Creative Arts Technical Director

Menlo School • Atherton, CA

23h • $95,000 - $135,000

About The Position

Reporting to Menlo School’s Director of Creative Arts, the Technical Director oversees all technical aspects of middle and upper school productions and events, including theater productions, dance concerts, music performances, and other school events. The Technical Director collaborates with the Theater Production and Facility Manager, faculty, students, parents, and other staff to ensure productions run safely and efficiently, in alignment with the artistic and educational goals of Menlo School. This is a full-time, 12-month position that also supports the annual Music@Menlo Festival in July. Ideally, the selected candidate will be able to begin work as soon as possible, but no later than July 2026. The Technical Director shares responsibility with the Theater Production and Facility Manager for the success of all productions, with the Technical Director focusing on technical execution and the Theater Production and Facilities Manager overseeing scheduling, budgeting, and overall coordination. This position requires strong organizational and technical expertise, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to safety, efficiency, and educational excellence within a school setting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Theater Production, or related field
• Minimum 3–5 years of professional technical theater experience, including set construction, lighting, and sound.
• Proficiency with theatrical lighting consoles (ETC EOS family preferred), professional sound systems, and rigging.
• Demonstrated experience working with student or youth crews in an educational or training context.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent productions.
• Experience managing a departmental or production budget.
• Direct experience managing and supervising the work of technical personnel (vendors and contractors).

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a K–12 independent school or college theater setting.
• Proficiency in Vectorworks, AutoCAD, or equivalent drafting software.
• Experience with video/projection design systems (QLab, Disguise, or similar).
• Knowledge of ADA accessibility requirements for performance spaces.
• ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) certification or equivalent rigging/electrical safety credential, or willingness to obtain.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technical production elements, including scenery, lighting, and sound.
• Design and construct sets; provide design support as required by the production team.
• Supervise and maintain the scene shop, storage areas, prop cages, and costume spaces.
• Ensure safe and functional installation of all scenic, lighting, and sound elements.
• Maintain and repair lighting, sound, rigging, and related technical systems.
• Run tech rehearsals and load in/ strike
• Work closely with the Theater Production and Facility Manager to coordinate schedules, deadlines, and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, faculty, students, and parents to align technical execution with artistic vision and educational goals.
• Manage technical budgets, materials, and equipment purchasing.
• Maintain comprehensive inventory records of technical equipment and supplies.
• Advise directors on the technical feasibility, cost implications, and safety requirements of proposed design concepts during pre-production.
• Participate in post-production debriefs to evaluate what worked, what can be improved, and what resources to plan for future seasons.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison among the technical crew, Theater Production and Facility Manager, artistic team, school administration, and parents.
• Ensure clear, timely communication about technical needs, deadlines, and event logistics.
• Maintain a shared production calendar and technical schedule in coordination with the Theater Production and Facility Manager.
• Communicate equipment needs and budget requests to the Theater Production and Facility Manager in advance of purchasing deadlines.
• Provide written production reports to the Director of Creative Arts and the Theater Production and Facility Manager following major events.
• Maintain equipment and workspace safety standards; ensure all students receive documented safety training before using power tools or rigging systems.
• Provide structured learning opportunities for students in technical theater through workshops, training sessions, and supervised volunteer experiences.
• Foster student skill development in scenic construction, lighting, sound, and other technical disciplines.
• Collaborate with the Director of Creative Arts on course offerings or co-curricular programs in technical theater.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain student crew members; track participation and recognize student achievement.
• May be required to develop and implement a sequential technical theater curriculum aligned with Menlo School’s educational goals, including safety certifications for tools and equipment.
• Enforce and maintain safe working conditions in the scene shop, fly system, and all technical work areas in compliance with OSHA and school safety standards.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of the fly system, counterweight rigging, electrical systems, and fall-protection equipment.
• Maintain Material Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS) for all paints, solvents, and adhesives used in the shop.
• Respond to and document any technical emergencies, equipment failures, or safety incidents; report these to the Theater Production and Facility Manager and the Director of Creative Arts.

Benefits

• An exceptional work environment and caring community
• Highly competitive salary
• A comprehensive benefits package, including generous contributions to a retirement plan for eligible employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director