DePauw University · 2 weeks ago
Technical Director/Designer
DePauw University Main Campus - Greencastle, IN
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expDePauw University is an educational institution seeking a Technical Director/Designer to oversee all technical operations for theatrical productions and performing arts events. The role includes scenic design, lighting, sound, video, and rigging systems, ensuring safety compliance and coordinating the installation and operation of all technical elements.
E-LearningEdTechEducationHigher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
Approve set and lighting designs with regard to safety, compatibility and scheduling considerations
Coordinate technical rehearsals and load-ins for productions, including scheduling rehearsals, managing technical crews, and overseeing the installation of production elements
Recruit and schedule technical crew members, including shop workers, board operators. Provide training, guidance, and support to ensure that all crew members understand their roles and responsibilities
Develop production budgets for technical elements including sets, lighting, sound, and special effects. Monitor expenses, negotiate vendor contracts, and make budgetary decisions to ensure productions are executed within financial constraints. Mentor and evaluate student designers in collaboration with directors and faculty
Coordinate the procurement, construction, and maintenance of props for productions. Work with prop designers and artisans to ensure that props are created or acquired according to the artistic vision of the production, and manage their storage, transportation, and use during rehearsals and performances
Work with lighting designers to develop lighting plots and cues for productions. Oversee the installation and operation of lighting equipment, including hanging and focusing lights, programming light cues, and managing lighting effects during performances
Coordinate backstage activities during rehearsals and performances, including cueing actors, managing scene changes, and ensuring the smooth flow of the production. Serve as a liaison between the production team and the cast and crew to facilitate communication and resolve issues as they arise
Oversee all theatrical rigging operations including counterweight fly systems, calculate load capacities for flown elements, conduct regular inspections, train crew on safe rigging practices, and maintain inspection logs and documentation required for annual certifications
Maintain comprehensive inventories of scenic materials, stock scenery, lighting equipment, and related supplies. Develop and implement comprehensive safety procedures and protocols for all production activities to ensure compliance with OSHA, fire codes, and industry safety standards
Attend production meetings and operations meetings
Act as scenic designer and/or lighting designer for productions as assigned, which may include set design, lighting design, and video projection design for theatrical, music, and other performing arts events
Generate technical drawings for scenic and lighting elements as needed for construction and installation of materials
Collaborate with the Director of Productions to review the performing arts production calendar and identify technical design needs
Review technical riders for guest artists as needed by the Director of Production
Provide technical support for guest artist events
Assist with events and performances as assigned in the Green Center, Music on the Square, and produced under the Creative School
Conduct regular safety inspections of equipment, facilities, and performance spaces, addressing any hazards and maintaining documentation of all safety checks
Support technical theatre courses by providing equipment access, technical demonstrations, and guidance to students as requested by faculty. Oversee production strikes
Assist in developing a technical plan for space upgrades
Other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of five years' experience in design and construction of theatrical scenic elements and technical rehearsal required
Experience with single purchase fly system operation required
Microsoft Office Suite, Google Calendar and Google Apps, and Online Data Entry
Experience with AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks is required
Extensive organizational skills
Must be available on some nights and weekends as events occur
Preferred
Master's degree preferred; degree in technical theatre preferred
Experience with stage lighting and video projections desired
OSHA 30 training preferred
Qualifications to acquire a Pyrotechnic license from the state of Indiana is desired
Benefits
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Basic Life insurance
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Long Term Disability
Additional voluntary life insurance for themselves and their dependents
Voluntary benefits
Tuition Remission and Exchange
Relocation Allowance
Retirement savings plan
Employee discounts
Access to University resources
Vacation Time
Personal Time
Sick Time
Cigna Employee Assistance
Welch Fitness Center and wellness classes
Indoor Tennis and Track Center
University Libraries
Peeler art galleries
Green Center for the Performing Arts events and programs
Ubben lecture series
Free athletic events
Bookstore and Starbucks (Greencastle) discounts
Employee discounted meal plan
Free parking
Nature park, including walking and biking trails
Personal duplicating and printing discounts
Company
DePauw University
DePauw University is a nationally-recognized, leading liberal arts college in Greencastle, Indiana, dedicated to educating 2,300 students
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$33MKey Investors
Lilly Endowment
2024-08-02Grant· $32M
2018-06-20Grant· $1M
Leadership Team
Carol Smith
Chief Information Officer
Recent News
MarketScreener
2025-10-31
Inside INdiana Business
2025-10-06
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