Senior Technical Director - The Atlanta Opera

The Senior Technical Director (SrTD) reports directly to the Director of Production (DP) and provides oversight of all technical production activities in support of the mission of The Atlanta Opera. The SrTD actively manages the technical operations including scenery, properties, audio, lighting, and video; and provides administrative support for the Production Department.



DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct and supervise the technical department managers and staff.

• Determine and manage all technical production needs for all productions including analysis of incoming rentals, and analysis of proposed new build projects/productions.

• Direct and oversee all stage crew departments in the theatre, warehouse and shop paying strict attention to IATSE rules and practices.

• Facilitate communication between directors, designers, and production technical departments along with distributing production materials to appropriate departments.

• Advise and assist scenic, properties, lighting, video, and sound designers, on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show and supervises the implementations of approved technical designs.

• Safeguard the technical assets of TAO, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, video, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of stage facilities, scenery, and properties; and arrange for the repair and replacement of assets within budgetary constraints.

• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations regarding all licensing, permits, certificates and relevant documentation in regard to the technical and production aspects of performances.

• In conjunction with Director of Production, develop and implement near and long-term technical budgets, individual project budgets and touring budgets.

• Collaborate with all departments and oversee the technical support of other departments’ functions as required.

• Oversee all Atlanta Opera staff and crew in backstage areas of performance venues.

• Track and review stage crew hours, approve payroll for submittal to the Finance Department.

• Create and implement incoming rental logistical plans.

• Manage all aspects of Atlanta Opera asset rentals.

• Manage all professional/production stage, warehouse, and shop labor contracts, maintaining ongoing relationships with the contract entities.

• Give final approval on all scenic floor plans, rigging points, line schedules.

• Oversee all production equipment logistics and transportation logistics.

• Manage creation of appropriate technical paperwork including all technical drawings for all Atlanta Opera engagements.

• Research competitive pricing for all technical operations purchases and rentals including shipping and support personnel.

• Maintain expense budget within boundaries of project budgets.

• Prepare support documentation for reconciliation of expenditures.

• Provide additional project management and consultation as required.

• Oversee compliance with all appropriate federal, state, and local safety and health practices.

• Other duties, as assigned.



SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct supervision of:

• Technical Director (TD)

• Lighting Supervisor

• Properties Manager & Artisan

• Assistant Technical Director (ATD)

• Warehouse & Operations Manager

Indirect supervision of:

• Stage crew, carpenters, riggers, lighting, video, and audio technicians.



COMPETENCIES & QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent written and oral communication and problem-solving skills with the ability to interact with all levels of the organization in a professional manner at all times, including guest artists and designers.

• Well organized and detail oriented with an ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality and diplomacy.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously and efficiently.

• Excellent computer skills and aptitude, especially in CAD, VectorWorks, DropBox, and using Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneDrive, as well as the ability to quickly learn new software programs.

• Knowledge and/or strong interest and knowledge of opera preferred.

• Ability to work collaboratively within the production team and with multiple departments and cross-departmental teams.

• Ability to drive a 26’ box truck and large cargo vans.



MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or related field preferred.

• At least ten years work experience in theatrical production with a demonstrated track record of increased responsibility.

• Ability to sit at a desk for up to and over eight hours per day.

• Ability to communicate using a phone and headset.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

• Have valid driver’s license.
Salary: $80,000 to $85,000