Theater Technical Director (Year- Round)

As a global leader in arts education, Interlochen is committed to nurturing both the individual artist and the collective community. We believe that artistic excellence is achieved through creativity, dedication, and meaningful collaboration. By joining our team, you contribute to a long-standing tradition of pioneering arts education while helping to shape the future of students, staff, and faculty alike. Together, we strive to create a positive, lasting impact on the arts and the world.

Job Summary:

The Technical Director oversees the management of scenery construction, installation, and strike for Theater and Dance productions, as well as supporting other arts divisions as needed. This role ensures adherence to design and production deadlines, manages the technical schedule, and collaborates with division teams to facilitate a seamless production process. The Technical Director is a key contributor to the success of performances, maintaining high standards of craftsmanship, safety, and efficiency throughout all technical operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervise the workflow of the scene shop staff: Assistant technical director, scenic designer/painter, props master, and carpenter.

• Responsible for the implementation and delegation of construction, paint and props work in the scene shop.

• Responsible for building alongside the assistant technical director and carpenter.

• Comfortable in a steel workshop.

• Creates construction drawings and all paperwork associated with the scenic design including budgeting.

• Creates all necessary shop paperwork including cut and purchase lists.

• Oversees the maintenance of all shop tools and equipment.

• Seeks the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.

• Opportunities to design when needed.

• Potential to run crew when needed.

• Complies with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances.

• Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community.

• Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a standard scene shop and theatrical venue environment with extensive internal and external stakeholder contact.

Required Skills and Experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or related program required. MFA in theatre design and technology or equivalent experience is preferred.

Experience: Seeking professional level experience. Experience working in a Performing Arts Center, Professional Theatre or academic arts environment is required. Minimum of 3 years of experience with a Master's Degree or a minimum of 5 years of experience with a Bachelor's Degree. 

Equipment Familiarity: Experience with all scene shop related equipment: power tools, hand tools, mig/tig welder, Autocad/Vectorworks, Adobe Suite with an emphasis on Photoshop/ Illustrator/After Effects, 3D-Printing, CNC router, Vacuforming

Certifications, Licenses or Special Training: 

• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements as detailed in policy 12.HR.01 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks. 

• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving). 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to multitask, working on several productions at one time.

• Ability to work in a collaborative, group work environment.

• Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.

For a complete job description and to apply, go to http://interlochen.org/careers

Application Materials

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Benefits Package:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off

• Life insurance 

• Voluntary life insurance 

• Short and long-term disability

• Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs

• Defined contribution 401(a) plan, managed by TIAA

• Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply 

• Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin

• Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift

• Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)

• Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)

• Employee Referral Program (cash payments)

• Tuition discounts for employee’s children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online

• Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).