SUMMARY
APPLICATION DEADLINE – April 15, 2019
START DATE – June/July 2019
A full time, salaried position reporting to the Director of Production. The Technical Director has primary responsibility for the execution of all technical aspects of physical production (scenic, lighting, A/V, props) for all SPARC programs, productions, workshops, readings, special events (listing of current programming attached), along with teaching and facility management responsibilities. (listing of current programming attached)
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
PRODUCTION
- Work in concert with the Director of Production to develop budgets for productions, classes and equipment.
- Work in concert with the Director of Production and Director of Education to fulfill all production needs for all SPARC programming (LIVE ART, tuition based classes, fee for service programs, summer camps, Spotlight Ensemble and other events occurring in the SPARC Center)
- Generate all construction drafting
- Manage scenic build schedule, build, lighting hang/focus, and A/V set up for all productions; Provide guidance to Prop Master when needed
- Work with Director of Production, directors and designers to implement all design elements within budgets. Evaluate designs, create materials and labor estimates.
- Maintain accurate equipment and stock scenery inventory lists
- Facilitate shop organization/upkeep and maintenance of all equipment/tools
- Daily follow up on rehearsal reports to ensure all rehearsal needs are met in a timely fashion.
- Attend all scheduled staff and production meetings, technical rehearsals, performances and special events as scheduled
- Supervise, train and mentor over hire staff and Production Fellows and Interns in daily schedules and tasks assigned following the production calendar; providing instruction and guidance in completing tasks.
- Provide instruction to staff and students on safe use of tools, equipment, and facilities
- Insure all safety practices and procedures are followed by staff and students
- Work in concert with Production Assistant to facilitate scenic and prop rentals
- Foster a positive, solution finding environment in assessing and achieving artistic and educational goals
- Mentoring and supporting students involved in all SPARC programming
TECHNICAL THEATRE EDUCATION
- Work in concert with the Director of Production to devise engaging, hands on curriculum and training for technical theatre students
- Teach one technical theatre class or workshop per semester
- Teach specified sections during the summer Tech Theatre Stagecraft camp
- Work with Director of Production and Production Assistant to train and supervise student tech crew as assigned on productions
FACILITY
- Work in concert with the DOP and administrative team to identify budget planning needs for facility maintenance
- Assist with facility maintenance as necessary by completing minor repairs (changing air filters, light bulbs, minor repair/installation projections, routine inspections to make sure facility is in good working condition), and advising administrative staff on larger capital improvements needed
- Assisting various staff with facility projects as production schedule allows
- Assisting Director of Production with supervision of facility rentals
PERSONAL QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre plus a minimum of 5 years professional experience as a technical director or shop head
- Shop management experience, supported by thorough knowledge of all areas of theatrical production and the technical theatre production process
- Working knowledge of standard scenic construction and practices; high level proficiency in stage rigging
- Experience with all technical theatre elements, including lighting and sound (analog and digital consoles)
- Proficiency with standard shop tools (hand, power, pneumatic)
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, as well as AutoCAD/ Vectorworks and hand drafting abilities
- Ability to lift 75 lbs
- Clean driving record and ability to drive rental vehicles (cargo van up to 26’ truck)
- Willing to work flexible hours as needed
- Student focused – all actions, communications and interactions with students and staff are expected to focus on creating a quality learning experience for SPARC students
- Personable, positive attitude and agreeable nature with diplomatic leadership skills
- Positive communicator with strong written and verbal communication skills and excellent public persona for SPARC to all constituents
- Ability to work well in group problem-solving situations
- Excellent time management and organizational skills
- Ability to work under pressure on many projects and work with people of varying levels of experience
CURRENT ANNUAL PROGRAMMING
- LIVE ART
- Major public performance featuring nationally renowned musicians (past have included Jason Mraz, Josh Grobin, k.d. lang, Christina Perri, Sara Bareilles, René Marie and more) performing with 200 students of all abilities (with and without disabilities).
- Held annually in Richmond’s Altria Theater (3,500 seats)
- Single performance
- Production budget: approx. $125,000
- 3 Spotlight Series Student Productions (Fall, Spring; 80-500 seat venues), with approx. 10 performances each
- One production each academic semester for students ages 10-18. Past titles have included Peter and the Starcatcher, Into the Woods, Urinetown, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Charlotte’s Web, The Wiz, The Music Man, Jr., The Addams Family, and The Drowsy Chaperone.
- Held every fall and spring in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or at off site venues (150-500 seats)
- Approx. 6-10 performances per production, venue dependent
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000-40,000
- 1 Summer Spotlight Student Production, with 4 performances
-
- Musical for ages 14-18. Past titles have included Pride & Prejudice, Anything Goes, Macbeth, Noises Off, Chicago, You Can’t Take it With You, Hairspray, Avenue Q School Edition, Oliver!, and Aida.
- Held in July in the SPARC Center (80-100 seats) or larger venue (approx. 400 seats) (venue dependent upon title and cast size))
- Production budgets: approx. $40,000
- 1 SummerStarz Touring Student Production, with approx. 9 performances
- Short musical for ages 9-14. Past titles have included The Big Talent (world premier), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Bugsy Malone, Willy Wonka, and James and the Giant Peach JR.
- Production budgets: approx. $26,000
- 3 Studio Series Productions (Fall, Spring, Summer)
- Play or Musical designed to reduce production elements and create an acting studio environment where student focus in on analysis, dramaturgical research, character development and acting technique.
- Specialty Programming – unique performance, social, or field trip/observation opportunities for students to engage with professionals and peers in the performing arts community
- 5-6 Spring Showcases (audiences ranging from 80-150 each)
- Students aged 5 and up perform a showcase at the end of the Fall and Spring terms. Young students (ages 5-7) perform small showcases at the SPARC Center. Older students (ages 8-18) perform in a series of mainstage Showcases in the Dominion Arts Center’s Gottwald Playhouse (approx. 150 seats).
- 2 After-School Production Programs at area elementary schools
- 6-8 Final Shares for STAGES In-School Outreach Program
- New Voices for the Theater
- 1 Opening Night Reception for New Voices for the Theater (currently including a staged play reading)
- 2-Night Festival of New Works (staged readings for student plays) for
- Approx. 12-15 Touring Ensemble Performances
- Special events, as scheduled
TO APPLY
TO APPLY – Submit cover letter, resume, portfolio samples, salary expectations and three references to Ginnie Willard, Director of Production at gwillard@sparcrichmond.org. No phone calls please.
APPLICATION DEADLINE – April 15, 2019
START DATE – June/July 2019
SALARY – Competitive salary and benefits package based on experience. Submit salary expectations with application materials.
The School of the Performing Arts in the Richmond Community — a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation — is committed to the most fundamental principles of equality of opportunity and human dignity. SPARC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, military or veteran status, political beliefs, or status with regard to public assistance.