APAP Career Center

REPORTS TO: Vice President of Operations
DIRECT REPORTS: Production Manager, Production Coordinator, Stage Crew (3 FT plus extras as needed)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Technical Director, as part of the Artistic Operations team, oversees the stage crew and manages the technical execution of events in Powell Hall and off-site locations. This includes overseeing the technical aspects of performances and events for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (SLSO), its various ensembles, and external clients. The role demands a deep understanding of music including familiarity with classical music, technical concert production, and the ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a union environment. The Technical Director plays a critical role in the success of events in the newly renovated Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center, ensuring a seamless and successful experience for all stakeholders.

This is a high-energy, fast-paced position requiring strong planning and organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, and meticulous attention to detail. Effective teamwork and leadership are essential for the success of this position. It requires the ability to maintain a positive work atmosphere through clear communication and interaction with a diverse range of individuals, including musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and vendors.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Manage the production details of events, including activities of our resident ensembles (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Louis Symphony Chorus, St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra), other internal constituent groups, non-orchestra presentations and hall rentals, as well as events outside of Powell Hall, such as local concerts, select Education/Community Partnerships and philanthropy events, ensuring the consistent implementation of SLSO production standards across all events.
• Maintain meticulous records of equipment inventories, venue technical specifications, stage layouts, and other essential production information including creating and distributing stage plots using AutoCAD.
• Supervise and lead the stage crew, including hiring, scheduling, training, performance evaluations, and ensuring adherence to collective-bargaining agreements with IATSE Local 6.
• In coordination with Production Team and Stage Manager, determine stagehand requirements for each event and relevant maintenance. Approve weekly timesheets.
• Cultivate a positive and professional work environment among the stage crew and in all interactions with musicians, guest artists, co-workers, supervisors, customers, and vendors. Ensure the stage crew consistently demonstrates professionalism, productivity, and responsiveness at all times.
• Serve as the primary technical contact for external clients, ensuring their needs are met and technical requirements are fulfilled. Manage technical aspects of guest artist contracts and riders and prepare expense estimates for rental contracts and final billing.
• In coordination with Vice President of Operations and Operations Manager, manage stage and equipment logistics for runouts and tours, including engaging coordinated equipment transportation.  Staff runouts and tours as needed.
• Oversee technical production for the Education and Learning Center and manage Powell Hall's audio/video systems and digital signage.
• Coordinate with Director of Media Production on projects, including audio and video capture.
• Participate in a duty manager rotation, providing on-site and off-site support for rehearsals and concerts with other members of Production and Operations staff.  Participate in and lead production-related meetings as assigned.
• In coordination with Production Manager and Opera Theatre of St. Louis (OTSL) production staff, determine SLSO stagehand requirements for OTSL services and ensure successful execution of these requirements.
• Create and administer technical production and relevant operational budgets, reviewing expenditures and providing updates for forecasting. Perform research for project-specific and operational budget preparation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Knowledge: A strong musical background with the ability to read and understand music as it relates to instrument needs and event production. Familiarity with classical music is essential. Extensive knowledge of technical concert production and stagecraft, including sound, video, lighting, stage carpentry, rigging, and union regulations. Knowledge of PC network environment using Microsoft Office applications is also required, knowledge of Mac environment a strong plus.

Experience: 5 years technical concert production experience with musical, stage and event production sufficient to perform duties of the position. Minimum 2 years previous supervisory experience.

Skills and Abilities: 

• Maintain a high level of professionalism and represent the SLSO with integrity.  Highly developed interpersonal skills with an emphasis on communication and customer service.  Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism at all times.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility and integrity in all budgeting and financial matters. Ability to work within budgetary constraints.
• Strong critical thinking skills. Ability to develop plans for the team and ensure execution of all needed deliverables (after developing an understanding of organizational direction and strategy).
• Self-starting with a drive to seek improvements in areas of direct responsibility and department processes.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook and Access. Aptitude for technology and IT systems such as ArtsVision.
• Highly reliable and dependable.
• Valid Missouri Class E (for hire) driver’s license or other state equivalent with driving record acceptable by SLSO insurance company required.

About St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Celebrated as one of today’s most exciting and enduring orchestras, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra is the second-oldest orchestra in the country, marking its 144th year with the 2023/2024 season and its fifth with Stéphane Denève, The Joseph and Emily Rauh Pulitzer Music Director. Widely considered one of the leading American orchestras, the Grammy® Award-winning SLSO maintains its commitment to artistic excellence, educational impact, and community collaborations—all in service to its mission of enriching lives through the power of music. The core of the SLSO’s artistic foundation is its dynamic partnership with Denève, whose energetic musicianship, visionary storytelling, and collaborative spirit have created stronger connections with local and visiting artists, as well as advanced the SLSO’s role as a leader in music education. The SLSO musical family also includes two resident choruses: the St. Louis Symphony Chorus, founded in 1976, performs choral-orchestral music from the Baroque era to today; and the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus, founded in 1994, focuses on the performance and preservation of music from the African diaspora. The St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra,... founded by Conductor Laureate Leonard Slatkin in 1970, is the region’s premiere training orchestra for high school and college students. In March 2023, the SLSO broke ground on a 65,000-square foot expansion and renovation of the orchestra’s home, Powell Hall—the first major renovation project at the historic Grand Center building since it became the SLSO's permanent home in 1968. Led by the internationally acclaimed architecture firm Snøhetta, the project will transform the audience and artistic experience while protecting Powell Hall's historic character and celebrated acoustics, creating a state-of-the art center for community, innovation, and powerful music experiences. While construction is underway, the SLSO will perform throughout the community. The revitalized Powell Hall will open in 2025 to coincide with the building's centennial. An integral part of the vibrant St. Louis community, the SLSO enjoys a long history of robust and enduring artistic collaborations with individuals and organizations locally and around the world. Orchestra musicians share dozens of education and community performances throughout the region each year at medical facilities, places of worship, community centers, and schools. For 20 years, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra: Live at the Pulitzer series has highlighted today’s leading musical voices through innovative performances in collaboration with, and reaction to the exhibitions at, the Pulitzer Arts Foundation. The SLSO has served as the resident orchestra for Opera Theatre of Saint Louis for more than 45 years. The orchestra also continues to foster new artistic collaborations, including a chamber music collaboration with The Sheldon in 2023/2024, as well as regular partnerships with The Muny, The Big Muddy Dance Company, the Saint Louis Art Museum, and others. Beyond the St. Louis region, the SLSO's impact is realized through Saturday night concert broadcasts on St. Louis Public Radio and Classic 107.3, acclaimed recordings, regular touring activity, and a digital portfolio that includes a robust online education platform with curriculum materials, interactive programs, activities, and learning opportunities for all ages. Since the arrival of Marie-Hélène Bernard as President and CEO in 2015, the SLSO has aligned its mission to make music more accessible, while fostering a culture welcoming to all. Building on its momentum, the SLSO serves as a convener of individuals, creators, and ideas, and is committed to building community through compelling and inclusive musical experiences. As it continues its longstanding focus on equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, the SLSO embraces its strengths as a responsive, nimble organization, while investing in partnerships locally and elevating its presence globally. For more information, visit slso.org.

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Connections working at St. Louis Symphony Orchestra