University Opera Technical Director

Job Summary

The Mead Witter School of Music seeks a Technical Director to manage the technical and production operations for the award-winning University of Wisconsin Opera. The person in this position will be responsible for all facets of production planning (personnel, scheduling, design meetings), scenic construction (sourcing and purchasing materials, building, assembling), and production management (load-in, strike, technical troubleshooting) for two mainstage opera productions over the course of the academic year.

This position also provides limited technical support for one minimally-produced opera scenes performance per semester. The Technical Director will manage professional and student stage crew and production personnel during the technical and dress rehearsal periods through the end of the performance run. They will be responsible for the maintenance and organization of University Opera shop spaces, including oversight of supplies, inventory, and equipment. In addition, the position coordinates transportation and logistical needs for production elements, including sets, furniture, props, and costumes.

Production Planning

1. Work closely with Director of University Opera to coordinate all production elements.
2. Determine materials, personnel, and other technical needs for each production. Coordinate design and build schedule and deadlines.
3. Coordinate the hire of external vendors as necessary to complete each production.
4. Create and manage production calendar.
5. Organize and attend production meetings with director and designers (scenic, lighting, costumes, props, sound when needed, wigs and makeup) and other production personnel; follow up throughout the design/build process.

Scenic Construction and Production Management

1. Source and manage outside personnel to fill non-UW positions (electricians, carpenters, light board and follow spot operator, sound crew, professional stagehands, etc).
2. Source and purchase/rent building materials. Manage purchasing for production needs (including props, furniture and costumes) using purchase orders and purchasing card, working within provided budget.
3. Build, assemble and install sets on stage; arrange for transportation and load-in of set when necessary.
4. Lead installation of pit when necessary.
5. Oversee technical rehearsals; troubleshoot technical issues.
6. Oversee technical operations of all performances.
7. Manage the strike of the set and load out of all production materials when performances are completed.

Supervision

1. Supervise stagehands, outside production personnel and student technicians.
2. Provide clear direction to contracted labor to ensure timeliness of work, proper procedures and cost efficiency.

Miscellaneous

1. Maintain all systems and equipment for University Opera's curricular mission, ensuring adequate inventory for the program's needs.
2. Provide advice on the technical requirements, budgets, and equipment needs.
3. Maintain and enforce current best practices related to operations policies and health and safety standards for performance spaces.
4. Work within provided budgets and keep accurate records of production-related expenses.

This position is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of a one-year extension or conversion to an ongoing role contingent upon funding and organization need.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Develops and directs implementation of operating policies and procedures with health and safety regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives
• May develop unit operating budgets and identify opportunities for new unit income generating programs and services
• Cleans and maintains organization of theater and technical production equipment
• Instructs students in the preparation, construction, and operation of performance art productions, systems and equipment
• Inspects, maintains, and repairs equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
• Directs the planning, staffing, and execution of technical production and theatrical operations before and during performances

Required Qualifications

1. Prior experience in technical operations of theatrical productions.
2. Strong carpentry skills and experience building and installing theatrical sets.
3. Current technical theater knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of theatrical scenic and lighting systems, sound and video/data projection equipment, and the operation of stage rigging and lift equipment.
4. Experience in production budgeting and scheduling.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
6. Knowledge of procedural best practices and health and safety regulations as they apply to theatres and scene shops.
7. Experience in the use of electric and hand tools.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Knowledge of and experience working with CAD software.
2. Welding skills.
3. Experience with software applications for spreadsheets, word processing, scheduling and billing.
4. Ability to oversee and work alongside professional and student employees from diverse backgrounds.