Technical Director - Opera & Internal

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a Technical Director - Opera & Internal to join our production team. This position oversees all aspects of the technical production related to Opera Tampa events and Straz produced events. The Technical Director will also serve to advise and supplement planning operations for internal Straz events, including fundraising events.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 26 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Opera Tampa and Straz Produced Events

• Production Oversight & Collaboration: Manages planning, engineering, and implementation of all scenic elements, coordinating with lighting, sound, and production departments. Oversees all aspects of construction, load-ins/outs, and ensures safe, organized, and efficient working conditions.
• Budgeting & Scheduling: Develops material and labor estimates, build schedules, and actively participates in budget planning. Schedules and leads design/production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Design & Technical Responsibilities: Serves as resident scenic designer, collaborates with guest designers, and creates all scenic layout and shop working drawings. Coordinates set positioning, lighting plots, and pit setup; ensures show safety and regulatory compliance.
• Talent & Vendor Coordination: Recommends and arranges housing/transportation for designers and production staff. Coordinates costume and prop needs, oversees costume measurements, and manages rental company logistics and documentation.
• Season Planning & Evaluation: Reviews production requirements, researches rentals, and compiles post-show settlement information.

Internal Events

• Event Production Management: Oversees and coordinates all aspects of assigned event productions, ensuring compliance with technical riders and production requirements.
• Show Operations & Support: Acts as Stage Manager when needed and maintains production documentation, including event accounting and show files.
• Communication & Liaison Role: Serves as the main point of contact between visiting production teams and Straz Center departments, ensuring smooth communication and support.
• Scheduling & Leadership: Assists with crew scheduling and may assume responsibilities of the Senior Director of Production in their absence.
• Safety & Procedures Compliance: Implements and follows Straz Center safety protocols, evacuation plans, and crisis communication procedures. Coordinates facility tours with the House Manager.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills as well as a meticulous attention to detail.
• An industrious work ethic.
• A high level of computer proficiency, including the MS Office suite.
• An ability to work independently, under pressure in a multi-task environment, and as a dynamic and supportive part of a team.
• Experience drafting, editing, reading, and interrupting lighting plots, ground plans and construction drawings.
• Experience implementing technical riders, providing scrutiny and negotiation of production elements requested.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver License.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in the industry.
• Five to eight years of experience in the production industry.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.
• Work may require moving event materials or theatrical equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Work regularly requires traversing the facility; approximately 50% of performance facility is reachable only by stairs or ladder.
• Work regularly requires ascending and descending narrow ladders between floors backstage.
• Ability to identify visual and auditory difficulties occurring during events/productions.
• Some work may be completed in low light areas and/or areas of restricted access.
• May operate electrical or sound equipment.
• Position occasionally requires work in areas where hazardous materials (e.g. spray paint or cleansers) are present.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at www.StrazCenter.org to learn more about the Straz Center.