Director-Technical/Theatre

Position Summary

Responsible for leading and completing on time and on budget physical elements for up to 19 student productions each year: direct a team of student fellows who assemble technical elements for individual thesis productions; maintain clear communication with Columbia production personnel, off-site production personnel, and technical shops regarding assembly of the production elements; assure adherence to master production schedules, deadlines, and production goals as established by the Production Manager.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed working plans/drawings for the physical production based on plans submitted by artistic/design team; provide creative solutions to production problems.

• Supervise the safe operating procedures of the technical shops in Nash, Lenfest Center, and off-site venues as required by OSHA and other regulatory agencies; assure compliance with AEA policies.

• Attend all production meetings to provide effective communication between artistic, production and shop staffs.

• Implements safe operating procedures for the technical shops and productions; supervises Theses??? technical and dress rehearsals to ensure that the Program???s operational policies are being implemented. Supervises the process of prop and costume check-out for Program events, including classroom projects.

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

• Oversees more than a dozen student service positions. Interviews and trains candidates, manages schedules and work flow, coordinates assignments, and signs off on time sheets.
• Evaluates, develops, and organizes technical shop staff to support the goals of the Program???s academic curriculum of public performance and research activities. Sets objectives for staff, establishes work priorities and maintains performance standards.  Directly supervises the student production crews for events; directly supervises approximately student support positions and work study crew.

FACILITY MANAGEMENT

• Serves as the on-site supervisor of all Nash studio spaces and equipment for the Program???s theatrical facilities; develops and implements storage plans, inventories and safety procedures in the technical shops and theatre facilities. Supervises the maintenance and repair of theatrical support systems. Supervise and maintain tools and equipment for technical shops and theatres.
• Coordinates maintenance of Nash classroom and rehearsal spaces. Liaises with Facilities Client Representatives to report building issues, and provides access to spaces for maintenance and repair.

• Performs related duties & responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least two years experience in management of a professional technical shop of a commercial or resident theatre required.

• Demonstrated skill and ability in construction techniques of theatrical scenery, including demonstrated knowledge of material manipulation of metal, wood, and other materials such as foam, fabric, and plastic required.

• Experience and training in welding and theatrical rigging required.

• Skill and knowledge in draftsmanship required.

• Attention to detail and capacity to work independently on concurrent projects with frequent interruptions required.

• Ability to assign priorities and complete work on time required.

• Skill and experience in the maintenance and repair of theatrical equipment is required.

• Flexible work schedule in terms of hours and location is required.

• Periodic evening and weekend work is required.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.