Technical Director

Position

The Technical Director is responsible for the storage, inventory, maintenance, transportation, and installation of OBT theatrical equipment and supplies, and oversees all technical needs from pre-production through load-out.

The Technical Director works independently under general guidelines provided by OBT’s Production Director or OBT2’s Program Director. The work is nuanced because each production has its own specific and frequently unique requirements.

The role involves supervising warehouse and union crews, maintaining equipment and inventory, ensuring safety, and managing budgets for hourly technicians.

The Technical Director also collaborates with designers and choreographers to achieve artistic goals within resource constraints. This position requires independent problem-solving and efficient prioritization in fast-paced production environments.

Responsibilities

Job Duties / Competencies:

• Assess technical challenges and develop proactive solutions.
• Work closely with choreographers and designers to reach artistic goals within allotted budgets.
• Collaborate with others who may have skill sets or experience below or above your own.
• Create and maintain production documentation, including but not limited to technical drawings, materials lists, schedules, inventories, and riders.
• Lead and support efficient load-ins/outs and setups for all productions and events.
• Troubleshoot technical challenges and propose proactive solutions.
• Determine and manage crew needs; hire, supervise, and coordinate IATSE and freelance personnel.
• Maintain production inventory, including props, scenery, floors, and equipment.
• Set up and strike rehearsal/performance spaces; assist backstage during shows.
• Attend relevant meetings, rehearsals, and performances.
• Oversee scenic and prop builds or refurbishments, coordinate bids and purchases.
• Recommend and research capital purchases.
• Assist in budgeting, expense tracking, and maintain photographic and production archives.
• Ensure safe work practices and train others in tool/equipment use.
• Arrange and operate transportation logistics, including truck rentals and shipping.
• Communicate clearly and regularly with staff, artists, and vendors.
• Support marketing, development, and boutique setup needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The Technical Director provides direct supervision to varying numbers of temporary employees and union stagehands, depending on the size and complexity of the production.

Working Conditions:

This role requires good physical health as the ability to lift at least 70 pounds in repetition is required.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position.

Days and hours of work are generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. This position regularly requires extended hours and weekend work. Flexible scheduling of work hours is an option. Travel: Travel is primarily local during the day, evenings, and weekends. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Minimum 4-5 years’ experience or formal training with in-depth knowledge in all aspects of technical theater
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in the following areas:
  • Training & management of (union stagehands (IATSE)/non-union crews)
  • Dance/theatre production
  • Nonprofit management
  • Operations
  • Budgeting
  • Payroll
  • Hiring
  • Contracts
  • Labor laws (unions, etc.)
  • Scheduling
  • Multitasking
  • Interpersonal skills
• Carpentry, set construction, and rigging skills (required).
• Welding skills (required).
• Reading and producing ground plans, sections, technical/construction drawings
• Theatrical lighting, sound, and projection systems
• Ability to drive non-CDL trucks up to 26 feet with lift gate

Computer Skills:

• Drafting software: Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD
• Project management software: Asana a plus
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Audio/video: Qlab, video projections
• Both Windows and Mac operating systems

Apply

Email your cover letter and resume to jobs@obt.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Oregon Ballet Theatre

This is an exciting time to work at Oregon Ballet Theatre (OBT) – the nation’s 20th largest classical ballet company. OBT is the largest professional dance company in Oregon, employing over 300 people and attracting artists from around the globe with our reputation for excellence. The company is rooted in the traditions of classical ballet, with a repertoire that ranges from the great classics to premieres from some of the most exciting choreographic voices in the field today, including our own Artistic Director, Dani Rowe. Our mission is dedicated to the vitality of, and access to, world-class ballet performance and training in our region.

In addition to our 5-show main stage season, we introduce students to ballet and the importance of lifelong movement through our education and community engagement programs, and we train dancers from three years old to 80 years old through the professional and recreational classes at the Oregon Ballet Theatre School. Many of our students go on to successful professional careers at companies including the Joffrey, the Dutch National Ballet, and within our own organization.