University Opera Technical Director

Job Summary:

The Mead Witter School of Music seeks a Technical Director to manage the technical production for the award-winning University of Wisconsin Opera. The person in this position will be expected to manage the following processes:

Production Planning:

• Work closely with Director of University Opera to coordinate all production elements.
• Determine materials, personnel, and other technical needs for each production. Coordinate design and build schedule and deadlines.
• Coordinate the hire of external vendors as necessary to complete each production.
• Create and manage production calendar.
• Organize and attend production meetings with director and designers (scenic, lighting, costumes, props, sound when needed, wigs and makeup) and other production personnel; follow up throughout the design/build process.
  
  

Scenic Construction and Production Management:

• Source and manage outside personnel to fill non-UW positions (electricians, carpenters, light board and follow spot operator, sound crew, professional stagehands, etc).
• Source and purchase/rent building materials. Manage purchasing for production needs (including props, furniture and costumes) using purchase orders and purchasing card, working within provided budget.
• Build, assemble and install sets on stage; arrange for transportation and load-in of set when necessary.
• Lead installation of pit when necessary.
• Oversee technical rehearsals; troubleshoot technical issues.
• Oversee technical operations of all performances.
• Manage the strike of the set and load out of all production materials when performances are completed.
  
  

Supervision:

• Supervise stagehands, outside production personnel and student technicians.
• Provide clear direction to contracted labor to ensure timeliness of work, proper procedures and cost efficiency.
  
  

Miscellaneous:

• Maintain all systems and equipment for University Opera's curricular mission, ensuring adequate inventory for the program's needs.
• Provide advice on the technical requirements, budgets, and equipment needs.
• Maintain and enforce current best practices related to operations policies and health and safety standards for performance spaces.
• Work within provided budgets and keep accurate records of production-related expenses.
  
  

Responsibilities: Directs the set up and maintenance of technical and operational equipment for theater performances to ensure high quality theater production and department sustainability. Provides technical instruction, develops and implements safety policy, and may develop program budgets, and/or train and supervise stage crews (professional and/or students).

• 40% Directs the planning, staffing, and execution of technical production and theatrical operations before and during performances
• 25% Instructs students in the preparation, construction, and operation of performance art productions, systems and equipment
• 5% May develop unit operating budgets and identify opportunities for new unit income generating programs and services
• 10% Inspects, maintains, and repairs equipment to ensure optimal and safe operation
• 10% Cleans and maintains organization of theater and technical production equipment
• 10% Develops and directs implementation of operating policies and procedures with health and safety regulations, institutional policies, and unit objectives
  
  

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: Diversity and Inclusion

Education:

Required

H.S. Diploma

Qualifications:

Required:

• Prior experience in technical operations of theatrical productions.
• Strong carpentry skills and robust experience building and installing theatrical sets.
• Current technical theater knowledge and experience in the operation and maintenance of theatrical scenic and lighting systems, sound and video/data projection equipment, and the operation of stage rigging and lift equipment.
• Experience in production design, budgeting, and scheduling.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge of procedural best practices and all health and safety regulations as they apply to theatres and scene shops.
• Experience in the use of electric and hand tools.
  
  

Preferred:

• Knowledge of and experience working with CAD software.
• Welding skills desirable.
• Experience with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and software applications for spreadsheets, word processing, scheduling and billing.
• Ability to oversee and work alongside professional and student employees from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work cooperatively in the Madison theatrical community, connecting and sharing resources with colleagues from other local producing organizations.
  
  

Work Type:

Full Time: 100%

It is anticipated this position requires work be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location.

Appointment Type, Duration:

Ongoing/Renewable

Salary:

Minimum $45,910 ACADEMIC (9 months)

Depending On Qualifications

The typical starting salary for this position is $45,910 depending on qualifications and experience. The salary will be paid out over 9 months. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as sick leave; competitive insurance and saving accounts; and retirement benefits. Employees have the option to continue benefits for the full calendar year.

Additional Information:

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without need of employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. University sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply:

Please click on the "Apply Now" button to start the application process.

Applications must be submitted by the deadline date. To apply, please upload a cover letter and resume. Your cover letter and resume should address your qualifications as they pertain to this position.

For questions on the position, contact: Anne Brutosky, administrator@music.wisc.edu, 608-263-4734

Contact:

Anne Brutosky

anne.brutosky@wisc.edu

608-263-4734

Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. See RELAY_SERVICE for further information.

Official Title:

Technical Director(AR010)

Department(s):

A48-COL OF LETTERS & SCIENCE/MEADWITTER SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Employment Class:

Academic Staff-Renewable

Job Number:

312033-AS

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, click here

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website: https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/

Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require you and your references to answer questions regarding sexual violence and sexual harassment.

The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).

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