Technical Director

Hillbarn Theatre & Conservatory is an intimate, 179-seat theatre serving the San Francisco Bay Area from its home in Foster City. Hillbarn produces classic and contemporary work while providing educational opportunities for young and aspiring artists.

Entering our 86th season, our work is grounded in quality, diversity, community, artistic integrity, education, service, and responsible stewardship of our resources.

The Technical Director is a collaborative, hands-on theatre professional responsible for turning scenic and technical designs into safe, practical, and high-quality productions.

Working closely with directors, designers, stage managers, staff, contractors, teaching artists, and volunteers, the Technical Director plans and supervises the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and strike of scenery and related technical elements. The position balances artistic ambition with Hillbarn’s schedule, budget, personnel, space, and safety requirements.

The ideal candidate is an experienced theatrical craftsperson and calm problem-solver who enjoys working in an intimate theatre and supporting collaborators with a broad range of professional and technical experience.

Production Planning and Implementation

• Review scenic designs, drawings, and production requirements for feasibility, safety, cost, staffing, and schedule.
• Collaborate with directors and designers to develop practical technical solutions that preserve each production’s artistic intent.
• Prepare technical drawings, construction plans, material estimates, build schedules, and labor plans.
• Participate in production meetings and communicate technical needs, risks, decisions, and progress clearly.
• Coordinate load-ins, technical rehearsals, production notes, maintenance, and strikes in partnership with stage management and the production team.
• Anticipate production challenges and recommend timely, cost-conscious solutions.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation for each production.

Scenic Construction and Technical Operations

• Build, modify, install, rig, maintain, and strike scenery and other production elements.
• Lead and supervise carpenters, overhire technicians, interns, students, and volunteers.
• Ensure that scenic elements, masking, rigging, and backstage traffic patterns are safe and appropriate for performers, crews, and audiences.
• Support lighting, sound, projections, props, and special effects.
• Address technical issues during rehearsals and performances, including urgent repairs when necessary.
• Ensure productions can be operated and maintained safely throughout their performance runs.

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Develop and manage technical and scenic-construction budgets in collaboration with Hillbarn leadership.
• Source materials, equipment, rentals, transportation, and outside services.
• Track purchases, invoices, labor, and budget commitments accurately.
• Make effective use of stock scenery, reusable materials, and existing equipment.
• Coordinate borrowing, rentals, and transportation with partner organizations and vendors as needed.
• Recommend equipment purchases and technical improvements based on production and facility priorities.

Safety, Facilities, and Equipment

• Establish and enforce safe working practices in the scene shop, theatre, backstage areas, and off-site work spaces.
• Train personnel and volunteers in the proper use of tools, ladders, lifts, rigging equipment, personal protective equipment, and theatrical systems.
• Maintain tools, shop equipment, technical inventories, and production storage areas in clean and safe working condition.
• Conduct routine inspections and coordinate repairs or service for technical equipment.
• Maintain current safety documentation, emergency procedures, and applicable records.
• Immediately report and respond appropriately to hazards, injuries, damaged equipment, and unsafe conditions.
• Support theatre facility projects and technical improvements as assigned.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Provide clear direction and supervision to employees, contractors, technicians, and volunteers working on technical projects.
• Establish production priorities, delegate assignments, and monitor work for safety, quality, schedule, and budget compliance.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, organized, and solution-oriented working environment.
• Communicate effectively with professionals, community artists, volunteers, students, families, and staff members.
• Provide patient instruction and meaningful hands-on learning…