Assistant Technical Director

Department

AI Court Production - Scenery

About the Department

Winner of the 2022 Regional Theatre Tony Award, Court Theatre reimagines classic theatre to illuminate our current times. In residence at the University of Chicago and on Chicago’s historic South Side, we engage our audiences with intimate and provocative experiences that inspire deeper exploration of the enduring questions that confront humanity and connect us as people. A LORT-D company now in its 70th year of operation, Court produces 4 to 5 main stage shows per year on an intimate, 250-seat thrust stage.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for working with the Technical Director in the execution of all theatrical scenery and special effects for all Court Theatre productions. While primarily a M-F 9-5:30 schedule, evening/weekend hours will sometimes be required. Some portions of the responsibilities may be done remotely, but the Assistant Technical Director will be required to work in-person at Court Theatre’s administrative offices, theatre, and production center regularly.

Responsibilities

• Under the Technical Director’s leadership, implements the scenery and special effects needed for all Court Theatre productions.
• Assists in producing construction and installation drawings for scenic elements.
• Contributes ideas and technical solutions regarding schedule, scale, and feasibility of scenic elements during the drafting and construction process. Engineers creative solutions to address challenges.
• Constructs and installs scenic elements and special effects as assigned. Creates CNC router files and operate the machine as needed.
• Collaborates with other technical departments to ensure smooth workflow. Instructs crew in the proper operation of scenic elements.
• Performs routine repair and maintenance on running shows.
• Attends staff meetings, work calls, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and previews as necessary.
• Coordinates work schedule with Technical Director so all Court technical rehearsals are staffed by a member of the scenery team. Serves in a leadership role of the scenery department at technical rehearsals. Develops a rapport with the scenic designer and receives notes from them.
• Assists in scheduling and supervising work for build, load-in, technical rehearsals and load-outs.
• Coordinates day-to-day activities with Scene Shop Foreperson, providing clear goals and priorities for the carpentry team.
• With the Technical Director, maintains best practices regarding construction, health and safety, and labor guidelines. Leads by example, setting a positive attitude and prioritizing a healthy work environment.
• Sources and purchases scenic materials. Tracks and reconciles all scenery-related expenses promptly.
• With Technical Director, oversees maintenance and upkeep of scene shop, company van, and stage. Performs routine maintenance on shop tools and equipment.
• With the Director of Production, liaise with University of Chicago regarding general maintenance of the stage and scene shops.
• Works with Production Staff to open and lock theatre and/or production center on a daily basis.
• Supports the production department with other duties as assigned by Technical Director or Director of Production.
• Engages with and supports Court’s efforts to become an anti-racist organization where people of marginalized identities can feel safe and flourish.
• Collaborates with the design team and production crew to plan, develop, and implement property, special effects, and/or scenic elements of theatre productions.
• May act as a resource for the production manager and provides recommendations regarding props solutions and related budget information.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Three years experience working in a professional theatre scene shop and/or related fabrication field.
• Leadership experience managing a crew of 3 or more.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of general and specialized theatrical set construction techniques including stage carpentry, welding, interpreting and developing technical drawings, rigging, and fabrication of special effects.
• Drafting with AutoCAD in 2D and 3D.
• Operating a CNC router.
• Working