Interlochen is where artists and educators come together to shape the future of the arts. We honor our legacy of innovation, offering a place where creativity thrives and individuals are empowered to explore their potential. Whether working independently or collaboratively, our community is built on passion and purpose, ensuring that everyone's unique talents contribute to a greater artistic vision. We invite you to join us and help cultivate a world where artistry and education lead to lifelong growth and impact.
Position Summary: The Technical Director - Design provides leadership for both the scenic design and production processes while also contributing to the construction of scenery. This role oversees the planning, scheduling, and execution of all scenic designs, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and at a high standard of artistic and technical quality.
Serving as the primary liaison between the arts divisions and the scene shop, this position ensures deadlines are met and communication flows effectively. Working in close partnership with the Technical Director - Operations, this role helps align production schedules and deadlines while collaborating directly on the construction and implementation of scenery to support a seamless and efficient production process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Work in collaboration with the Technical Director - Operations to ensure the design and build process is efficiently run and executed at a high level.
Designs at least 4 productions a year
Works with division directors on production schedules and deadlines and runs all production meetings.
Responsible for building alongside the Technical Director - Operations and the carpenter.
Comfortable in a steel workshop.
Helps oversee the maintenance of all shop tools and equipment.
Potential to run crew when needed.
Complies with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances.
Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community.
Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a standard scene shop and theatrical venue environment with extensive internal and external stakeholder contact.
Education: Bachelor's degree in technical theatre or related program required. MFA in theatre design and technology or equivalent experience is preferred.
Experience: Seeking professional level experience. Experience working in a Performing Arts Center, Professional Theatre or academic arts environment is required.
Equipment Familiarity: Experience with all scene shop related equipment: power tools, hand tools, mig/tig welder, Autocad/Vectorworks, Adobe Suite with an emphasis on Photoshop/ Illustrator/After Effects, 3D-Printing, CNC router, Vacuforming
Certifications, Licenses or Special Training:
Must meet and maintain background screening requirements as detailed in policy 12.HR.01 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.
Valid driver's license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA's insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Ability to multitask, working on several productions at one time.
Ability to work in a collaborative, group work environment.
Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.
Application Materials:
Cover Letter
Resume
Portfolio or link to sample work
Health, dental, and vision insurance
Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
Life insurance
Voluntary life insurance
Short and long-term disability
Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
Defined contribution 403(b) plan, managed by TIAA
Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
Tuition discounts for employee's children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).
Interlochen is proud to provide priority placement at Pitter Patter Preschool & Childcare located in the Interlochen Community Center, near our campus, for employees dependents. In addition, Interlochen employees may be eligible for the MI Tri-Share Program. This program shares the cost of childcare between the state of Michigan, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and the employee (The employee will only pay 1/3 of the total cost, if eligible). Income guidelines and more information about MI Tri-Share can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/mwc/initiatives/mi-tri-share-child-care.