Technical Director - Academy Holy Cross - Kensington Maryland

The Technical Director plays a vital role in the Fine Arts Department, collaborating closely with department colleagues and overseeing the design, creation, and execution of all technical elements for theatre productions, music and dance concerts, and other Fine Arts events. This includes scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and any other technical needs per show (e.g., projections, special effects). Additionally, this role involves managing theatre spaces and equipment, mentoring students in technical theatre processes, and fostering a collaborative and professional backstage environment.

Beyond technical expertise, a successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to foster a creative and joyful learning environment where students of all experience levels can explore, problem-solve, and take pride in their contributions to the production process, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for theatre and the arts along the way.

This position averages 28 hours per week across the academic year. Weekly hours vary depending on the production calendar, with lighter weeks (20‑25 hours) and heavier weeks (up to 40‑50 hours) as needed. The Technical Director collaborates with the Department Chair and Theatre Producer/Director to establish weekly schedules in advance based on production deadlines, rehearsals, performances, and department needs. The position also provides audiovisual support and set‑up for events during these pre‑scheduled hours.

The Technical Director is expected to work the annual Summer Stock Camp, which is stipended separately and takes place from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM for 2 weeks in mid‑ to late June, with a show at 7:00 PM on the final camp day.

• Oversee all technical aspects of theatre productions, music and dance concerts, and other school events, including set construction and scenic painting, properties, lighting design and execution (prior dance lighting experience preferred), sound design and reinforcement, costumes, projections, puppetry, and other special effects as needed per show.
• Supervise and mentor students in the technical theatre program, ensuring they develop skills in design, construction, and backstage operations.
• Ensure all technical elements align with the director’s artistic vision, safety standards, and budget constraints.
• Work closely with the Department Chair, Theatre Director/Producer, and Music/Dance teachers to coordinate technical needs for productions and performances.
• Collaborate with parent volunteers while maintaining a culture of student‑led technical work.
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning experience for students involved in theatre.
• Recruit, train, and mentor all student tech crew members, including student department heads and designers.
• Develop leadership and technical skills in students, ensuring they take ownership of backstage operations while providing necessary guidance.
• Future potential for teaching a semester‑long Technical Theatre course, or other available courses within areas of expertise (e.g., Photography, Film, Digital Audio).
• Maintain and organize all theatre spaces, including the scene shop, costume loft, technical booth, and storage areas for lighting, sound, props, and scenery.
• Oversee equipment, ensuring proper maintenance and safe operation of lighting, sound, and rigging systems.
• Recommend and oversee (in collaboration with the Director of Facilities) necessary equipment and facility upgrades.
• Provide technical support for school events requiring audiovisual set‑up during pre‑scheduled hours.
• Coordinate with the Fine Arts Department faculty to ensure the upkeep and maintenance of theatre spaces and equipment at appropriate times in the yearly calendar.
• Coordinate with facilities team and external vendors as needed for equipment rentals, installations, or specialized repairs.
• Be present for all major production dates, including two major theatre productions, two dance concerts, two music concerts, the end‑of‑year Fine Arts Department Awards Gala, and the Honor Society Induction Ceremony.
• Develop the after‑school tech crew schedule in collaboration with the Department Chair and Theatre…