Position: Middle School Musical - Technical/Set Director
Reports To: Building Principal or Designee
Schedule: Seasonal, including after-school, evening, and weekend rehearsals and performances
Compensation: Per applicable collective bargaining agreement or district-approved stipend
Position Summary: The Middle School Musical Technical/Set Director is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing the technical and scenic elements of the annual middle school theatrical production. Working collaboratively with the Musical Director and production team, the Technical/Set Director oversees set design and construction, lighting, sound, props, and other technical aspects of the production. The position provides students with opportunities to develop technical theater skills, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork while ensuring a safe and successful theatrical experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Collaborate with the Musical Director and production team to plan and coordinate the technical and scenic elements of the production.
- Design, plan, and oversee the construction, installation, and removal of sets and scenery appropriate for the production.
- Coordinate lighting, sound, special effects, and other technical requirements in collaboration with production staff and district personnel.
- Develop and maintain a schedule for set construction, technical preparation, rehearsals, and production activities.
- Recruit, train, and supervise student stage crew members, providing instruction in technical theater, stage management, and backstage operations.
- Coordinate the selection, construction, organization, and maintenance of props and scenic materials.
- Ensure that all sets, equipment, and technical elements are safe, functional, and appropriate for student performers and crew members.
- Collaborate with the Musical Director and Choreographer to ensure scenic elements support staging, movement, and performance requirements.
- Coordinate with district facilities and custodial personnel regarding equipment use, facility access, storage, and production needs.
- Oversee technical rehearsals and coordinate backstage operations, scene changes, lighting, and sound during performances.
- Develop and manage technical and scenic production needs within the established budget, ensuring all purchases comply with district policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate inventories of sets, props, equipment, and materials, ensuring proper storage and care following the production.
- Ensure compliance with applicable safety requirements, including fire codes, facility regulations, and district policies.
- Supervise students during assigned rehearsals, construction activities, and performances, maintaining a safe, respectful, and productive environment.
- Communicate regularly with the Musical Director regarding technical progress, production needs, and readiness for performances.
- Promote student participation, creativity, collaboration, and technical skill development through positive instruction and encouragement.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.
Qualifications:
- Background in technical theater, set design, stage production, construction, or a related field preferred.
- Experience with theatrical lighting, sound systems, scenic construction, or stage management.
- Experience working with middle school students in an educational or extracurricular setting.
- Knowledge of appropriate safety procedures related to stage equipment, tools, electrical systems, and theatrical production.
- Ability to design and implement practical, cost-effective technical solutions within established budgets.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
- Ability to supervise and instruct students in technical theater activities while maintaining appropriate safety standards.
- Commitment to providing an inclusive, supportive, and developmentally appropriate performing arts experience.
Terms of Employment: This is a seasonal extracurricular assignment requiring participation in production planning, set construction, technical preparation, rehearsals, performances, and post-production activities. The Technical/Set Director works collaboratively with the Musical Director and production team to ensure all technical and scenic elements are prepared, maintained, and operated safely throughout the production. Evening and weekend commitments may be required.