Technical Director

About Us

A to Z Theatrical Supply and Service, Inc. has been in continuous operation for over 60 years. As a service and supply company for the theatrical and events world, we handle a diverse client base and provide assistance with retail purchases, lighting audio and video system rentals or upgrades, custom costume construction and rentals, theatrical drapery construction and installation, theatrical rigging system inspections, repairs, and replacements, and are involved in the renovation and construction of theatrical spaces, primarily in schools, regional theaters, and religious institutions. From A to Z, we do it all.

We seek an experienced technical director to join our growing production and fabrication team. The successful candidate is knowledgeable about various fabrication techniques used in traditional theatre, special events, and commercial/experiential installations such as escape rooms, haunted houses, theme parks, etc.

Work will happen out of the Kansas City office, with some travel to customer sites, primarily local.

Basic Information

Salary: $22 to $32 per hour - Starting wage is dependent on experience and qualifications.

Reports To: CEO and works closely with Production Logistics and Sales

Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt.

Standard Hours/Week: 40 (approximate), typically Monday-Friday during standard business hours but some evenings, weekends, and long days may be required to meet client needs and deadlines. This position is part of the weekend on-call rotation.

Benefits: A to Z offers paid time off and optional medical, dental, vision, life, short term disability, and long term disability insurance. Full time employees are also eligible for a discounted phone plan and a matching retirement plan.

Travel: Primarily local travel to client locations with up to 25% out of town travel.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@atozsupplyandservice.com

Job Summary/Essential Functions

The Technical Director plans, organizes, manages, and participates in the scenic construction and custom fabrication process for traditional theatre, special events, and commercial/experiential installations such as escape rooms, haunted houses, theme parks, etc. Projects include long term installations that the general public interacts directly with, in addition to more transitory projects such as traditional theatre and events. The TD balances time, budget, and complexity and is an experienced set builder and cost estimator (including materials, time, and labor costs). They work closely with the Project Logistics department to create a realistic build schedule for each project. The TD may participate in the design process so experience and expertise in drafting working drawings, ideally using CAD, is important. The TD attends Sales Meetings, site visits, planning meetings, and post-mortems as needed to understand design needs, and to draft construction drawings of scenic structures, props, and custom fabrication elements. They read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and plots to ensure that elements are fabricated according to specifications. They assist in installations and strikes at client sites. The TD ensures a safe working environment, proper care and maintenance of equipment, rigging systems, and stage elements, and upkeep of all shop and warehouse spaces. The TD works with a great deal of independence and exercises independent judgment in performing a wide variety of duties. They are called upon to deal with a range of technical issues and must possess a working knowledge of techniques, methods, and procedures of theatre, events, dance, music productions, and presentations including stage, set, sound, and lighting design implementation. The TD performs a variety of complex and highly technical functions requiring creativity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness. The TD also interacts and works collaboratively with a wide variety of personalities and situations requiring diplomacy, tact, friendliness, poise, and firmness while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment and ensuring tools and equipment are used in a safe manner and that safety precautions are followed. The successful candidate for this position will direct all aspects of technical direction and fabrication for a busy production shop and serve as Lead Carpenter for fabrication jobs.

Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting state requirements. Work schedule will include evenings and weekends as necessary based upon client needs.

Ultimately, the Technical Director must perform efficiently in a fast-paced environment and demonstrate excellent problem solving and decision making skills, while consulting with internal subject matter experts as needed. This position is required to record hours accurately using the company timeclock system and to submit complete expense reports on time.

The job summary is intended to reflect typical duties and is not a complete representation of the position.

Qualifications

MA or MFA in Theatre Arts, Technical Theatre, Theatrical Design, or a closely related field. Candidates with a BA in theatre and earned experience in the areas of professional theatre and/or higher education will be considered.
Minimum of 3 years of full time work experience in a supervisory role in technical theatre/events as it relates to scenery/prop construction or shop management. Prefer 4+ years. Previous shop management experience preferred.
Extensive experience in theatrical construction techniques, carpentry, welding, and theatrical rigging.
Additional experience in at least two or more of the following areas: prop design and construction, stage set design, rigging, stage lighting, sound, operation/use of stage equipment or other related production/event functions. Formal, informal, and cross-disciplinary experiences will be considered. Preferred professional experience as a carpenter, preferably in theatrical/stage construction.
A working knowledge of additional principles and practices of theatre/event staging is preferred in one or more of the following areas: theatrical rigging, sound engineering, stage lighting, video and projections, scenic painting, theatre management, or theatre safety.
Demonstrated experience working with creative personnel, supervising or teaching crews, and communicating effectively with diverse personalities.
Must have experience with counterweight rigging systems and 2-D drafting, 3-D preferred.
Must be able to lift and move set pieces, flats, and props of varying sizes, and safely work at heights.
Knowledge of stage effects and pneumatics/hydraulics is a plus.
Experience administering budgets
Demonstrated strong leadership, collaborative, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to supervise teams of employees.
Must effectively train and instruct others in theatrical carpentry and communicate safety standards.
Demonstrated experience working safely on/with aerial lifts and platforms, catwalks, and ladders is preferred.
Must possess OSHA 10 Construction certification or have the ability to acquire certification within the first 90 days of employment.
Preference given to those with a proven ability to safely run, maneuver, navigate, and drive vehicles or mechanized equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, personnel lifts, passenger vehicles, and box trucks. Must be willing and able to learn if not already experienced in this area.
Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record, current vehicle insurance meeting state regulations, and reliable transportation required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills

