Assistant Technical Director; Theater

Description

At Zach, we believe in the power of light—to illuminate new ideas, spark imagination, and bring people together. As Austin’s leading professional producing theater, we create vibrant, intimate theater experiences that engage, inspire, and connect our community.

• Responsible for producing 2D and 3D AutoCAD Drawings for all Zach Scenic Studios builds, including construction and technical drawings, load in/out drawings, truck packs, and other critical CAD-based documentation for the Scenic and Paint shops or other projects assigned by the Technical Director.
• Assists in accurately budgeting materials and labor for each Zach production as directed by the Technical Director based on scenic drawings and renderings, including preparation of budget templates and build, load‑in, and load‑out schedules.
• Assists in acquiring materials and special‑order products and equipment with ample lead time on Zach production and various special projects.
• Maintains a safety‑oriented work environment while cultivating safe work practices in the shop and theaters during load‑in, load‑out, day‑to‑day operations, and in the technical design of scenery from construction to assembly and load‑in processes.
• Facilitates clear and effective communication between the Technical Director, the Scenic Studios Supervisor, and shop staff, ensuring the carpenters, painters, and artisans understand each project's full design needs through drawings, written, and verbal communication.
• Works with the Technical Director and shop staff in backlog creation meetings to ensure all scope estimations from the team are aligned with the build schedule and deadlines.
• Serves as a critical and timely member of quality control processes, reconciling fabrication with construction drawings and installation with designs.
• Assists the Scenic Studios Supervisor with planning and follow through of scene shop and facilities improvements for the production department and special projects as assigned by the Technical Director.
• Supports the Technical Director in leading daily stand‑ups and overseeing daily operations, load‑ins, and load‑outs.
• Attends design and production meetings, technical and dress rehearsal, and other meetings/events as directed by the Technical Director.
• Assists the Scenic Studios Supervisor in the maintenance and implementation of the Scenic Studios FIFO Materials Inventory and MSDS books.
• Attends and participates in all production planning, review, and retrospective meetings.
• Works with the team to help remove procedural impediments in the build process.
• Supports internal departments in the scheduling, logistics, and technical requirements of special events and rentals.

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theater, Technical Direction, or a related field preferred, 2 years of professional theatrical technical design experience or 3 years of professional theatrical construction experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. MFA in Technical Direction or related field preferred.
• 3 years of experience using AutoCAD for drafting and 3D modeling.
• Experience working in MS Office including MS Word, Excel, and Google Suite.
• Experience working with automation equipment (Creative Connors), theatrical rigging and counterweight fly systems, and scenic painting.
• Valid Driver’s License and the ability to operate cargo vans and box trucks.

• Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction methods, scenic drafting standards, rigging systems, and industry safety practices.
• Advanced AutoCAD drafting and 3D modeling skills with the ability to translate artistic designs into buildable technical solutions.
• Strong project management, budgeting, scheduling, and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal, written, and visual communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across production departments.
• Demonstrated creative problem‑solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly in fast‑paced, high‑pressure production environments.
• Skilled in reading, interpreting, and reconciling scenic,…