Colgate University
Assistant Technical Director, University Theater
Requisition Number: 2026S047Posting
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Division: Dean of the Faculty
Department: University Theater
Wage/Salary Range: $22.50-$27.75
Department Statement:
Employing multiple global and cultural perspectives, the Colgate University Department of Theater inspires and transforms students through immersion in the challenging and exhilarating reversals of the creative process. Our curriculum prepares students to thrive in a wide range of future endeavors. As a close-knit group of artists and scholars, we ignite collaborative engagement and experimentation in the classroom through a far-reaching sense of wonder, curiosity, and play. The department serves Colgate and the surrounding communities by creating theater and dance performances that awaken feeling, interrogate assumptions, and sharpen perceptions of an ever-changing world.
Students in the Department of Theater learn by doing in the intellectually and physically rigorous environment of studio courses, rehearsals, and public performances. Majoring or minoring in theater fosters students’ ability to read closely, think critically, and communicate clearly. Students of theater are trained to integrate analytical, physical, emotional, and interpersonal intelligence in a way that few other courses of study demand. By making and studying theater at a liberal arts university, Colgate students act out a variety of perspectives on the world, learning to problem solve and self-start through immersion in the challenges of the creative process. Graduates regularly pursue successful careers not only in theater but also in communications, media, business, law, and technology.
The Department of Theater produces up to four theater and dance main stage productions each year. All students are welcomed to audition, regardless of concentration or experience. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and participation in a department main stage production carries a full course credit.
Accountabilities:
Assists the Technical Director with all aspects of the Department of Theater’s productions and
cocurricular activities in Brehmer Theater and other department production spaces. Assists in the
instruction and supervision of students completing required class hours, as well as the supervision
of student workers and student crews. Acts as Lighting Supervisor for all productions in Brehmer
Theater and all events and productions in the Experimental Exhibition and Performance Space in
Bernstein Hall.
PRIMARY
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Assists the faculty Technical Director in the execution of technical and logistical requirements for all Department of Theater productions, including one mainstage show each semester, Dance Concert, Theater for Young Audiences Workshop productions, Senior Thesis projects, and professional productions by touring theater and dance artists.
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Acts as the Lighting Supervisor for all Department of Theater productions, planning and implementing the hang, focus, and strike of lighting instruments, as well as the programming of lighting consoles.
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Assist with the supervision and instruction of students completing hours for THEA 250 Stagecraft and other production-related courses.
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Assist with the supervision of students employed by the Department of Theater, ensuring safe working practices in the construction of scenery and installation of lighting for all productions.
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Assists in the training of student crews for operation of technical and backstage equipment during productions.
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Assists in the setting up of audio and video components for all department and cocurricular productions in Brehmer Theater and other spaces used by the department.
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Collaborates with the TD to prepare budgetary and labor requests in relation to scenery, properties, lighting, sound, and infrastructure needs for the Department of Theater.
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Helps maintain all tools, audio-visual equipment, lighting instruments, and other inventory for the Department of Theater.
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Ensures with TD proper tracking and inventory control of all equipment loaned to students and faculty.
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Manages the oversight and the operation of Brehmer Theater for non-departmental programs, including class presentations, student and community productions, and University- sponsored events.
SECONDARY (EEP) -
Act as the Lighting Supervisor for the Experimental Exhibition and Performance Space (EEP).
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Maintain a lighting repertory plot in the EEP that can be used for most productions in the space in a given semester/year.
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Train faculty, staff, students, and guest artists to safely and effectively operate the theatrical lighting system in EEP, both to serve research and teaching needs and to provide redundant support for the operation of the space.
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As time allows, hang, focus, and cue lights for some productions in the space on an as needed basis. This is to be coordinated with the artist, the Artistic and Technical Support Manager of the EEP and the Brehmer TD.
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As availability permits, provide supplementary technical support and expertise for programming in the EEP, at the request of the Artistic and Technical Support Manager in Bernstein Hall.
Professional Experience/Qualifications
The successful candidate should be knowledgeable in more than one area of production;
have experience working with students and staff of varying skill sets; and be an engaged,
dynamic collaborator with faculty and students.
Preferred Qualifications
Education
Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Theater or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of technical direction in a professional setting.
Other Information
Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Review of applications will not begin until 08/03/26.
Work Schedule:
Weekdays, Occasional Weekends
Job Open Date: 06/17/2026
Job Close Date: 6/18/2027
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions Summary