Staff Technical Director/Shop Manager

Full Time/On-Ground

The USC School of Dramatic Arts seeks an experienced, full-time Technical Director/Shop Manager to join its Production team in the Technical Theatre Lab (TTL). We are looking for an energetic and collaborative colleague who brings a professional, rigorous approach to technical theatre production within a dynamic educational environment that presents multiple productions annually.

Reporting primarily to the Production Manager, the Technical Director/Shop Manager will demonstrate a proven ability to set priorities, manage complex projects, and work with a high degree of independence while exercising sound judgment. The successful candidate must thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively balancing multiple projects and deadlines while supervising and mentoring staff and student workers, particularly during peak production periods.

The Technical Director/Shop Manager plays a critical role in supporting the realization of theatrical productions in a multi-stage, multi-use environment and in bringing academically driven student scenic designs to life. This position oversees the operation and maintenance of technical theatre facilities, supervises staff and student employees, enforces safety policies, and collaborates closely with faculty, guest artists, and student designers throughout the production process.

The Technical Director/Shop Manager leads the planning, construction, installation, maintenance, and strike of scenic elements for departmental productions, ensuring that all work is structurally sound, code-compliant, and completed within established schedules and budgets. Serving as the department’s primary technical liaison for scenic production, the position provides expertise in engineering solutions, construction methods, materials selection, scheduling, and resource allocation, translating artistic concepts into practical and safe technical execution.

Equally important, this role is responsible for maintaining a safe learning and working environment within the Technical Theatre Lab and performance spaces. The Technical Director/Shop Manager oversees equipment maintenance and inspections, administers safety training programs, and ensures compliance with OSHA regulations, fire codes, university policies, and industry best practices.

While academic credentials are desirable, professional experience is also important. Applications should include a cover letter describing the candidate's qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae including 5-10 images of past work, and the contact information for three references.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse population of faculty, staff, students, guest artists, and facility users.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet competing deadlines in a fast-paced production environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Ability to safely lift, move, and transport theatrical materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 99 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and to safely work from personnel lifts, catwalks, and other elevated work areas.
• Ability to safely work in low-light and backstage production environments.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to safely operate departmental vehicles in accordance with university policies.
• Proficiency in digital fabrication technologies and related software, including CNC routers, laser cutters, 3D printers, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, and 3D modeling applications.
• Demonstrated ability to translate scenic design concepts and drawings into accurate construction drawings and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of scenic engineering principles, theatrical rigging systems, stagecraft practices, and scenic construction techniques.
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