Technical Director at ArtsWest

[ArtsWest]

TITLE: Technical Director

STATUS: Full-Time Exempt

SALARY: $53,000

REPORTS TO: Artistic Director

APPLICATION DEADLINE: September 18, 2022

ABOUT ARTSWEST

ArtsWest’s mission is to produce artistic events that provoke conversation, incite the imagination, and use live theater as a powerful agent of change. We value our community and staff not just for the work they do, but for all that makes them who they are. We recognize that identity contains multitudes and is fluid, intersectional, and at the heart of how the individual creates.

Whether an employee fulfills an administrative, creative or public-facing role, we consider our entire team to be artists in their own right. We are a small, but nimble team that allows for collaboration and much self-directed work, centering relational work over transactional processes. We seek to find individuals who are dedicated to the mission of the organization, embrace anti-racist and anti-oppressive values, and understand the privilege and responsibility that we hold together as theater producers.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Technical Director is chiefly responsible for the execution and supervision of all scenic, sound, electrical, lighting and special effects elements used in the theater productions, through their own work and the organization and management of both paid and volunteer crews. They work with the Production Manager to ensure that builds and technical rehearsals come in on budget and in a timely fashion. They are responsible for the procurement and inventory of production materials and supervising or executing the rental and driving of moving trucks. Other responsibilities include overseeing facility & equipment rentals, supervising/assisting with Gallery installs/de-installs, supporting leadership in reviewing production calendars and budgets, and serving as chief safety officer.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Theatre Production

· Acts as liaison with scenic, lighting, and sound designers, in consultation with the Production Manager and Artistic Director, in determining the technical and budgetary feasibility of design elements, suggesting design changes where appropriate. Supplies technical information, construction drawings and budget estimates for seasonal projections as requested.

· Determines construction methods, schedules, materials, and mechanics for the scenic, lighting, and sound design of all productions and ancillary events, providing accurate estimates to leadership.

· With the Production Manager, ensures budgetary control of materials and labor for all productions and assigned projects.

· Supervises and executes, acting as shop foreman and master carpenter, the build, maintenance and strike of each set adhering to an outlined schedule. Insures proper functioning and safety of all design elements. Acts as liaison between the scenic charge artist and designer, ensuring adherence to the design.

· Supports the rehearsal process by ensuring a safe/clean space, taping out the ground plan, facilitating rehearsal props and furniture, and responding to rehearsal notes. Attends all production meetings.

· During technical rehearsals is responsible for ensuring all production equipment and design elements are ready by the top of tech, that the space is clean and safe. With the Production Manager, supervises timely response to designer and director scenic, lighting, prop and sound notes and implements adjustments during technical rehearsals and previews. Attends all tech huddles.

· Supervises safety and maintenance of the scene shop, stage, and all shop and stage equipment, including lighting and sound.

Facilities

· Assists the visual artists with the Gallery exhibitions by maintaining lighting and clean wall preparation, and by scheduling and assisting with installation and de-installation.

· Performs building maintenance on an as needed basis, including but is not limited to: roof inspections/gutter cleaning, inspecting the building for sump pump or water leakage, maintaining clean and organized storage of lighting and sound inventory, clean, detritus-free hallways, lighting in the public and production spaces, and ensuring the safety of door alarms and locks.

· Maintains a clean and well-organized shop and assists the Production Manager in ensuring all production spaces are kept clean and organized.

· Supports Marketing by hanging banners, adjusting exterior lighting, organizing the staff holiday decorating, etc.

· With the Relationship Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, organizes and oversees volunteer work parties to assist in the clean-up of public, admin and production spaces in the building.

· Operates and maintains an organized, clean and safe offsite furniture storage location.

Safety

· With the assistance of the Managing Director, maintains and instructs on safety and emergency plans including fire, active-shooter, earthquake, and others.

· Oversees the maintenance of First Aid kits, emergency lighting, and ensures testing of fire extinguishers and other building mandated requirements.

SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND/OR KNOWLEDGE PREFERRED

· At least four years experience in theatrical construction or its equivalent.

· At least two years of technical supervisory experience.

· Demonstrated ability in a majority of the following skills: carpenter, welder, draftsman, lighting, audio and video theater technician, working knowledge of rigging, pneumatics, mechanical leverage, circuit mapping and limitations, basic wiring.

· Demonstrated ability to work as a collaborative and respectful team member and maintain a positive outlook under tight deadlines and challenging situations.

· Leadership skills in directing both paid and volunteer crews to keep the flow of work moving forward with efficiency and productivity.

· Experience preparing build/project calendars and executing designs on time and within the financial parameters set.

· Detail-oriented with excellent project management and problem solving skills.

· Ability to lift, push, or pull objects up to 70 pounds using appropriate tools.

· A valid WA state driver’s license.

HOURS AND COMPENSATION

The Technical Director is an exempt, full-time position that is compensated at $53,000 annually. ArtsWest offers a 100% employer covered medical/dental/vision package; 2 weeks of vacation per year moving to 3 weeks by year two; 4 days of personal time per year; and follows all City of Seattle and State employment laws regarding sick leave, FMLA leave, etc.

For the work done during daytime hours has flexibility on start and end times each day. Some evening hours on-site are required for the duration of technical rehearsals, and the Technical Director should flex their hours in the following weeks to allow for time off and self-care. Other special evening and weekend events will be known in advance. The majority of the Technical Director’s work will need to be done at ArtsWest, but allowances can be made for some limited remote work.

LOCATION

ArtsWest is located at 4711 California Ave. SW in the heart of West Seattle’s Alaska Junction. There is paid parking behind the building, with free parking available on residential streets within 4 blocks west and south of the theater. King County Metro has a stop for the C Line on the same block as the building.

APPLICATION DETAILS AND DEADLINE

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter in PDF format, that outlines how your related experience and skills qualify you for the position, to resumes@artswest.org. Applications will be accepted through September 18, 2022. Applications will be reviewed after the posting closes. Interviews will be scheduled in late September with an estimated start date the week of October 3, 2022.

As a historically white-led organization, ArtsWest is committed to operating as an anti-racist institution throughout all of its operations. You can read more about our anti-racist commitments here.

Our policies regarding hiring and employment at ArtsWest are designed to make it clear on all levels of the organization that we honor and value lived experience and the truths of the human beings and the energies and talents they bring to their work. A broad range of lived experiences are welcomed. We invite those whose goal is to create an environment of abundant and creative space, especially for those whose intersecting identities and voices have been historically excluded, marginalized, or erased.

QUESTIONS?

For more information on our mission, values, hiring practices, production practices and more, please visit https://www.artswest.org/about/work-with-us/, and feel free to reach out to Mathew Wright, Artistic Director at matw@artswest.org.

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