Technical Theater Director

Jemicy School, which educates talented and bright college-bound students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences, is seeking a qualified technical theater director for the current 2022-2023 school year. This position, which reports directly to the chair of the Upper School Department of Performing Arts, supervises, plans, coordinates, and executes most, if not all, technical aspects of performance and event programming in the school’s Tomlinson Theater and its facilities. These facilities include the theater itself, the theater lobby, a costume shop, a technical booth, and both indoor and outdoor storage facilities.

The theater and its facilities are utilized by all divisions and multiple departments of the school. Technical direction and support (including set build) will be required for, but not limited to, all Upper School and Lower/Middle School theatrical productions, admissions events, development events, school-wide events, special events (like Evening of the Arts), guest speakers, and presenters. In addition, the technical theater director will be expected to teach coursework in technical theatre, set design, and/or stage management.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

• Assume responsibility for the technical direction for the year-round schedule of all activities and events, productions, exhibitions, and general facility use.
  • Create, maintain, and communicate, the Tomlinson Theater programming and production calendar and subsequent build schedules to ensure the most efficient and effective use of the shared space.
• Ensure the efficient and timely maintenance of all the facilities and equipment.
  • Oversee and maintain both owned inventory and external equipment rentals.
• Oversee the creation and completion (planning, evaluation, scheduling, implementation, execution, engineering, and supervision) of all scenic elements (including sets, lights, props, audio/visual, and special effects) for all theatrical productions for all divisions of the school in accordance with their own planning or that provided by a contracted designer.
  • Supervise/manage carpentry, welding, rigging, work with plastics, fabrics, and other set-related materials in pursuit of an artistic product of the highest level possible, produced in a cost-effective and safe manner.
  • Act as the liaison and main point of contact between third-party vendors related to rented theatrical equipment, i.e. lighting and rigging rentals.
• Maintain the technical aspects of all programming by attending all events, technical rehearsals, productions, and/or other Tomlinson Theater programming as an emergency technician, oftentimes outside of regular school hours in order to assist student technicians and/or faculty and staff with the prompt resolution of production/event-related incidents (technical/ audio/visual).
• Research and maintain information on emerging technologies in technical theatre as needed for curriculum enhancement, current or future production needs, and/or operations.
• Teach coursework in technical theatre, Set Design, and/or Stage Management.
• Recruit, encourage, and supervise students working in technical theatre.
• Assists the chair of the Upper School Department of Performing Arts in the formation of a highly-motivated and collaborative design and production team consisting of both students and professionals.
• Act as the chief safety officer responsible for overseeing a safe educational theatrical space in compliance with OSHA, ADA, and building fire codes.
• Develop a safety manual, address any safety hazards or infractions, and follow up on any hazard reports.
• Ensure that all students and faculty/staff involved in a theatrical production or event are familiar with the safety manual and emergency procedures
• Supervise and evaluate crew members, student workers, and volunteers; ensure safety by monitoring use of equipment and tools.
• Arrange for any necessary certifications required of contracted designers or vendors, faculty/staff, and/or students.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:

• An arts-centered individual who is passionate and committed to advancing the lives of students.
• Knowledgeable about dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
• A skilled technical craftsperson with a passion for education and theatrical excellence.
• An expressive and dynamic personality who is adept at building and maintaining relationships with students, faculty/staff, artists, independent contractors, vendors, etc.
• A promoter of a values-based educational culture that strives to foster a sense of belonging, affirmation, and connection to other community members and to social movements through theatre.
• Able to deftly navigate and promote a culture that welcomes ambiguity, meet challenges, adapt, reinvent, and swiftly assimilate new concepts.
• Skilled at interacting with a diverse team of staff members and artists while fostering an environment that values open communication, encourages the sharing of best practices, and actively seeks feedback to support areas of growth.
• Adept at communicating professionally and articulately, adjusting communication style as necessary, both in person and through written/digital communication.

QUALIFICATIONS

The technical theater director should have a strong knowledge of the discipline and production aspects including but not limited to sound, lights, projections, set construction, costumes, props, stage makeup, and stage management operations; a proven ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment; excellent verbal, written, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and proficiency in computer and technology skills, especially in office productivity software (Microsoft Office, iWork, and G Suite). Additionally, the candidate should have the following:

• Bachelor's degree (master’s degree preferred) in a field related to theater production and/or technology, or equivalent practical/professional experience.
• Two (2) years’ experience (4-years preferred) working in technical theater or a related field.
• At least one (1) year (2-4 years preferred) teaching in a high school environment.
• Advanced digital literacy, especially with project management and digital drafting software is a plus.

Competitive salary and benefits package will be discussed during the hiring process. Send a cover letter and resume to Laura Gray at lgray@jemicyschool.org or 11202 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117

For serious consideration, applicants must apply directly to Jemicy School.  The school will not review resumes submitted through public job boards.