Technical Director 

THEATER PROD SPEC 4 (006146)

UCPath Position ID: 41062945

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

10/8/2025 3:50:48 PM

Date Last Edited:

10/8/2025 3:50:43 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1220O

Organization:

SCHOOL OF THEATER, FILM & TELEVISION

Division Code:

1221D

Division:

THEATER, FILM & TV DIV

Department:

046600 - THEATER

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

41062945

Position Description ID

237880

UC Payroll Title:

THEATER PROD SPEC 4 (006146)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

Grade 21

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

C: Supervisor - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40043186

Reports to Payroll Title:

THEATRICAL PROD SUPV 2

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40819204

Department Head Payroll Title:

 ADMIN SUPV 2 GF

SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent performs a variety of routine duties within established policies and procedures or by referral to the supervisor’s guidelines.

6332

Sr. Scene Tech

3.0

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Director is responsible for safely and effectively producing all the scenery for the departmental production. Duties include budgeting for all scenery, producing technical drawings as needed, plan, coordinate, monitor, and participate in the creation, installation, operation and strike of department productions, events and rentals - ensuring a smooth, timely and efficient transition from artistic concepts and design ideas to the realization of artistic, production, and academic goals. They will work closely with the scenic designer to fully and successfully complete the scenery as designed for the production. The Technical Director is responsible for the structural integrity and safety of all scenic designs and will also train and supervise seasonal hires and student crews as well as provide management and technical services for theater rentals and non-academic projects. 

We are committed to bringing world-class university research to the grand challenges facing the world of theater and performance today by fostering an ever-diversifying community of playwrights, designers, directors, scholars, and performers. Through deep engagement with the changing landscape of contemporary performance, diverse and dynamic faculty leadership, and creative collaboration across the campus and Los Angeles’ communities, UCLA Theater showcases the future of performance.

Financial & Resource Management

1. Coordinate and communicate with Technical Supervisors, Shop Supervisors and assigned Teaching Assistants to find technical solutions to design challenges to assure the smooth transition of design ideas from paper to the final stage production.

2. Review student designs and drawings to ensure technical coordination and compatibility across design disciplines. Advise students on industry standards for drafting and provide training as needed. Advise student designers on revisions necessary to maintain budget goals, technical feasibility and safe working practices.

3. Provide technical support and coordination for the scenic, property, lighting and sound departments, including projections.

4. Oversee the load-in, operation, and strike of theatrical productions and rentals.

40%

5. Attend technical/dress rehearsals and consult with directors and designers regarding notes, revisions, and/or additions. Direct the technical rehearsal process to move efficiently to the realization of design, production, and artistic goals.

6. Monitor and maintain safe performance facilities and areas of public assembly according to University health and safety guidelines.

7. Schedule and execute facility and equipment maintenance in association with the Production Manager and Technical Supervisors and in coordination with area supervisors.

8. In association with appropriate production staff, select, install, and maintain theatrical projection, lighting, sound, rigging and other theatrical equipment and systems.

0%

9. Research, identify, and acquire all machinery, equipment, and tools for the scene shop to meet the scenery fabrication demands.

10. Monitor expenditures and purchasing records for each production to ensure each one stays within scenery budget.

0%

Analysis and Safety

1. Produce technical drawings as needed and meet with the designer and design supervisor to go over all technical drawings.

2. Analyze designs for structural integrity and produce engineered structural designs for scenic structures and other production elements to meet established safety criteria.

3. Analyze designs and production needs and coordinate with Production Manager, Technical Supervisors, and Shop Supervisors to develop and modify production budget estimates and production schedules.

4. Conduct routine safety check in concert with management to ensure the policies and practices of the University's health and safety guidelines are being followed.

40%

Department Administration

1. Participate in the construction, rigging and mounting of scenery, properties, lighting, sound and other elements of theater production.

2. Attend all appropriate production and staff meetings.

3. Maintain CAD drawings for theaters and studios.

4. Other duties as assigned.

5%

Oversight & Supervision

1. Supervise and train the Scene Shop Manager, Master Carpenter and career scene shop staff.

2. Actively participate in job interview for production staff.

3. Recruit for open career staff position, part-time employees and student staff.

4. Conduct staff evaluations.

5. Oversee the technical and operational aspects of rehearsals, performances, and strike activities for Department productions, events and rentals.

6. Train and supervise seasonal hires and student crews in conjunction with area supervisors in the safe operation of theatrical equipment, regulations regarding use of rehearsal and performance spaces, and proper procedures used in running department productions.

7. Supervise part-time employees associated with the theatrical productions and rentals.

15%

8. In conjunction with the Technical Supervisor, meet with clients to determine timelines and required preparations for rental events and productions, including client expectations for lighting, sound, rigging, stage arrangement, equipment, and production crew. Responsible for assuring that client's technical and production needs are met, including troubleshooting issues and problems that may arise. Makes independent decisions to assure client satisfaction and safety during rental events and productions.

9. Approve and submit timesheets.

0%

0%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

Required

Demonstrated working knowledge of the responsibilities and duties of professional technical director including the knowledge to engineer scenic elements and assure structural integrity and safety.

Required

Must have the vision, hearing and dexterity to safely operate in a construction environment, operate hand and power tools, stage rigging and machinery.

Required

Ability and willingness to work flexible hours as required by the production schedule, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Required

Ability to work at heights using ladders and personnel lifts.

Required

Ability to plan, integrate, organize, schedule, budget and supervise the preparation and presentation of theatrical productions in an educational and professional environment.

Required

Possess expert knowledge and familiarity with the tools, equipment and systems associated with technical theater production; including scenery technology, theatrical stage rigging practices, costume construction and theater lighting and sound technology.

Required

Ability to speak on a one-to-one basis and to groups, using appropriate vocabulary and grammar to explain and demonstrate facilities, equipment and operations.

Required

Basic Knowledge of Vectorworks and Lightwright. AutoCAD proficiency.

Required

Ability to read and execute designer drawings, light plots and sound plots.

Required

Skill in prioritizing staff job responsibilities in order of relative importance to complete work in a timely manner.

Required

Ability to work independently and follow through on projects with minimum direction.

Required

Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner and to perform tasks of equal priority efficiently under time constraints.

Required

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, faculty, staff and guest artists.

Required

Skill in management of equipment, space, material, staff and financial resources.

Required

Demonstrate pride, professionalism and commitment to excellence.

Required

Ability to effectively perform duties and tasks in a no smoking environment.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Macgowen Hall

•

Office equipment including a computer, copier, fax machine, etc.

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

X

Loud noise levels

X

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.