Technical Design and Production Chairman

Technical Design and Production Department Chairperson

The Technical Design and Production (TDP) Department Chairperson at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts plays a crucial role in providing expert oversight and management of all technical aspects of our productions and events. The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to teaching and mentoring, possess pedagogical skills geared for students grades 9-12. Manage a curriculum that prepares students for higher education and careers in professional entertainment, while providing design technical and management services to other arts departments at the school. This position requires a deep understanding of various technical elements, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate with students, faculty, and staff to ensure the successful execution of high-quality performances. The Department Chair will be responsible for overseeing the student technical crew, coordinating equipment and resources, and maintaining a safe and creative environment within our state-of-the-art theater facilities.

Responsibilities:

Production Management:

• Collaborate closely with other Department chairs, directors, designers, and instructors to understand the technical requirements of each performance.
• Develop and manage production timelines, budgets, and schedules to ensure seamless execution of all technical aspects.
• Train and supervise a team of student technicians. Provide guidance, mentorship, and hands-on training in various technical areas such as lighting, sound, costumes, digital media, set construction, rigging, and stage management.
• Manage and maintain an inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies. Coordinate equipment rentals, purchases, and repairs as needed to support production needs.
• Collaborate with directors and designers to translate artistic visions into technical designs. Oversee the implementation of lighting plots, sound designs, set construction plans, and other technical elements.
• Ensure that theater spaces and equipment are well-maintained, safe, and functional. Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades in collaboration with school maintenance personnel and external vendors.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols for all technical activities, adhering to industry standards and best practices. Conduct regular safety training sessions for technical crew members and ensure the safe operation of equipment during performances.
• Foster a collaborative and creative environment by working closely with directors, designers, performers, and other production staff to realize the artistic vision of each production.
• Provide technical support during rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances, troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise and ensuring smooth production runs.
• Assist in creating and managing production budgets related to technical aspects. Monitor expenses and seek cost-effective solutions while maintaining high production standards.

Technical Crew Supervision:

• Train and supervise a team of student technicians. Provide guidance, mentorship, and hands-on training in various technical areas such as lighting, sound, costumes, digital media, set construction, rigging, and stage management.

Resource Coordination:

• Manage and maintain an inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies. Coordinate equipment rentals, purchases, and repairs as needed to support production.
  

Technical Design and Implementation:

• Collaborate with directors and designers to translate artistic visions into technical designs. Oversee the implementation of lighting plots, sound designs, set construction plans, and other technical elements.
  

Venue and Equipment Maintenance:

• Ensure that theater spaces and equipment are well-maintained, safe, and functional. Coordinate routine maintenance, repairs, and upgrades in collaboration with school maintenance personnel and external vendors.
  

Safety and Compliance:

• Develop and enforce safety protocols for all technical activities, adhering to industry standards and best practices. Conduct regular safety training sessions for technical crew members and ensure the safe operation of equipment during performances.
  

Collaboration:

• Foster a collaborative and creative environment by working closely with directors, designers, performers, and other production staff to realize the artistic vision of each production.
  

Technical Support:

• Provide technical support during rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and performances, troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise and ensuring smooth production runs.
  

Budget Management:

• Assist in creating and managing production budgets related to technical aspects. Monitor expenses and seek cost-effective solutions while maintaining high production standards.
  

Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of theatrical equipment, rigging, and safety protocols.
• Proficiency in using theater-related software and tools, such as lighting control systems and sound mixing software.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and provide leadership to a diverse group of students/staff.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours based on production schedules.
• Superior administrative and leadership skills in personnel management
• Maintain an equitable fair staff evaluation system.
• Maintain student grades, daily attendance, and performance.
• Plan and organize instruction in ways that maximize documented student learning.
• Employ appropriate teaching and learning strategies to communicate subject matter to students.
• Modify, where appropriate, instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse student needs.
• Contribute to the selection and development of instructional materials in accordance with course objectives.
• Incorporate core competencies into curriculum.
• Develop, update, and post course syllabi in a timely manner.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Theater Production, Technical Theater, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).
• 10 years of experience working in and managing live entertainment event at major performing arts centers, Regional Theaters, and Concert venues.
• Extensive experience in technical theater, including lighting, sound, set construction, and stage management.
• Previous experience in a supervisory or managerial role, preferably in an educational or theatrical setting.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Ellington is an Equal Opportunity Employer