Knowledge of principles, techniques, methods, and equipment used in technical aspects of theatrical production, including the design and administration of set construction, prop construction, lighting, sound, rigging, scenic painting, and special effects related to theatrical productions and live events.
Strong organizational, drafting, and rigging skills.
Expertise in the proper use and care of hand and power tools used in stage production.
Excellent English communication skills as well as “team building” ability.
Well versed in current standards and practices, as well as new advances and technology as it relates to fabrication, projection, sound, lighting, rigging and installation.
Computer literacy in Google Workspace (formerly G-Suite) and AutoCAD (or willing to learn)
Ability to interact productively with diverse coworkers and clients.
Diverse knowledge of scenic construction, engineering, and overhead rigging; along with excellent problem solving, communication skills, and proficiency with computer aided design (CAD) systems.
Working knowledge of of electronics, stage equipment and rigging, and audio-visual media; knowledge of computerized and manual stage lighting control systems.
Strong time management skills with adaptability to changing priorities, deadlines, and the ability to manage numerous concurrent projects.
Possess good judgment, sensitivity, analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and problem solve. For this position a love of puzzles and researching answers to common issues is a must.
Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, be proactive, and handle uncertainty.
Skilled at managing multiple complex projects simultaneously while completing tasks in a timely fashion and meeting deadlines.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to be clear and concise.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work enthusiastically with a wide range of individuals to foster productive partnerships and relationships, both internally and externally.
Must be tenacious, flexible, and exhibit good humor under pressure.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the job summary above and meeting the physical requirements below.

Physical Abilities

Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in warehouse, fabrication shop, and office settings; to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull up to 60 lbs unassisted; to operate stage equipment and tools requiring fine dexterity, repetitive hand movement, and/or fine coordination.
Must be able to frequently climb and descend stairs and ladders, safely use common construction tools (e.g., screw gun, table saw, chop saw, pneumatic tools, etc.), use stage lighting and controls, sound controls, video controls, theatrical rigging equipment, aerial lifts/platforms, ladders, stage platforms.
Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your hands, arms and legs, and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials for a prolonged period of time.
Able to visually inspect equipment and use fine motor skills to assemble/disassemble equipment.
A steady energy level and a calm demeanor
Able to work safely at heights.
Able to perform all essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Work Environment

This position requires employees to work in a wide variety of work environments including in extreme heat and cold. Loud noises, both sustained and sudden, are common. Work is performed primarily, but not exclusively, in an indoor environment; some noise, dust, variance in temperatures, moisture, and/or humidity, paint fumes during certain stages of fabrication; exposure to electrical hazards, mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, explosive hazards, and/or burn hazards.

Work required takes place primarily in KC facility with some work at client sites and occasional travel to out of town client sites. There is no remote work option for this position.

Materials

Provide own smartphone capable of taking and sending pictures. A discounted phone plan is available after 60 days of employment
Provide own steel-toed shoes

The Fine Print

Offers of employment are contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States. A background check will be conducted as a condition of hire, after an offer is made, and we reserve the right to conduct a background check at any time during the course of employment. Some clients may require a drug test.

A to Z is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all persons. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, status as a veteran, or ancestry.

Please note that job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed, to be exhaustive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with a job. They are intended to be accurate reflections of those principal job elements essential for making fair hiring and pay decisions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

How to apply (if not via Indeed): Send a cover letter (.pdf) addressing your interest in the position and a summary of how your experience has prepared you for this position - maximum of two pages in length - AND a detailed resume (.pdf) that summarizes your educational preparation and/or professional experience for the position. (If applicable, submit a .pdf design portfolio containing 12 to 20 images of your work or a URL link to samples of your creative work in lighting design, set design, and/or sound design, or examples of your fabrication work. This could include renderings, photographs, and/or CAD drawings, as appropriate for revealing your design.)