Assistant Technical Director

Submitted on Wed, 09/04/2024 - 18:07

Type:

Designer

Organization:

American Repertory Theater

Country:

United States

US State:

Massachusetts

City:

Cambridge

Job Level:

Management

Position type:

Permanent

Contract type:

Full Time

Salary:

$70,000 - $75,000

Skills:

drafting
technical design
automation
load in tech
and proficiency in Microsoft Office software database software and accounting software – QuickBooks required

The Assistant Technical Director (ATD)— is responsible for the technical design and drafting of scenery as well as coordination with the shop supervisor, purchaser, scenic charge and other relevant stakeholders regarding necessary scheduling, staffing, material acquisition, product research, prototyping, and similar to complete construction on time, safely, and to standards of quality expected by ART. Attention to trucking, touring, structural integrity, reliability, efficiency in manufacturing, load-in, and strike, as well as a high standard of finish are critical to success. Additionally, the ATD will actively participate in load-in activities, attend tech rehearsals as needed, supervise load-in and strike operations, and oversee the archiving of shows. Clear communication with colleagues, along with promoting training and safe practices among theater staff, are essential aspects of the role. The ATD will also be responsible for designing and executing mechanical and motion control systems as required, collaborating with contracted experts on areas such as code compliance, engineering, and automation. Participation with maintenance and other project work will also be required.

Position Responsibilities
Promote an inclusive and safe work environment:

Foster a culture of community, anti-racism equity, diversity, inclusion, and respect among staff and guest artists.
Foster a culture of safety, both psychologically and physically, and ensure safe work environment and practices are observed.
Participate in companywide anti-racism and anti-oppression initiatives.
Attending all company, department, shop meetings, and as necessary, safety training.

Support Artistic Vision and Goals:

Uplifts the mission, vision, and values of A.R.T with staff and overhire
Works with the entire scenery department to implement scenic designs.

Technical Design, Research, & Prototyping

Remain within budgetary and timeline parameters, develop technical solutions that are mindful of rep, transfer, scene shifts, truck loading, code, structural concerns, rigging parameters, visual (design) requirements, and performer requirements,
Coordinate with other production department needs when scenic element directly affects them.
Lead product research when necessary—often working with Purchaser.
Collaborate with shop supervisor and staff fabricators to develop prototypes of solutions to scenic problems or new techniques. This is generally done in close coordination with the Technical Director (TD) to identify and resolve specific areas of concern.
Some interfacing with designer to clarify specific needs and details as well as communicate progress and concerns.

Drafting

In accordance with drafting standards, generate detailed construction drawings in AutoCAD for all fabricated scenery.
Provide clarity on design drawings for scene shop team and coordinate with designers if intentions in drawings are unclear, as needed.
Ensure accurate conversions of design drawings from other platforms

Automation & FX Development

Collaborate with the TD to devise appropriate automation solutions, including hydraulic, winches, pneumatics, hoists, etc., as needed.
Collaborate with the TD to devise suitable special effects (FX) solutions such as rain, fog, magic, water/pools, flame/pyro, flying, rigging, etc., when required.
Coordinate cross departmental needs with other departmental heads (rigging requirements, power and distribution needs, etc.).
Work directly with both ART staff and outside vendors when suitable to effectively execute automation and/or FX solutions.

Load in, Tech, & Strike

Coordinate load-in plans with heads of other A.R.T. production departments.
Prepare detailed documentation for shows, including but not limited to piece lists, truck packs, assembly drawings/instructions, and operational requirements.
Attend select technical rehearsals and/or previews to representing scene shop interests.

General Communication

Attend and contribute to brief daily morning meetings with full scene shop staff.
Remain up to date with rehearsal and performance reports as well as communications internal to the scene shop.
Collaborate in coordinating fabrication with paint and other relevant departments.
Comprehensive hand-off of drafting to fabricators.
Regular follow-up communication with project advancement on the floor.
Contribute to shared shop systems of records, drafting templates, archiving, general record keeping and conventions, etc.
Engage with stage management, stage operations department members, and other heads of departments to address load-in/strike requirements, scenic operation and maintenance requirements, safe automation operations and protocols, and similar.
Foster an environment of safety, professionalism, diligence, appropriate conduct, collaboration, and growth.

Basic Qualifications

Two years of college or equivalent and four years in a scenic fabrication environment—educational or professional.
Command of engineering fundamentals and experience with their applied application to non-theoretical problems.
Proficient with AutoCAD and MS Outlook and Excel.
Demonstrated expertise in adhering to safe and industry-standard rigging practices, with hands-on experience in building rigging systems.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent priorities, maintaining effectiveness and composure.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs, including Outlook, Word, and Excel. Sharepoint experience preferred.
Excellent communication abilities, both in expressing ideas and actively listening to others.
Punctuality and a proven track record of meeting deadlines consistently.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a proactive approach to planning and problem-solving.
Dedication to craftsmanship, coupled with a strong work ethic, commitment to safety, teamwork mentality, and a continuous drive for learning and improvement.
Maintain and promote a safe work environment by following and enforcing all safety regulations, providing safety equipment, training employees on safe practices, reporting incidents, managing record keeping, staying up to date on safety issues, and advising on safety-related policy and decisions.
With advanced notice, ability to work a flexible schedule including morning, evening, and weekend hours.

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