Technical Director

Technical Director

Job Description

Organizational Summary:

Playwrights Horizons is a writer's theater dedicated to the support and development of contemporary U.S. playwrights, composers and lyricists, and to the production of their new work.

Position Overview:

The Technical Director (TD) manages all aspects of the scenic design and the show’s needs, from pre-production to load out, and advises and supports the other technical departments as needed. This position will provide inventory and venue drawings to the designer(s) and will manage the show’s needs during build, load in, rehearsals, tech, previews, run, and load-out. The Technical Director coordinates necessary maintenance of technical equipment and materials, manages the Assistant Technical Director, carpentry overhire staff and scenic run crew personnel. The TD is also responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Playwrights Horizons’ Scene Shop.

This is a full-time, exempt position, and the schedule for this position includes nights and weekends.The position works in person at both the 42nd Street Theater Facility and at the Scene Shop, located in Queens.

Reports to:

Director of Production

Oversees:

Assistant Technical Director; recruits and supervises over-hire carpenters, scenic artists and run crew

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work with world class designers and creative teams to create sets for premiere productions on both of our stages
• Provides estimates for all PH productions and works with the designers and Director of Production to bring the scenic designs in on budget
• Creates construction drawings for all PH productions, and coordinates with other departments to ensure the scenic builds are compatible with the lighting, audio, and projection designs
• Organizes a calendar for all scenic builds, load ins and technical rehearsals, in conjunction with the other production department supervisors
• Manages all regulation compliance related to scenic construction and operation, including flame retardancy certificates for scenery, FDNY shop inspections, etc.
• Maintains a safe working environment in all production areas, and runs and maintains the PH scene shop, located in Queens
• Provides estimates of labor, materials, and rental costs during pre-production
• Maintains scenic and automation equipment and inventory, inclusive of building infrastructure, and suggests improvements as needed
• Organizes and maintains scenic durable materials (automation equipment, casters, step units, etc.)
• Tracks and order supplies and equipment, as needed
• Hires and manages carpentry, paint overhire and run crew
• In partnership with Production Coordinator, collects and maintains payroll forms from overhires
• Reports expenses for purchases and rentals
• Provides rehearsal support as needed
• Attends technical rehearsals and previews, in partnership with the Assistant Technical Director and Director of Production

Skills, & Qualifications:

Skilled in all types of scenic construction and have a strong working knowledge of automation.

Experience running a scenic crew, have solid hands-on carpentry skills, and be able to use G Suite applications.

Must have strong working knowledge of CAD software, preferably AutoCAD or Inventor

Exceptional organization and communication skills are required for success in this position. Candidates must have the physical ability to lift 50 lbs, and to perform the skills and responsibilities mentioned above.

Knowledge of the NYC scenic community and vendors is a plus, but not required.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: $70,000 per year

Playwrights Horizons offers a comprehensive benefits package including 10 days (two weeks) of vacation, four personal days, 10 sick days, and Half-Day Summer Fridays. Employees have access to individual medical, dental, and vision coverage, with various plan options available through Oxford Health Plans. Playwrights Horizons partially subsidizes health and dental insurance and provides vision insurance at no charge to employees. Our benefits package further includes life insurance policy, a 403b retirement plan, and flexible spending accounts for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses. Other perks include a health reimbursement account, Transitchek for transportation expenses, and complimentary and staff-rate tickets to our productions.

Values Statement:

Playwrights Horizons is committed to building a more just future for everyone -- particularly those from historically oppressed communities, by employing a broad spectrum of voices that will enrich the quality and vitality of our work. Playwrights Horizons is an equal opportunity employer that has a strong institutional commitment to uprooting all systems of oppression by demonstrative equitable and inclusive practices.

The organization is interested in receiving applications from people of all races, sexual orientations, gender identities, ages, classes, religions, and people with disabilities.

The facilities at Playwrights Horizons are fully accessible and ADA compliant.

To Apply:

Please submit your application materials to our portal here. No phone calls please.

Salary & Benefits:

Salary: $70,000 per year

Playwrights Horizons offers a comprehensive benefits package including 10 days (two weeks) of vacation, four personal days, 10 sick days, and Half-Day Summer Fridays. Employees have access to individual medical, dental, and vision coverage, with various plan options available through Oxford Health Plans. Playwrights Horizons partially subsidizes health and dental insurance and provides vision insurance at no charge to employees. Our benefits package further includes life insurance policy, a 403b retirement plan, and flexible spending accounts for medical, dental, and dependent care expenses. Other perks include a health reimbursement account, Transitchek for transportation expenses, and complimentary and staff-rate tickets to our productions.