Job Ads - Technical Director (Events)

Director, Technical Production

It’s the magic of immersing yourself in a motion picture masterpiece, or a new track from your favorite band, or the spectacle of a live Broadway show. It’s hard to define and even harder to create, but that’s what we do at The Walt Disney Studios. Ours is a culture of innovation, collaboration and creativity. We raise the bar, then step over it, blazing trails through the production and distribution of world class entertainment around the globe. If you want to help tell compelling, enduring stories through movies, music or stage plays, then we want to hear from you.

DISNEY THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS (DTP) operates under the direction of Thomas Schumacher and is among the world’s most successful commercial theatre enterprises, bringing live entertainment events to a global audience of more than 20 million people a year in more than 50 countries. Under the Disney Theatrical Productions banner, the group produces and licenses Broadway productions around the world, including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Elton John & Tim Rice’s Aida, TARZAN®, Mary Poppins, a co-production with Cameron Mackintosh, The Little Mermaid, Peter and the Starcatcher, Newsies, Aladdin, and Frozen. Other successful stage musical ventures have included the Olivier-nominated London hit Shakespeare in Love, stage productions of Disney’s High School Musical, Der Glöckner Von Notre Dame in Berlin, and King David in concert. DTP has collaborated with the country’s leading regional theatres to develop new stage titles including The Jungle Book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Freaky Friday.

Disney Theatrical Productions also delivers live shows globally through its license to Feld Entertainment, producer of Disney on Ice and Marvel Universe Live!, bringing beloved Disney stories and characters annually to over 12 million guests in nearly 50 countries worldwide. In addition, DTP licenses musical titles for local, school and community theatre productions through Music Theatre International, including The Lion King Experience, a unique holistic arts education program wherein accredited elementary and middle schools produce condensed, age-appropriate JR. and KIDS adaptations of The Lion King.

The Director of Technical Production reports to the SVP Production and is responsible for technical design and management of all physical assets for our current and upcoming productions both domestically and internationally and oversees all related technical personnel. The role provides technical expertise and leadership to other production teams, designers, theaters, and vendors and is ultimately in charge of the success and sustainability of DTG’s physical and technical aspects of our productions. Internally, the Director of Technical Production works closely with the Director of Production Operations, the Sr Production Supervisor, and the General Managers.

7 or more years of experience

Experience as a technical director, experience should include productions of considerable size and scope.
Be proficient in AutoCad and/or Vectorworks
Have relevant experience with working in a multitude of locations with different crews/local rules/engineering and safety protocols, including experience with various unions and collective bargaining agreements.

In early stages of development and strategic planning, work with SVP Production to analyze venues and production cost options for initial productions and roll out.
Hold designers accountable for meeting technical requirements, deadline and budgets in their work products. Work closely with directors during design development process. Accountable for design and technical aspects of the production to be achievable, on budget and on schedule.
Provide technical direction during bidding process and work closely with Director of Production Operations and General Manager to select best vendors for all physical/technical production elements.
Establish schedule and planning with Sr Production Supervisor to ensure that technical elements of production are built in a timely manner and fit into wider production schedule of any given productions, coordinate work of multiple departments (scenery, costumes, props, hair and makeup, wardrobe…) to ensure production is on time.
Responsible for shop build and coordinate between various departments during build. Leads the relationships with vendors during building process, including addressing and solving issues as design evolves, acting as key leader to trouble shoot various issues between departments involved in the process.
Coordinate with local union to understand collective agreements, request labor and manage schedule
Direct load in in theater, lead dry tech and work with director to build show cue by cue. Trouble shoot any issues that occur during load in and technical rehearsals.
Oversee regular maintenance needs for all productions, currently 21 worldwide, projected to be 38 by end of 2021. Understand the complexities of the systems and equipment in place in all theatres and territories and work with local safety regulations to ensure that maintenance is adhered to working in tandem with Sr production supervisor and general managers to plan and organize all necessary maintenance work
Determine technical staffing needs and participate in recruitments as well as crew replacements in partnership with General Managers and Heads of Departments
Oversee life cycle of worldwide inventory of physical assets; propose plan and implement recycling process and adjustments needed for assets to be used in different productions ensuring physical and financial optimization of all assets.
Lead complete process of any technical element replacement or upgrade
Oversee all technical elements of subsequent company roll out or transfer which will include overseeing $30 to $60 million dollars in capital spend

