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Job Category:
Academic Staff
Employment Type:
Terminal (Fixed Term)
Job Profile:
Technical Director
Job Summary:
The Mead Witter School of Music seeks a Technical Director to manage the technical and production operations for the award-winning University of Wisconsin Opera. The person in this position will be responsible for all facets of production planning (personnel, scheduling, design meetings), scenic construction (sourcing and purchasing materials, building, assembling), and production management (load-in, strike, technical troubleshooting) for two mainstage opera productions over the course of the academic year.
This position also provides limited technical support for one minimally-produced opera scenes performance per semester. The Technical Director will manage professional and student stage crew and production personnel during the technical and dress rehearsal periods through the end of the performance run. They will be responsible for the maintenance and organization of University Opera shop spaces, including oversight of supplies, inventory, and equipment. In addition, the position coordinates transportation and logistical needs for production elements, including sets, furniture, props, and costumes.
The incumbent in this position can expect the following duties:
Production Planning:
1.Work closely with Director of University Opera to coordinate all production elements.
2. Determine materials, personnel, and other technical needs for each production. Coordinate design and build schedule and deadlines.
3. Coordinate the hire of external vendors as necessary to complete each production.
4. Create and manage production calendar.
5. Organize and attend production meetings with director and designers (scenic, lighting, costumes, props, sound when needed, wigs and makeup) and other production personnel; follow up throughout the design/build process.
Scenic Construction and Production Management:
1. Source and manage outside personnel to fill non-UW positions (electricians, carpenters, light board and follow spot operator, sound crew, professional stagehands, etc).
2. Source and purchase/rent building materials. Manage purchasing for production needs (including props, furniture and costumes) using purchase orders and purchasing card, working within provided budget.
3. Build, assemble and install sets on stage; arrange for transportation and load-in of set when necessary.
4. Lead installation of pit when necessary.
5. Oversee technical rehearsals; troubleshoot technical issues.
6. Oversee technical operations of all performances.
7. Manage the strike of the set and load out of all production materials when performances are completed.
Supervision:
1. Supervise stagehands, outside production personnel and student technicians.
2. Provide clear direction to contracted labor to ensure timeliness of work, proper procedures and cost efficiency.
Miscellaneous:
1. Maintain all systems and equipment for University Opera's curricular mission, ensuring adequate inventory for the program's needs.
2. Provide advice on the technical requirements, budgets, and equipment needs.
3. Maintain and enforce current best practices related to operations policies and health and safety standards for performance spaces.
4. Work within provided budgets and keep accurate records of production-related expenses.
This position is a one-year appointment, with the possibility of a one-year extension or conversion to an ongoing role contingent upon funding and organization need.
Key Job Responsibilities:
- Develops and directs implementation of operating policies and procedures with health and safety regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives
- May develop unit operating budgets and identify opportunities for new unit income generating programs and services
- Cleans and maintains organization of theater and technical production equipment
- Instructs students in the preparation, construction, and operation of performance art productions, systems and equipment
- Inspects, maintains, and repairs equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
- Directs the planning, staffing, and execution of technical production and theatrical operations before and during performances
Department:
College of Letters & Science, Mead Witter School of Music
Compensation:
This is a 9-month, salary position at 100% time. The expected starting salary for this position is $45,910. Highly qualified candidates can expect to earn more.
Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.
Required Qualifications:
1. Prior experience in technical operations of theatrical productions.
2. Strong carpentry skills and experience building and installing theatrical sets.
3. Current technical theater knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of theatrical scenic and lighting systems, sound and video/data projection equipment, and the operation of stage rigging and lift equipment.
4. Experience in production budgeting and scheduling.
5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
6. Knowledge of procedural best practices and health and safety regulations as they apply to theatres and scene shops.
6. Experience in the use of electric and hand tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Knowledge of and experience working with CAD software.
2. Welding skills.
3. Experience with software applications for spreadsheets, word processing, scheduling and billing.
4. Ability to oversee and work alongside professional and student employees from diverse backgrounds.
Education:
High School Diploma required
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button to start the application process.
To be considered for this recruitment, you must upload:
-Resume
-Cover Letter
The materials should address your experience relating to the qualifications referenced above.
There is only one attachment field; please upload all application materials here. All listed application materials must be submitted for your application to be considered. Please submit only the materials specified; additional materials will not be reviewed.
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.
Contact Information:
Anne Brutosky
Department Administrator
608-263-4734
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgrounds and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
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