Join a creative and dynamic team of people dedicated to Near West Theatre's community-focused mission.

Current Openings: Technical Director

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Technical Director position is responsible for ensuring construction of all scenic elements for all productions, managing scenic budgets, ensuring safety of cast and crew during construction, rehearsals, and performances, and leading and training staff and volunteers in set construction.

Please apply with cover letter and resume online through our website form (below). If preferred, applicants may email application directly to: hr@nearwesttheatre.org with the job title listed in the subject line; or mail to: Near West Theatre, ATTN: Human Resources Department, 6702 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44102.

Position will remain open until filled. No phone calls, please. Near West Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where a variety of backgrounds, cultures, orientations, ideas, and talents can flourish.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Execution of all production sets from approved technical and scenic designs

· Responsible for procuring all production supplies for set construction and painting

· Responsible for overall management of scenic and paint budget

· Management of scenic painters for each production

· Responsible for safety of actors and staff in their use of scenic elements and presence on-stage and backstage, in partnership with Stage Manager

· Responsible for storage, inventory, and rental of production supplies that are part of the scenic/paint areas

· Maintain rehearsal and performance site, including keeping stage, shop, and storage areas for production organized

· Provide technical support at dress rehearsals and at performances as needed.

· Attend all production meetings as well as any specified scenic design meetings

· Responsible for construction of specialty-built props as needed

· Transfer drawings from design to working/build drawings

· Creates and maintains the build schedule for each production with Production Manager

· Responsible for all rigging to be done in any performance space throughout the building

· Manage full-time Assistant Technical Director and any contracted carpenters

· On-call for all performances in case of emergency need

· Make recommendations to theater leadership regarding capital purchases of technical equipment

· Lead Technical Theater Work Sessions for teens and adults interested in set construction and painting as well as working backstage, technical support crews for productions (props, sound, lighting, running crew, costume repair)

· Serve as a House Manager for at least one performance per production run

PREFERRED SKILLS:

· Strong knowledge of carpentry (rough and finish)

· Strong knowledge of rigging, welding, blueprint reading, foam carving, painting, audio visual, and theatre lighting

· Intermediate skill with Vectorworks or AutoCad

· Able to perform simple electrical wiring

· Strong skills in teaching, leading, and developing a team dynamic within the crew

· Proficient managing other staff, including contracted staff and volunteers

· Working knowledge of teaching technical skills to youth and/or adults

· Ability to maintain a safe working environment and shop

· Working knowledge of nonprofit organization or community theater structure.

QUALITIES & CHARACTERISTICS:

· Kind, empathetic, and collaborative in maintaining a safe and positive work environment

· A proactive self-starter and creative problem-solver

· Passion to serve others

· An appreciation for social justice initiatives

· A desire to make our community and region a better society

· Passion for helping guests, patrons, participants, families, and volunteers

· A willingness to support other staff and pitch in when someone needs help

· Calmness under pressure and ability to be successful under tight timelines

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of technical theater production experience highly preferred; 2+ years of finish carpentry experience required. Capable of driving 24’ box truck.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree with an emphasis in Technical Theatre, or equivalent professional experience.

PHYSICAL: Must be able to regularly stand, walk, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and talk and hear. Must be able to stoop, squat, or kneel, and reach above the head. Must be able to lift 40-50 lbs. Must be able to climb 40’ ladder to access catwalk system if needed. Must be comfortable with heights of 40’ on a catwalk system and a single person lift.

JOB CLASSIFICATION: This position is a full-time exempt position, requiring at least 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling during production runs and special events to appropriately

support the role and responsibilities including tech week and being on-call during performances. This is a salaried position starting at $45,000 annually and includes access to medical and dental coverage, paid time off, retirement benefits after one year, and other benefits outlined in Near West Theatre’s employee handbook.

The position also receives 20-days paid-time-off, observance of national holidays and a 2-week institutional winter break.