Assistant Technical Director

The Departments of Theater, Dance, Opera Theater, and Music Theater at Oberlin College seek a collaborative and experienced Assistant Technical Director to support a dynamic and interdisciplinary performing arts production environment. This is a 12-month Administrative & Professional Staff position responsible for scenic construction, technical production coordination, facility operations, and support for student learning across multiple venues.

Working closely with the Technical Director, Managing Director, faculty, and production staff, the Assistant Technical Director plays a central role in realizing the artistic and curricular missions of the departments. The position supports scenic fabrication, installation, and maintenance for productions while helping maintain safe and efficient operations in multiple performing arts facilities.

The Assistant Technical Director also mentors and supervises student technical assistants, contributing to a professional and educational production environment that prepares students for work in the performing arts. As the role evolves, there may also be opportunities for occasional instructional engagement in areas such as stagecraft, technical production, or production safety.

Responsibilities:

Production Support

• Assist the Technical Director with the planning, construction, installation, and strike of scenic elements for theater, dance, opera, and music theater productions.
• Coordinate scenic construction schedules and shop workflow to meet production deadlines.
• Assist the Technical Director by picking up or dropping off scenic goods, props, materials, etc from locations on and off campus.
• Interpret technical drawings and assist with drafting, material sourcing, and fabrication.
• Supervise student technical assistants and crews during shop work, load-ins, technical rehearsals, and strikes.
• Maintain scenery, rigging, and production equipment in safe working condition.
• Collaborate with faculty directors, designers, and guest artists to realize production designs.

Technical Operations

• Support the safe and effective operation of scene shop facilities and equipment.
• Maintain inventories of tools, materials, and scenic stock.
• Assist with load-ins, changeovers, and technical rehearsals across multiple venues.
• Participate in troubleshooting technical and production issues during rehearsals and performances.
• Assist in coordinating production calendars and technical schedules.

Student Mentorship and Training

• Provide hands-on training to student technical assistants in scenic construction, stagecraft practices, and shop safety.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive learning environment within the production process.
• Support student participation in productions as an applied educational experience.

Facility Stewardship & Safety

• Help maintain scenic shop facilities, storage areas, and production spaces.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and industry best practices in all technical work.
• Assist in equipment maintenance, safety inspections, and shop organization.

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater, Theatrical Production, Stagecraft, or a related field or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in scenic construction and technical production.
• Experience supervising crews or student workers.
• Working knowledge of scenic construction tools, equipment, and shop practices.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, and guest artists.
• Commitment to safe working practices and inclusive learning environments.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environment.
• Valid Ohio Drivers license.

Compensation:

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package

Special instructions to applicant:

All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory's online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/. A complete application will be comprised of:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. List of References
4. Unofficial transcript