Under the general supervision of the Long Beach Opera (LBO) Director of
Production, the Technical Director (TD) is responsible for planning and
supervising technical production activities and personnel in the following
areas:
· Technical production administration & planning
· Technical design & direction
· Cost management and budget assistance
· Operations management
*JOB CONDITIONS:*
When not in a production period, roughly 75% of the typical workday is
spent either on the phone, in meetings, or working at a computer
workstation. Remaining time is spent supervising warehouse activities and
visiting off site shops and contractors and working with designers on
technical needs. When in a production period and technical rehearsals, the
Technical Director spends roughly 90% of the typical workday in the
performance venue. The workflow varies greatly throughout the year, with
work time demands beyond the standard workweek determined by production
planning and execution. The Technical Director must be available year
round to a schedule agreed with the Director of Production and maintain
irregular and extended working hours.
*ESSENTIAL DUTIES:*
- Coordinate work and schedules with production staff, designers,
theater staff, and other departments as related to Opera productions.
- Responsible for scenic and lighting planning and documentation.
- Responsible for video, sound, and supertitle planning and
documentation.
- Responsible for house seating arrangements for non
traditional/experimental venues.
- Assist Director of Production with current and future season planning
and administration.
- Report directly to the Director of Production with weekly
meetings/updates.
* Technical Production Administration & Planning*
- Review, analyze, revise and document all productions (mainstage and
special events).
- Plan and supervise technical activities associated with
productions’ scenery, lighting, video, sound, and supertitles operations
- Prepare all co-production technical documentation and liase with
co-production Dept Heads
- Liaise with Designers to implement all technical requirements of a
design including video and sound
- With Director of Production, determine the necessary technical
staff support required for each production.
- With Department Heads (Light, Sound, Video, AV, Props), coordinate
needs, paperwork, deliverables, and communication with the Designers.
- Participate in development of the LBO production schedule
- Attend design meetings, production meetings, and LBO staff meetings
- Assist and secure permits and certifications for building materials
(i.e., fire certificates)
- Coordinate production trucking, transport, and storage
- Must be able to help find and secure venues for future LBO
productions, advising on the safety and security matters as well as the
feasibility of production in the venue before contract negotiations.
- Participate in assessment and installation of special events
* Technical Design & Direction*
- Analyze and interpret designs and technical documentation for LBO
productions and assess their viability for LBO’s use
- Prepare, update and maintain technical drawings, shop details,
specifications and manifests
- Coordinate designer drawings with Designers and technical drawings
with the scene shop; drafting as required
- Prepare working CAD and Vectorworks drawings of performance venues
- Coordinate rigging and other technical requirements with Head
Carpenter (ATD), Head Electrician, Audio Head, AV Head
- Prepare and execute backstage, offstage, and theatre facility
technical requirements based on safety and fire codes
- With the Stage Manager, prepare and execute rehearsal room staging
needs including taping of floor and procuring rehearsal props
and costumes
- Step in for positions not filled as needed (props master, master
electrician, A2)
- Oversee and participate in scene shop activity during set and prop
construction periods
- Supervise stage operations and labor during rehearsal and
performance period including strike; establish labor call times and
personnel requirements with Director of Production.
- Install and strike patron seating as needed
- Participate as stage crew as needed
- Work closely with the Artistic Department to prepare and execute
all technical and production need related to artistic personnel and
orchestra
* Cost Management*
- Assist in preparation of detailed long-range budget estimates for
technical departments with Director of Production
- Monitor technical production and labor expenses during production
phases
- Obtain competitive costings for all elements of expenditure within
the technical department
- With the Dept Heads, prepare and secure shop order estimates and
updates
- Report and forecast expenses in a timely manner
- Participate in reconciliation of settlement statements expenses
* Operations Management*
- With Director of Production, liaise with performance venue management
and personnel
- With the Dept Heads, hire and supervise crew under the guidance of
Director of Production
- Provide management oversight of production health and safety
requirements;
identify and recommend modifications to facilities and processes as
necessary
- Supervise all storage and transport activities
- Review, analyze and make recommendations for facilities, upgrades,
expansions, transfers and acquisitions. Arrange for preventative
maintenance on stock goods and equipment.
- Keep up to date with all technical developments within the theatre
industry
- Work closely with Director of Production on a variety of office
based and administrative tasks.
*SKILLS AND ABILITIES: *
● Knowledge of safety requirements, stage operations, and design theory
and principles to be able to translate design specifications, blueprints,
or drawings into lighting or sound production and effects.
● Strong ability to draft scenic technical drawings as needed in a
timely manner.
● Must be comfortable using standard tools and equipment, ability to
weld and build is essential. Have an understanding of rigging techniques,
counterweight systems, light rigging, focus and control, and sound rigging
and control;
● Must be able to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced work
environment; cope with rapid change while meeting strict deadlines; apply
independent judgment, discretion, and initiative to address problems and
develop practical, thorough and creative solutions;
● Must be able to be detail oriented with strong organizational skills;
learn, interpret, apply, and explain policies and procedures; communicate
effectively orally and in writing;
● Must have the ability to work long hours as necessary; and establish
and maintain effective working relationships with others.
*QUALIFICIATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:*
● at least 5 years professional experience in leadership and technical
roles
● advance scenic carpentry skills, with a full knowledge of common
techniques and industry standards.
● intermediate to advanced metal working skills and/or rigging skills
● intermediate understanding of scenic painting, lighting, audio, and
video
● time spent installing scenery either as a freelance carpenter or on
tour in a face pace, evolving environment
● valid driving license and clean driving record and insurance are
required as there will be driving involved.
● fluency in AutoCad, Vectorworks, Excel, QLab
● appreciation of music and performance art
● must live in Southern California
*TO APPLY:*
send cover letter (include 3 recent references) and resume listing
work/theater experience to:
Director of Production
subject line: TD Search
Absolutely no phone calls or faxes accepted
Position open until filled
