Technical Director Sought by The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati

Technical Director (Full-Time)

Starting Date: January 4th, 2027

Organizational Overview:
TCT’s mission is to educate, entertain and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:

• TCT MainStage at the Taft Theatre
• TCT On Tour
• TCT Academy

Position Overview:
The Technical Director is a skilled theater professional that is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of technical theatre including scenic construction, paint, lighting, sound, and AV systems. They will effectively navigate the complexities of a multifaceted work environment with an ambitious production calendar. The Technical Director will be responsible for managing the Scenery Departments and management of the scene shop.

The Technical Director must work closely with all scenic designers to maintain the integrity of the scenic design for all productions, approving its safety and feasibility in terms of time and budget. They ensure that the finished production visually represents the integrity of the design while staying within the allocated budgets.

The Technical director must have the ability to read and interpret designer draftings and elevations to decide what building techniques are necessary to complete the task. They also must be able to properly communicate this information to their team. They maintain technical spaces and equipment and develop/enforce practices that ensure safe, efficient, and effective operation of The Showtime Stage, The Scene Shop and the Emery Theater. The role directly supports the success of the scenic operations for 4 MainStage productions and 4-7 touring productions per year. They assist in identifying and prioritizing needs and initiatives, finding creative solutions to achieve goals while conserving resources.

The Technical Director reports directly to the Director of Production and supervises the ATD/Shop Foreman and the Scenic Charge Artist.

Responsibilities:
The Technical Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create digital technical drawings and plans, using AutoCAD or Vectorworks
• Work with director to understand his/her vision and needs, as well as to work out any potential problems related to schedule or other limitations
• Approve scenic designs regarding safety, compatibility, feasibility, budget, and scheduling.
• Assist/advise the members of the production team on technical aspects of each theatrical project.
• Oversee scenic (carpentry and paint) build for all TCT Productions.
• Determine technical needs for produced MainStage, Showtime Stage and TCT on Tour
  productions;
  • Order/obtain materials and manage scenic design budgets.
    o Work within the assigned budget by tracking set and paint materials, supplies and over-hire budgets
  • Determine build, paint, and maintenance schedules.
• Efficiently manage and supervise staff
  • Coordinate with Shop Foreman and Scenic Charge on needs and scheduling of over-hire team.
• Coordinate the stage and equipment logistics with the ATD, including the loading and unloading of trucks with crew.
• Build and maintain relationships with IATSE teams, trucking companies and community partners (Opera, Ballet, etc. with whom we share/rent equipment).
• Attend scheduled production/design meetings
• Attend necessary staging, tech and dress rehearsals at the Emery Theater
• Work with the Shop Foreman to maintain technical spaces and stage equipment in the shops and theater spaces (Showtime)
• Work with ATD/Shop Foreman and Scenic Charge to create and maintain inventories and storage of scenic stock goods, soft goods, supplies and equipment.
• Assist with technical needs for all TCT programs and divisions.
• Work with the Events and Rentals Manager to fulfill set rental requests
• Make recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and presentations including
  • Master level scenic carpentry construction techniques
  • Stage technology, scenic paint, sound, video and lighting design and implementation;
• Ability to lead and communicate with a team deadlines and expectations in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making.
• MIG welding, scenic painting and theatrical rigging.
• Ability to drive a 26’ Box Truck and 12-person van is a plus.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent work experience.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $60,000-68,000.
• Health, vision and dental benefits are available, partially subsidized by employer contributions, after a waiting period.
• 03(b) retirement plan participation available, after a waiting period, with eligibility for an employer match after one year of credited service.
• Generous PTO based on years of service.
• Generous paid holiday schedule.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati believes the stories on our stages and the work we do behind the scenes must reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe inclusive work cultures spark wideranging, exploratory conversations and learning. Therefore, we strongly welcome and encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and ages to apply as we continue our commitment to diversity and build an inclusive environment at TCT.

TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should submit whatever they feel best reflects their qualifications. This can come in the form of a video, cover letter/resume, portfolio, and/or demo reels. (Files should be less than 3MB in total, links are welcome). No phone calls, please.

Please submit materials and any references to Samantha.wade@tctcincinnati.com

Subject Line: Technical Director 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer
The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer. TCT is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.