Technical Director/Shop Manager

About the role

The USC School of Dramatic Arts seeks an experienced, full-time Technical Director/Shop Manager to join its Production team in the Technical Theatre Lab (TTL). We are looking for an energetic and collaborative colleague who brings a professional, rigorous approach to technical theatre production within a dynamic educational environment that presents multiple productions annually.

Responsibilities

• Supervises the work of staff and student employees engaged in scenic construction and technical theatre operations.
• Develops and delivers training for staff and student workers in scenic construction techniques, tool and equipment operation, theatrical rigging, automation systems, and shop safety procedures.
• Oversees the daily operation of the TTL, ensuring efficient workflow and adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Safeguards the safe operation, maintenance, and inspection of scene shop tools, machinery, rigging systems, aerial lifts, and other technical equipment.
• Collaborates with student, faculty, and guest designers to evaluate, refine, and implement scenic designs that are artistically effective, technically feasible, and safe.
• Attends production meetings and serves as the primary technical resource for scenic implementation, communicating technical constraints, engineering solutions, scheduling considerations, and budget impacts.
• Produces or oversees the creation of construction drawings and technical documentation from design plans.
• Manages the budgeting, scheduling, construction, load-in, installation, maintenance, strike, and storage of scenery for departmental productions.
• Conducts safety assessments of scenic designs, construction methods, and installed environments to ensure structural integrity and regulatory compliance.
• Maintains authority to halt unsafe work practices or production activities that pose a risk to personnel, facilities, or equipment.
• Provides technical expertise and recommendations regarding the purchase, replacement, and upgrade of theatrical equipment, tools, and accessories.
• Maintains inventory control systems for equipment, tools, materials, and supplies used in theatre operations.
• Solicits quotes, negotiates pricing, and coordinates the procurement of equipment, materials, and supplies within approved budgets and university purchasing guidelines.
• Oversees the repair, maintenance, inspection, and modification of scene shop equipment and technical systems within theatre and performance spaces.
• Aids in long-range planning for facility improvements, equipment replacement, and capital projects related to technical theatre operations.
• Maintains records related to equipment inspections, maintenance schedules, safety assessments, and compliance with OSHA regulations, fire codes, university policies, and industry best practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, guest artists, and facility users.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and transport theatrical materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 99 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and to safely work from personnel lifts, catwalks, and other elevated work areas.
• Ability to safely work in low-light and backstage production environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate departmental vehicles in accordance with university policies.
• Proficiency in digital fabrication technologies and related software, including CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and 3D modeling applications.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scenic design concepts and drawings into accurate construction drawings and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of scenic engineering principles, theatrical rigging systems, stagecraft practices, and scenic construction techniques.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, workplace safety standards, and risk management practices applicable to theatre production environments.
• Ability to train, supervise, and mentor student workers in technical theatre practices and safe work procedures.

Skills

• Master’s degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Entertainment Technology, Engineering, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible professional experience in technical direction, project management, and scenic construction for theatre, film/television, dance, concerts, themed entertainment, or other live events.
• Demonstrated professional experience serving as a Technical Director, Shop Manager, or in a comparable leadership role within theatrical production, higher education, or related entertainment industries.
• Experience managing complex production schedules, coordinating multiple stakeholders, and delivering projects on time and within budget.
• ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certification, training, or demonstrated knowledge of entertainment industry safety standards.
• OSHA safety training, certification, or equivalent experience implementing workplace safety programs.
• Experience with theatrical automation systems, rigging systems, rigging inspections, and engineering analysis for scenic and stage systems.
• Experience with digital drafting, design, and fabrication technologies, including AutoCAD, Vectorworks, CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, and 3D modeling software.
• Knowledge of current theatrical construction methods, materials, fabrication techniques, and industry best practices.
• Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate artistic vision into practical, safe, and effective technical solutions.