Technical Director (Theatrical​/Performing Arts

• Title: Technical Director (Theatrical/Performing Arts)
• Department: Production
• Reports To: Senior Director of Production Operations
• Supervises: Master Electrician and Audio Video Manager
• Starting Pay: Up to $80,000
• EEO Category: 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 rigging, electrics, audio, video, theatrical networking, 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 the Master Electrician and Audio Video Manager 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.

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid Time Off (Sick, Holiday, and Personal time)
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Company-paid Short & Long-Term Disability and Life insurance
• Optional Pet Insurance,  Protection, and supplemental Life Insurance
• Annual merit increases
• Complimentary event tickets to select performances

• Lead and oversee technical operations for KPA venues and theatrical spaces.
• Oversee technical theatre systems including rigging, electrics, audio, video, theatrical networking, staging systems, projection 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.
• Supervise, coach, support, and provide direction to the Master Electrician and Audio Video Manager.
• 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 technical support during events and productions when operationally necessary.
• 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.

• Strong knowledge of technical theatre operations, theatrical systems, and live event technical execution.
• Advanced knowledge of theatrical rigging systems, electrics, audio systems, video systems, staging systems, theatrical networking, projection systems, and related technical infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of preventative maintenance practices, equipment lifecycle management, technical troubleshooting, and operational readiness for production systems and theatrical equipment.
• Working knowledge of theatrical safety standards, OSHA requirements, electrical safety practices, fire/life safety standards, and backstage safety procedures.
• Ability to identify, troubleshoot, coordinate, and resolve technical equipment issues and infrastructure concerns in a fast‑paced live event environment.
• Strong understanding of technical coordination requirements for productions, touring shows, rentals, resident companies, and special events.
• Ability to supervise, coach, support, and develop technical staff while maintaining operational consistency,…