SEATTLE REP is seeking a resourceful and highly talented Technical Director to join the Production Department. The Technical Director is a critical member of the team, providing essential leadership, supervision, and coordination of all the technical elements of our theater productions.

ABOUT US

Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle Rep is a Tony Award-winning not-for-profit organization and the pre-eminent theater in the Pacific Northwest. We produce 8 – 10 plays each season (which runs from Sept – June) in our two theater spaces: the Bagley Wright Theater (690 seats) and the Leo K Theater (289 seats). We host nationally recognized artistic programs such as the New Play Program, Public Works, the Next Narrative Monologue Competition, Pay What You Choose performances, and numerous audience enrichment and engagement initiatives, including post-play panels, discussions, and community events.

Seattle Rep has a $15 million annual operating budget and a $13 million endowment. In 2019, we launched the first of two consecutive capital campaigns with an initial target of $20 million to be raised over the next several years, followed by a more robust 7+ year campaign in support of new facilities.

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. 

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion of those who have been historically excluded, focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring that they are part of our decision-making processes and reflected in our programming.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Technical Director is responsible for successfully coordinating and executing all the technical elements (scenery, paints, automation, lighting, sound, projections) for Seattle Rep’s productions on schedule and on budget. The Technical Director also oversees all technical areas in the facility and works in close collaboration with designers, directors, and the entire production staff.

Typical duties include:          

Planning of Technical Needs for Productions and Spaces

• Collaborate with designers, directors, production management, and staff throughout the design and build process to facilitate the artistic vision of each production
• Analyze scenic designs to determine feasibility of execution within the constraints of budget and allotted time and work with designers, directors, production management, and staff, as necessary, to implement changes and adjustments in the best interests of the Theater and the production
• Engineer methods of implementing designs

• Plan out technical support for all productions

• Create detailed build schedules, load-in schedules, and punch lists in collaboration with designers, production management, shops, and stage crews with a focus on maintaining the budget and schedule of each production
• Attend all production meetings and technical rehearsals to report on progress and to collaborate with directors and designers, as necessary, to revise, improve, and adapt the scenic elements of each show in the best interests of the Theater and the production
• Continually assess and monitor productions to revise and update all technical needs
• In collaboration with the Director of Production and production department heads, assist in the creation of the season producing plan, design deadlines, and master calendar.
• Respond to all technical inquiries concerning the facility, staff, etc., and conduct tours, lectures, etc. as required.

Planning of Budgetary Needs for Production or Space

• In collaboration with the Director of Production and production department heads, create seasonal and individual production budgets, including but not limited to materials, labor, rentals, overhire, etc.
• Manage the budget throughout the year by monitoring cost control and participating in the ongoing forecasting process

Design

• Engineer new systems, maintain production value, and oversee integration of all scenic elements (scenery, props, paints, lighting, and sound) for all productions.
• Design and oversee implementation of theatrical effects and automation systems.

Capital Assets

• Assess long- and short-range capital improvements and maintenance for technical production systems and equipment.

Supervision

• Supervise the Associate Technical Director, Stage Operations Supervisor, and Production Purchaser
• Direct Reports:
  • Associate Technical Director
  • Stage Operations Supervisor
  • Production Purchaser
  • Shop Foreperson
  • Scene Shop Head Carpenter
  • Head Stage Carpenters
• Train stage crew on new systems for each production
• Develop and enforce safety guidelines for all equipment and shop/stage staff
• Schedule, lead, and/or assist, as necessary, all quarterly and mid-season reviews for direct reports
• Collaborate with the Director of Production to create a more human-centered work environment through policy and example

Hiring, Onboarding, Scheduling, and Payroll

• In collaboration with the Associate Technical Director and Stage Operations Supervisor, determine staffing needs and respond to staffing issues for all employees in the scene shops and on the crew
• In collaboration with Production Management and technical direction team, monitor all payroll records, labor budgets, weekly time sheets, and work schedules for scene shops and stage crew
• Review and respond to incoming applications and technical department job inquiries
• Attend labor-management meetings with our partner IATSE locals 15 and 488
• Participate as management in negotiations of our IATSE Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Attend all staff EDI trainings and center EDI practices in all aspects of work

Minimum Qualifications

• 3 years as an Assistant Technical Director at a professional level
• Excellent knowledge of wood, metals, plastics, and exotic materials and techniques for using all
• Advanced engineering, computer, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent knowledge of computer-assisted drafting programs
• A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines under pressure with grace
• A demonstrated ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, and in a supervisory capacity
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, and diplomacy skills in relationships with designers, directors, and staff
• Commitment to or knowledge of racial equity and social justice

Desired Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in theater or parallel experience
• Experience with labor agreements and managing union staff
• Expert knowledge of all construction techniques, scenic automation systems, stage rigging systems, electronics, and fluid-powered systems

TO BE CONSIDERED

1. Submit a resume detailing related experience and education
2. Attach a cover letter that outlines how your related experience and education qualifies you for the position
3. List of references for related experience
4. Applicants are reviewed the day after the position closes
5. First round of interviews tentatively scheduled for September 19, 2022

Seattle Rep has a mandatory vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religious exemptions only.

Contact hr@seattlerep.org with any questions regarding the application process.