Preferred Education :

Experience as a technical director, experience should include productions of considerable size and scope.
Be proficient in AutoCad and/or Vectorworks
Have relevant experience with working in a multitude of locations with different crews/local rules/engineering and safety protocols, including experience with various unions and collective bargaining agreements.

Associate Technical Director

RWS Entertainment Group

RWS Entertainment Group is a full service, worldwide production company that provides the very best in custom-designed as well as pre-packaged events and live shows for corporations, theme parks, cruise ships, resorts, and the fashion industry. Established in 2003, RWS Entertainment Group was built from the ground up through the dedication and devotion of a hard-working team. We have experienced continued growth embracing our mission, Raise Your Experience.

Who we’re looking for…

RWS Entertainment Group is currently seeking an Associate Technical Director to join our team of world-class designers and production staff.

About the role…

The ideal candidate will be responsible for supporting the in-house scenic and event designers in all technical aspects of the production process. This role is part administrative and part hands-on and will act as point person for scenic shops and other vendors and will manage the details needed to ensure the successful and safe installation of all productions and events.

What’s expected…

Ensure all technical aspects of the production work smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Coordination between the artistic, technical and production management departments within RWS as well as clients and vendors.
Convert designs into CAD drafting to translate the designer’s vision to a build shop and working construction drawings for scene shop bids and builds as necessary.
Coordinate the schedules of the design and creative teams for the timely execution of the install process.
Manage projects effectively within a given budget.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with vendors, co-workers and clients.
Continuously remain on the cutting edge of design, technology, rigging and safety practices and regulations.
Being responsible for reading rehearsal schedules, facilities calendars, show and rehearsal reports and responding in a timely fashion, including following up on applicable details/notes and communicating with stage management, other department supervisors, and staff as appropriate.
Understanding that the position may require extensive traveling with evening and weekend responsibilities depending on production schedules.

What you bring…

A minimum BFA/BA degree in Theatrical Technical Direction or comparable professional experience
Experience in the entertainment, experience, and live event production industry
The ability to create floor plans, two and three-dimensional design models, and technical drawings
An extensive knowledge of safe theatrical and event construction and rigging practices and regulations
A working knowledge of all technical elements associated with lighting, sound, and video production and installation
Expertise with power tools, ladders, lifts and electricity
The ability to analyze technical riders and specifications, and advise on best practices for our clients
The ability to build and manage budgets and cost estimates for a wide range of clients and price points
The ability to train and supervise staff and over-hire crew in preparation for builds, load-in, running, maintaining, striking, and removing/storing scenic elements of productions
The ability to offer analysis and decisiveness when making decisions
The ability to negotiate with vendors and discover creative solutions to keep projects on target and within budget parameters
Demonstrated strategic, critical thinking and problem-solving skills which exemplify the ability to identify issues or challenges and find a reasonable solution
Ability to prioritize, multi-task, calmly and effectively execute under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects, and work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
Strong organization skills, exceptional attention to detail, safety, and excellent analytical, verbal and written communications skills
Excellent project management skills with demonstrated ability to monitor and manage multiple priorities, and meet timelines on large projects from inception through completion
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to quickly develop trusting, productive relationships with clients, vendors, staff and all partners
Willingness to “roll up your sleeves” and get into the details as a team player with a “get things done” proactive attitude
Advanced written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency in MS Office, iWork, and Vectorworks applications
Loyalty, passion, and integrity
Self-motivation with the ability to work independently

