Location: Springfield, OH
Category: Administrative Positions
Job Type: Full-time
Posted On: Tue May 19 2026
Job Description:
At Wittenberg University, this position serves as the Technical Director for all departmental theatre and dance productions. The position is responsible for overseeing the construction of scenic elements, supervising and maintaining the scene shop, and collaborating with faculty, students, and guest designers to realize the technical aspects of performances and events. This position combines hands-on fabrication with mentorship and production management within a collaborative educational environment. This position reports to the Chair of the Theatre & Dance department.
Essential duties and responsibilities include but not limited to the following:
- Serve as Technical Director for departmental theatre and dance productions and works closely with the Production Manager to ensure that all necessary technical elements are executed.
-
Interpret scenic designs and produce construction drawings, material lists, and build schedules.;
-
Oversee and participate in the construction, installation, and strike of scenic elements.
-
Is on set over tech weekend and oversees the run and implementation of technical elements.
-
Manage the scene shop, including tools, equipment, inventory, and safety protocols.
-
Make recommendations for upkeep of technical elements and updates for improvements.
-
Train and supervise undergraduate student workers in scenic construction and shop safety.
-
Coordinate with faculty directors, designers, stage managers, and production staff throughout the rehearsal and production process.
-
Monitor production budgets related to scenery and shop operations.
-
Maintain safe working practices and ensure compliance with institutional and industry safety standards.
-
Responsible for the execution of the seating plan and audience safety for every performance.
-
Responsible for arranging/hanging speakers for sound design that do not interfere with lighting design
-
Works to coordinate technical elements and theatre needs for other events outside of performances, including making sure the theatre is set up for auditions, first day of rehearsal, tech weekend.
-
Assist with technical needs of student lab production series.
-
Demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a
respectful, positive work environment. -
Perform other relevant duties as assigned such as special projects, programs, developmental activities, etc.
Job Requirements:
-
Associate's degree (preferred degree in technical theatre production or a related field), preferred Bachelor's degree
-
Experience in theater design with 2-4 years of direct/related theatre work
-
Demonstrated experience in scenic construction and technical direction.
-
Experience supervising students or crews in a theatrical production environment.
-
Knowledge of theatre shop safety standards and best practices
-
Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills
-
Knowledge and demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office
Preferred but not required training/experience:
- Lighting design and/or lighting production
-
Familiarity with audio or sound design and reinforcement
-
Props design and construction
-
Scenic painting or specialty scenic techniques
-
Rigging and stage mechanics
-
CAD drafting (Vector works, AutoCAD, or similar)
Additional Information:
-
Able to lift at least 50 pounds
-
Able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to lifting and bending, as well as climbing ladders
-
Ability to work from heights (grids, catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, and lifts)
-
Workdays could include long periods of time either sitting or standing
-
Hours may change in order to facilitate student work schedules from semester to semester.
Tech weekend includes full 10-hour rehearsal days on both Saturday and Sunday before each productions' opening.
Wittenberg is committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified individuals who collectively reflect the diversity of our student body and society at-large. Please see our notice of nondiscrimination housed on our website.
Wittenberg University is committed to preventing and addressing sexual misconduct in our campus community. Click here to view our Title IX policies.
The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment. Employment at Wittenberg University is contingent upon satisfactory completion of applicable background checks including but not limited to criminal records, educational verifications, driving records (when job-related), and/or credit history (when job related).
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas. Wittenberg University participates in E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the U.S.
