SUNY Brockport is accepting applications for a Technical Director. The Technical Director oversees all technical aspects of productions, performances, concerts, and other Fine Arts Series events, ensuring they are executed safely, efficiently, and to professional standards. This role supports the department's educational mission by teaching Stagecraft and related practicums, mentoring students in technical theatre practices, and fostering a collaborative, hands-on learning environment. The successful candidate will be a vital partner in building the next generation of our program as well as an open and collaborative individual positively engaged in the department’s mission and values.
Essential Functions:
- Works collaboratively with designers to assess the technical, structural, budgetary, and scheduling feasibility of scenic, property, lighting, and sound designs, ensuring that all projects can be completed in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner.
- Creates technical design drawings based on scenic designer drafting to distribute to the Scene Shop Manager and student carpentry crews. Oversees scenic construction and is responsible for the completion, installation, strike, safety, and storage of all scenic elements.
- Teaches the Stagecraft course and supervises related practicums each semester, with the understanding that students enrolled in these courses participate in the construction and execution of scenic, property, and technical elements for departmental productions. Related practicums may include stage construction (carpentry), props, lighting, sound, and run crew.
- Instructs students in the safe and proper use of shop equipment and theatre production techniques in preparation for, construction of, and participation in departmental productions. This includes students enrolled in Stagecraft, Practicum, Theatre Arts, and work-study positions. Remains current with established safety standards and best practices.
- Coordinates with hired designers when necessary and supplies technical drawings and supporting technical documentation to external design collaborators.
- Supervises and consults with the Scene Shop Manager in scene shop operations and scenic construction. Will assist the shop manager with prop construction and acquisition.
- Plans and creates the work schedule (production timeline) for the department's technical production needs in conjunction with Scenic Charge and Scene Shop Manager.
- Attends design run and technical rehearsals in order to supervise and assist in the technical aspects of the show.
- Bids, orders, purchases and secures orders of materials, supplies, equipment, and parts for TMS facility and theatre productions. Maintains, tracks, and reports as requested on assigned budgets.
- Consults with the producer and department chair on long-term capital improvements or modification of the facility or operating systems.
- Provides audio and lighting support for concerts, guest artists, music performances and other events using our spaces (such as mainstage, blackbox, and room 120).
- Is present or on site, (or arranges for another faculty or staff person) for all TMS and Fine Arts Events in the theatre and music spaces, and other performances/events as necessary. This can be arranged with the producer and/or chair.
Non-Essential Functions:- Attends and contributes to faculty meetings, production meetings and other department related events.
- Participates in ongoing maintenance, cleaning, facility updates, and the organization of storage spaces throughout the building.
- Maintains capital improvement and equipment inventory replacement/repair reports in consultation with producer and chair.
- Serves on campus committees as needed (i.e., Chemical Hygiene Committee, TMS Safety Committee).
- Contributes to a positive and collaborative departmental culture that supports shared values, respectful communication, and productive working relationships.
Minimum Qualifications:- Bachelor’s degree by the time of appointment from a college or university accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or an internationally recognized college or university
- Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in theater or related field
- Prior teaching or student supervision/mentorship experience
- Proficient in CAD program software (AutoCAD preferred and VectorWorks acceptable), and the ability to draft theatrical technical drawings and teach the process of drafting
- Knowledge of welding and proper use of metal working tools
- Ability to access and conform to local, state, and federal building safety, fire codes, and chemical hygiene practices
- Must be collaborative, detailed oriented, possess strong organizational, problem solving and conflict resolution skills, and have effective interpersonal skills to work with faculty, staff, and students
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:- MFA in technical theatre
- Knowledge of theatrical sound and sound reinforcement
- Knowledge of theatrical lighting and lighting distribution and control systems
Physical Demands and Coordination:- Ability to work on ladders and climb scaffolding to heights in excess of 15 feet
- Ability to lift, bend, stoop, walk, reach, stand and work in cramped areas for extended periods of time
- Ability to frequently lift or carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds
- Ability to perform tasks requiring exposure to dust, heights, moving parts, and noise
Work Schedule:37.5 hours/week: Monday-Friday, 9 am - 5 pm, some nights and weekends
Benefits:This position is benefits eligible. Find out more about benefits at Careers@Brockport.
Application Instructions:
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Visit jobs.hr.brockport.edu to complete an application including your cover letter that addresses required and preferred qualifications, resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references.
Please note, if you have retired from a New York State Public Employee Retirement System (Teachers Retirement System or Employees Retirement System), you may be subject to an earnings limitation. Please familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations when applying for this position.