What we bring…

Progressive PTO plan
Health benefits – Medical, Dental and Vision
401K with company match
Commuter benefits
Paid parental leave
Employee Enrichment Program
CitiBike membership
Pet-friendly office
When available, complimentary tickets to Broadway/Off-Broadway shows and industry events

Executive Technical Producer, Live Events

Solomon Group

The Executive Technical Producer (ETP) will “bring our clients’ stories to life” by transforming live event concepts into reality. The Executive Technical Producer is a highly skilled and seasoned, visionary leader. From conception to execution, the key components of this position involve generating ideas and assembling the right team of people and equipment to get the job done. This role collaborates closely with both internal and external accounts, lending creative and technical expertise to the various departments. The ETP is knowledgeable in all aspects of: creative design, budgets, technical design, and operations of the production process. Essentially, this position is the hub that connects multiple departments including, but not exclusive to: Event Production, Estimation, Customer Success, Creative, and Technical Services. This is a leadership role reporting directly to our Director of Live Events.

The perfect candidate for this role will possess extensive experience in the Live Event industry and has produced numerous live events from concept through completion. They must have experience with all aspects of the Live Event Industry including, but not limited to: Lighting, LED/Video, Audio, Rigging, Scenic, Staging, Design, Producing, Budgeting, and Production Management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Establishes design and technical continuity by working with Creative and Technical services in order to deliver a first-class product to clients.
Works with Customer Success to review all Live Event RFPs and internal opportunity briefs and help move projects from the conceptual phase, through budgeting, project planning, production, and delivery.
Works with Producers to assist them with the creative and technical delivery of events, while ensuring budgets are met as it relates to anything creative and/or technical.
Works with Technical Services to identify choices and external vendors of various equipment and applications and provide helpful insight as it relates to implementation and execution of all live events.
Works with Estimation to accurately quote and/or budget Live Event jobs.
Maintains strong relationships with existing clients and seek avenues for growth with both existing and new clients.
Assists with budget development, management and accuracy as it relates to technical and creative production.
Up-sell clients on production services for all existing and new clients, when applicable.
Develops and maintains relationships with equipment suppliers.
Develops and maintains relationships with freelance personnel.
Maintains good working relationship with people from all departments within the company.
Works well with pre-production and on-site staff and suppliers.
Acts in a leadership role on site when necessary for all applicable Live Events.
Ensures creative elements are properly executed, as it pertains to production, technical requirements and design intent.
Has the ability to draw and render in Vectorworks and Sketch Up Pro.
Works within multiple design disciplines to include: stage, activation, trade show, graphic, and environmental.
Offers extensive knowledge, help, mentorship, and assistance to anyone that needs it within the company.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

10+ years of professional experience as a designer, creative director, creative producer, technical manager or similar.
Proven examples of motivating, mentoring, and developing internal and external clients.
Extensive background in live events, production processes, techniques, and tools.
Experience in strategic planning.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including presentation, persuasion, and negotiation skills.
The ability to maintain an even temperament under tight deadlines and stressful conditions.
Outstanding troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
The ability to build strong relationships with clients and internal teams of Producers, Account Managers, Designers, Estimators, Technical Staff, Fabricators, and Installers.
The willingness to learn new software and master equipment outside of scope of experience.
Ability to travel, as necessary.
Proficient in the following programs: Adobe Creative Suite, Vectorworks, Sketch Up Pro, V-Ray, Microsoft Office 365, and all cloud-based storage platforms.
Adaptability to wide variety of work environments.
Ability to understand client needs and develop ideas to meet their objectives.
Exceptional client and supplier relationship management skills.
Experience working in production and understanding technical requirements, as it relates to all aspects of live events.
Be highly motivated and results driven with exceptional organizational skills.
Strong stakeholder management and engagement experience.
Creative with an ability to create concepts and develop proposals.
Must love events and have a strong passion for the events culture.
Energetic, enthusiastic, innovative, inspiring, and results driven.
Be proactive and be able to make tough decisions that impact any given event.
Solid budget-management experience.
Sound judgement and decision making.