Technical Director
Job Summary: The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of all productions and events for Los Angeles Ballet Inc. The ideal candidate will have well-versed knowledge in the various departments of stagecraft – particularly rigging and scenic – as well as experience with touring logistics and management. This role is responsible for leading the department heads, effectively managing the theater schedule, coordinating with designers and venue crew, and ensuring that all technical elements are executed to the highest standard. Film or television experience is a plus, as LAB occasionally works in these formats.About The Company:Los Angeles Ballet (LAB) is the leading ballet company in Los Angeles known for staging classical, contemporary, romantic and neoclassical ballets, for pioneering new works and for presenting relevant works by many of today’s most innovative dance-makers. LAB’s original production of The Nutcracker is an annual holiday favorite for Los Angeles residents and delights regional, national and international visitors. LAB is the longest operating professional ballet company in Los Angeles history.The Company Center is in West LA and performances are held at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, The Wallis Annenberg Performing Arts Center, Royce Hall at UCLA, and The Music Center’s Ahmanson Theater. Each year LAB performs four mainstage productions and two major special events, as well as a host of smaller events and specialty performances. As Los Angeles Ballet marks a milestone 20th season, the Company has implemented a multi-year growth plan to increase programming, talent, community outreach, financial health, overall footprint in Los Angeles and positioning in the national dance community.Responsibilities: • Lead all load-ins, strikes, and production transitions• Assist the Production Manager in the creation of all schedules for production activities, including accurate work estimates and crew calls• Facilitate cross-departmental communication to ensure all technical elements align with the Director’s artistic vision by collaborating with the Production Manager, Designers, Master Electrician, Master Carpenter, Costume Director, Music Director, and Stage Management Team • Advise the Production Manager in the purchase and usage of technical equipment and supervise the implementation of approved technical designs• Create stage diagrams in Vectorworks or AutoCAD to consolidate all technical information for every performance• Monitor the condition of technical equipment and production fleet; arrange for repairs and replacement within budgetary constraints; troubleshoot and perform preventive maintenance on equipment as needed• Coordinate all production-related shipping and trucking • Ensure compliance with best practices for worker safety and equipment longevity• Ensure all truck loads are properly secured before transport• Perform any stage track as necessary in case of emergency • Professional comportment at all times including high pressure situations and tight deadlinesQualifications: • 10+ years of experience leading theatrical crews• 5 years Technical Director experience• Strong leadership and team-management skills • Creative problem-solving skills• Strong organizational skills• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects at various levels of completion• Advanced knowledge of the principals and methods stagecraft in the core areas of technical theater (lights, sound, rigging, and carpentry)• Exceptional knowledge of stage carpentry and rigging• Understanding of union rules and protocols • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Google Drive Physical Requirements:• Ability to lift 50 pounds• Ability to work at heights including ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and catwalks• Ability to perform physical tasks including bending, climbing, and extended periods of standing or sittingPreferred Qualifications: • Strong knowledge of artistic areas of technical theater (costumes, props, and painting) • Strong knowledge of advanced areas of technical theater (automation, projections, and special effects)• Knowledge of dance, especially classical ballet • Proficiency with industry-standard drafting software (e.g. Vectorworks or AutoCAD) • Structural Engineering experience• International touring experience• Welding and Soldering skillsCompensation:Pay Range: $50-65/hour based on experienceEligible for overtime per California law (after 8 hours per day and after 40 hours per week). Overtime is budgeted in during all tech weeks. Estimated annual pay of $35,000 - $45,000 This is a recurring seasonal position. Work weeks are non-contiguous. Calendar available upon request. Hiring Manager: Production ManagerReports to: Production ManagerWork Location: Los Angeles, CA To Apply: Please send your cover letter and resume to admin@losangelesballet.org and use the subject line “Technical Director”.