Associate Technical Director

Join our community and experience Emerson College

The Associate Technical Director provides hands-on support for and limited supervision in the performance and theatrical facilities of the Office of the Arts (OA), including but not limited to, the Cutler Majestic Theatre, Robert J. Orchard Stage, Semel and Greene Theaters, Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre, Bright Family Screening Room, Paramount Studios, and scene shop. This role supports the realization of the artistic and technical needs of users utilizing Office of The Arts spaces as they pertain to theatrical technology and methods. The Associate Technical Director identifies physical production issues as they arise and is both comfortable and able to take corrective action in most cases. The Associate Technical Director is both a user and staff-facing supervisory position which requires positivity, leadership, and the ability to solve problems.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• At the direction of the Technical Director, create and distribute accurate Computer Aided Drafted (CAD) drawings, including but not limited to, ground plans, sight line studies and build drawings for Office of The Arts.
• Assist Technical Director with advancing (technical planning) selected theater events and productions, including analyzing technical riders and information to determine the scenic, rigging, prop and wardrobe needs of productions.
• Use sound judgment to collaborate with team members and external clients for projects unique to a specific production
• Assist the Technical Director with identifying and securing required permits and permissions for, including but not limited to, theatrical draperies, special effects, and pyrotechnics.
• Assist the Technical Director with communication and enforcement of building and fire code requirements.
• Act as an on-site lead for staff, intermittent technicians, and student employees for OA productions and projects as needed. Duties include advising technicians in practical theatrical carpentry and rigging methods and enforcing safe working practices.
• Assist the Technical Director in estimating departmental and show budgets, soliciting estimates and tracking purchases. Assist with procurement of goods and services, including but not limited to scenic construction material, show related props/consumables and generic scenic inventory as directed by Technical Director.
• Supervise part-time technicians and student employees for Office of the Arts venues including applying and enforcing safe working practices.
• Serve as Technical Supervisor on Duty (TSoD) for shows, events, work calls and rehearsals as assigned by the Technical Director. During a shift, The TSoD will be responsible for in-person backstage safety, and implementation of Emergency Evacuation Plans, communication with other Office of The Arts and other college departments/personnel to resolve on-site issues, communicate with outside users and crews, maintain and protect house equipment, enforce house rules, and supervising part-time Emerson employee stage crew members and stage door supervisors. A Technical Supervisor on Duty acts as the in person real time client liaison for all OA events, shows, and work calls. Shifts are scheduled at the discretion of the Office of The Arts Production Department Head Team and may include night and weekend shifts.
• Supports Emerson Stage by reviewing drawings, plans, as well as offering technical advice.
• Support client production staff members by providing access to and specialized knowledge of OA equipment and facilities; as well as keeping OA equipment operating efficiently.
• Track ongoing yearly maintenance schedules including, but not limited to, rigging system inspections, automation system upkeep and upgrades, and safety systems.
• Responsible for the upkeep of OA tool inventory and ensuring the Scenic and Wardrobe department storage spaces are neat and orderly. Additionally, all members of the OA Production staff have a responsibility to participate in the general upkeep of all our spaces.
• Assist the Technical Director in creating, maintaining, and updating departmental documentation and paperwork, including but not limited to, Technical Information Packets, show paperwork, venue drawings, purchase tracking, SDS sheets, feasibility studies, and line set schedules.
• Act as interim Technical Director when TD is out/as needed.
• At the direction of the Technical Director, serve in the role of "lead carpenter" when building scenery or departmental assets. This role includes assisting with construction drawings, creating a build schedule, material acquisition as well as directing all construction and assembly
• Applies safe working practices and is responsible for the maintenance and /tracking of scenic departmental safety equipment. Will facilitate and document selected safety trainings as needed and directed by Technical Director.
• Schedule intermittent, student, and contract workers based on the needs of the project at the direction of the technical director.
• Other duties as assigned.
  

QUALIFICATIONS - Qualifications are deemed required or preferred and represent what is needed to

• Bachelor's degree or 4 years' experience in theatrical supervision and crew management
• Assistant Technical Director or related experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with the job.

• Demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Suite
• Demonstrable proficiency with AutoCad
• Demonstrable knowledge of theatrical operations and equipment
• Demonstrable knowledge in scenic construction
• Demonstrable proficiency in computer aided drafting
• Demonstrable knowledge of Microsoft Office or Google Suite
• Additional knowledge of theatrical industry and OSHA safety procedure and practices
• Additional knowledge and experience with theatrical rigging and counterweight systems
• Ability to be adaptable with tackling projects that may not have a previously outlined process
• Ability to communicate professionally with team members as well as external stakeholders
• Ability to consistently maintain a positive attitude through stressful, time sensitive situations
• Organizational skills are a must
• Demonstrable knowledge of theatrical operations and equipment
• Demonstrable knowledge in scenic construction
  

PHYSICAL ABILITIES - Activities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• This position is active in nature. Continuous movement is required.
• Repetitive movements, frequently lifting of up to 100 pounds, reaching, pushing, stooping, climbing
• Ability to read a computer screen, detect color-coding and read fine print is expected
• Requires the ability to have continuous oral and written communication with co-workers and supervisors essential.
  

WORK ENVIRONMENT - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• This position works in a theater and an office environment
• Exposed to moderate noise levels
• Exposed to dust, heat, chemicals, and fumes
• Works at height and various stage elevations
• Occasionally exposed to extreme temperatures and inclement weather conditions
• Exposed to vibration, moving mechanical parts, and the risk of electric shock
• May occasionally work in a confined space

This position requires an in-person presence on the Boston Campus during the work week.

Compensation: $21.60 - $25.90 hourly, commensurate with experience.

Grade of Position: 23-05NE

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36.25

Division:

In addition to a competitive salary, Emerson College is committed to the health and well-being of our employees and family members. We offer a generous benefits package to regular staff scheduled to work 20+ hours per week.

Benefits include outstanding health plans with limited out-of-pocket expenses, dental plans, generous time-off programs, and a 403(b) retirement benefit with a 9% employer contribution once eligible. Additional benefits such as life and disability coverage as well as commuter offerings are available.

Please refer to our benefits website for a full list of benefits and eligibility requirements.

PDN-9d4f9f2d-2f58-4f2d-a682-32ea51ad3990

---