Technical Director
DESCRIPTION
POSITION SUMMARY
The Technical Director (TD) provides leadership, direction, and oversight of all technical production activities to support the mission of The Atlanta Opera. The TD will take on top-level oversight of all technical operations including scenery, properties, audio, lighting, video, and show rentals, as well as provide administrative support and budget management to all levels of the Technical Department.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following duties in addition to other duties as assigned.
Direct and supervise technical department managers, staff, and contractors, including:
Associate Technical Directors (2), Props Supervisor (1), Lighting Supervisor (1), Union department heads (4-5), union crews, and contractors utilized for production support.
Determine and manage all technical production needs for TAO, including incoming rentals and new projects. This includes but is not limited to:
Scenic bids, designer communication, union management, show operations paperwork, drafts and plans, budget projections and management, and team oversight.
Oversee warehouse operations, including:
Storage layout, equipment maintenance, rental program needs, and safety/training protocols for all union workers and staff. Assist the costume department in their storage needs at the warehouse.
Provide supervision, leadership, and delegation to Associate Technical Directors in their work, including:
Overseeing the creation and implementation of logistical plans for incoming rentals and new productions.
Supervising all stage crew departments in the theatre, warehouse, and shop, ensuring adherence to IATSE rules and practices.
Overseeing all Atlanta Opera staff and crew in backstage areas of performance venues.
Tracking and reviewing stage crew hours, and approving payroll for submission.
Overall team and project management.
TAO Rental program.
Warehouse operations and facilities needs.
Maintain clear and continual communication between directors, designers, technical team, and Directors of Production.
Create and distribute show-specific production materials to appropriate departments, directors, designers, and stage management, ensuring timely completion for seamless operations and information sharing.
Materials to include but not limited to bids, ground plans, mini drawings, 3D modeling, rigging plots, line set schedules, crew calls, tech schedules, labor estimates, budget and pricing, build schedules, and project lists.
Serve as the point of contact for technical questions and concerns from directors, designers, stage management, and Directors of Production.
Serve as Lead Supervisor for operating procedures and processes for show documentation, information archiving, and tracking key information for each production.
Assist in oversight of the rental program through technical supervisor travel needs, archival and communication of show information, pricing decisions, and trucking/shipping needs.
Ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding licensing, permits, certificates, training/safety protocols, and relevant documentation for technical and production aspects of performances and warehouse operations.
Develop and implement short- and long-term technical budgets, individual project budgets, and operating budgets in conjunction with the Directors of Production.
Oversight of TAO equipment, preventive maintenance needs, and inventory records.
Lead managerial role in the management of show-related contractors, vendors, and the Union Labor contract for stagehands working in the shop and at the theatre. Foster and maintain relationships with these entities as required.
Research competitive pricing for technical operations, purchases, equipment/technology advances, shipping/trucking needs, and rental prices, including shipping and support personnel.
SUPERVISION
Direct supervision of:
Lighting Supervisor or Production Electrician role / contractor
Properties Supervisor and Artisan
Associate Technical Directors (2)
Indirect supervision of:
Stage Crew, Carpenters, Riggers, Lighting, Video, and Audio Technicians
Competencies & Qualifications
Excellent knowledge and practical experience in theatrical construction techniques, stage operations, lighting systems and networking, LED wall and projections, automation, rigging systems, motor rigging, load calculations, truck packing, and stage safety.
Excellent written and oral communication.
Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization, including guest artists and designers.
Well-organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and diplomacy.
Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently.
Able to delegate and oversee projects assigned to others.
Required to report continually on budget and production projects to directors, designers, Directors of Production, and team members.
Excellent computer skills and aptitude, especially in CAD, Vector Works, Lite Write, Watchout, and technical theatre programming and drawing software. Additionally, Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to quickly learn new software programs.
Knowledge of budget management, bookkeeping, labor estimates.
Knowledge of or strong interest in opera is preferred.
Ability to work collaboratively within the production team and with multiple departments.
Ability to drive a 26’ box truck.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or related field preferred.
At least ten (10) years of work experience in theatrical production with a demonstrated track record of increased responsibility and management of a staff and large projects.
Experience working with or managing an IA crew.
Ability to work long hours (in excess of 16), work back-to-back shifts, work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability to sit at a desk for up to and over eight hours per day, communicate using a phone and headset, and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Valid driver’s license.
Desired Start Date: July 14, 2025
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $95,000 - $105,000 Annual
The Atlanta Opera offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:
- Employer-Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Long-Term Disability Insurance: Comprehensive coverage to ensure your health and well-being.
- Flexible Spending Plans: Options to manage your healthcare and dependent care expenses.
- Additional Voluntary Coverage Options: Extra insurance options to suit your personal needs.
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Match: Plan for your future with a retirement plan that includes employer contributions.
- Paid Holidays, PTO, and Sick Leave: Generous time off to ensure work-life balance and personal well-being.
HOW TO APPLY
HOW TO APPLY
Please email resume with cover letter and references to resume.production@atlantaopera.org.
Include Technical Director in the subject line.
No phone calls please.
Application Email/Link: www.atlantaopera.org/about/careers-auditions/#technicaldirector