Technical Director

Title:
Technical Director

Department: Production

Reports To: Senior Director of Production Operations

Supervises: KPA and IATSE crews

Starting Pay: Up to $36/hour, Non-Exempt

The Technical Director is responsible for overseeing the technical operations, infrastructure, systems, and technical execution support for Kentucky Performing Arts’ (KPA) venues, productions, events, and theatrical spaces. This position provides leadership and oversight for technical theatre systems including carpentry, rigging, lift systems, staging systems, and related production technologies. The Technical Director is responsible for maintaining technical readiness across KPA venues through preventative maintenance planning, equipment oversight, technical safety practices, troubleshooting, system coordination, and technical staff leadership.

This position supervises IATSE and KPA crews, and works closely with Production Managers and production leadership to support successful event execution. While this role collaborates closely with production operations and event planning, the primary focus of the position is technical systems leadership, technical infrastructure oversight, equipment management, technical safety, and operational support for KPA productions and venues.

• Lead and oversee technical operations for KPA venues and theatrical spaces.
• Serve as a senior production management resource for complex, high-profile, multi-venue, or high-impact events, including Broadway productions, major rentals, resident company events, and special projects.
• Oversee production planning processes, including advance work, show/event estimates, staffing coordination, stage reports, schedules, service orders, and post-event follow-up.
• Oversee technical theatre systems including rigging, staging systems, lift systems, and related infrastructure.
• Maintain operational readiness of production systems and equipment across KPA venues.
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain preventative maintenance programs for technical theatre systems and equipment.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and coordinate resolution of technical equipment issues and infrastructure concerns.
• Assist with evaluating, recommending, and implementing technical upgrades, repairs, replacements, and capital improvements.
• Develop, implement, and reinforce technical safety standards and backstage safety practices.
• Support compliance with OSHA requirements, electrical safety standards, fire/life safety requirements, and applicable theatrical safety standards.
• Promote safe operation and use of production systems, equipment, lifts, rigging systems, and backstage spaces.
• Coordinate technical staffing priorities, training needs, operational support, and technical readiness.
• Assist in training full-time, hourly, call-in, and event technical personnel as needed.
• Partner with the Senior Production Manager, Production Managers, and production leadership to support event planning and execution.
• Provide technical guidance and operational support for productions, rentals, Broadway engagements, resident companies, and special events.
• Support technical coordination for incoming attractions, touring productions, vendors, and clients.
• Provide hands‑on production or technical support when business needs require, which may include assisting with stage operations, crew coordination, client support, or technical event support.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, records, and operational information.
• Assist with technical budgeting, capital planning, and equipment purchasing recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments, vendors, contractors, touring personnel, and clients.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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