of the creative team (Directors and Designers), Stage Management, Wigs & Makeup, and Costume departments.
The right candidate is self-starting, able to work independently, and anticipates issues. The right candidate will work with other staff to continuously improve systems and policies. Attention to detail is important, as is organization and attentiveness to deadlines.
Long show days/nights do occur, but are offset by periods of inactivity in the off season. The technical director is expected to attend evening and weekend events and must be willing and able to work with a flexible schedule, including early mornings, late nights, weekends, holidays and long hours.
As Opera Southwest grows, this position has the potential to grow as well, and Opera Southwest is open to flexibly designing this position around the specific competencies and interests of a strong candidate.
Specific Duties:
- Responsible for ensuring safe, organized, and efficient working conditions.
- Maintain detailed production & staging calendars
- Oversee the planning, scheduling, implementation, engineering of all scenic elements at the OSW Scenic Studio.
- Create detailed, material and labor cost estimates and build schedules for each production, whether built by OSW or rented.
- Responsible for the creation of all shop working drawings.
- Work closely with designer, directors and Executive Director to establish build priorities.
- Attend all design meetings, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances.
- Oversee all construction and/or on-site assembly of scenery and set pieces. Provide additional construction support as needed.
- Oversee crewing needs, assist in recruitment and hiring of necessary crew and staff.
- Manage shipping and trucking of scenic elements.
- Working with the Executive Director and other staff, develop production calendars, budgets and timelines. Ensure design team adherence to deadlines and budgets.
- Interface with and maintain a positive relationship with partner venue management and technical staff.
- Arrange and oversee load-in and strike
- Supervise and arrange orchestra steward crew needs (set up/take down chairs, stand lights, podium, instrument cartage etc)
- Working with music staff create an appropriate pit plot.
- Working with ED, find appropriate and most cost-effective rehearsal locations that fit orchestra rehearsal schedule.
- Schedule piano tunings
- Schedule rehearsal venues
- Assist props and stage management team in meeting rehearsal needs.
- Maintain company stock materials and equipment; oversee opera storage & inventory.
- Other duties as necessary & assigned.
Qualifications
Opera Southwest does not require a specific number of years of experience or minimum educational credentials, however a candidate with a BA/BFA in Technical Theatre and 3-5 years experience would likely be very successful.
Experience in the design, configuration mechanics and safety assurance requirements of theater equipment and systems, excellent written and verbal communication skills and knowledge of computers is essential.
Experience with AutoCAD/Vectorworks.
Prefer experience with carpentry, paint, and craft techniques
Ability to read music a significant plus, experience with opera and classical music a plus.
Salary: Dependent on Experience / Responsibilities in Albuquerque, but will start around $40,000.
Apply: Email resume and references to tzanc@operasouthwest.org
