Assistant Technical Director

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the Assistant Technical Director (ATD) partners with the Technical Director (TD) in the technical planning and management of scenic production for the Theaters produced and presented works.

The ATD takes ownership of assigned projects and day-to-day shop and stage operations, translating scenic designs and approved technical drawings into clear work plans and leading crews through safe construction, installation, changeovers, maintenance, and strikes.

Responsibilities include interpreting and developing working drawings, answering shop staffs technical questions, coordinating materials and staffing, tracking progress and labor against schedules and budgets, and communicating issues and proposed changes to the TD and other departments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

- Manage IATSE technicians as well as a large workforce of over hire carpenters

- Create construction drawings and technical designs for CST in-house builds

- Interpret scenic drawings in the context of the full production

- Answer shop staffs technical questions

- Independently plan and lead crews in the safe execution of assigned shop and stage operations

- In conjunction with the TD, manage off-site build locations, in particular off-site scene shops

- Coordinate the procurement of scene shop materials and supplies

- Coordinate the implementation of safety programs within the scene shop

- Monitor technical rehearsals. Takes down notes from the scenic designer

- Represent CST in the communication with the technical departments of external collaborators to fully support their performances, on CST stages and in site-specific work throughout Chicago

- Coordinate the hiring of over hire labor for load ins and load outs

- Coordinate the management and hiring of scenic charge artists

- Track assigned work against schedules and alert the Technical Director to delays, staffing needs, or technical issues early enough to adjust the plan

- Help maintain scene shop inventories

- Engage in committees, events, training and other initiatives as needed

- Models CSTs core values of service, ingenuity, and collaboration as well as its customer service ethos

- Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES

- AutoCAD literacy and drafting abilities; 3D drafting capabilities

- Working knowledge of all aspects of scenic technical design and production

- Knowledge of rigging, stage engineering, scenic construction techniques, carpentry, welding, and safe working practices in the theater

- Project management and decision making

- Demonstrated exceptional human management skills in a fast-paced environment

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills

- Mission-driven

WORK ENVIRONMENT

- Work hours are generally 7am-3pm, Monday through Friday, but may be scheduled earlier or later depending on need

- Overtime hours will be necessary

- Evening, weekend, and holiday hours will be necessary

- Worksite is primarily at the CST facilities on Navy Pier in Chicago but will at times work in other locations such as the CST Warehouse, City Parks or other off-site performance venues

- Will work in a variety of environments including but not limited to construction shops, stages, trap rooms, catwalks and grids, warehouses, exposed loading docks, and outdoors

- Work environment may sometimes be dirty, noisy, in low-light, or in a tight or cramped space

- Will be exposed, at times, to potentially hazardous materials and equipment

- Will regularly be required to wear PPE during work activities

PHYSICAL DEMAND

- Perform a variety of physical tasks including but not limited to climbing, stooping, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pulling

- Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time

- Ability to work at a computer for hours at a time

- Work at height in locations including but not limited to catwalks, grids, ladders, and genies

- Perform a variety of physical tasks while wearing safety equipment including body harness, hardhat, and safety glasses

- Push, pull, lift, and move up to 50 lbs. at times on a repetitive basis

- Use of manual dexterity in the operation of tools

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

- A minimum of five years of experience in technical direction, scene shop management or stage operations supervision at a large regional theater or equivalent

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CST is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all our hiring for staff and artists. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination. CST prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that persons race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.