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.

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 workspaces. 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 opportunities when working with less-experienced technicians. Collaborate with Hillbarn Conservatory personnel on youth productions, camps, classes, and special programs as assigned. Model professional standards of preparation, communication, craftsmanship, and workplace conduct. Perform other production or facility duties reasonably related to the position.

Demonstrated experience in theatrical technical direction, scenic construction, production management, or a closely related area. Strong scenic carpentry and theatrical problem-solving skills. Ability to read and create technical drawings and translate scenic designs into safe, buildable plans. Knowledge of theatrical construction methods, materials, hardware, tools, rigging practices, and standard safety procedures. Experience leading crews, assigning work, and coordinating projects across multiple deadlines. Ability to estimate materials, labor, and project costs accurately. Strong organizational, communication, leadership, and collaborative skills. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, set priorities, and respond calmly to changing production needs. Availability for a flexible theatrical schedule that may include evenings, weekends, technical rehearsals, performances, and strikes. Reliable transportation and the ability to travel locally for materials, rentals, or production needs. Commitment to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment. Preferred Three or more years of professional, educational, or community-theatre technical experience. Experience working in an intimate or space-constrained venue. Proficiency with Vectorworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, or comparable drafting software. Working knowledge of theatrical rigging, lighting, sound, projections, automation, or special effects. Welding and metal-fabrication experience. Experience supervising and mentoring volunteers, students, early-career technicians, or community participants. OSHA, lift-operation, rigging, first-aid/CPR, or other relevant safety training. Familiarity with the production needs of both plays and musicals. Equivalent combinations of training and experience will be considered. Candidates do not need to meet every preferred qualification to apply. Physical and Work Requirements The Technical Director regularly works in theatre, scene-shop, backstage, and construction environments. The position may require the ability to: Stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, reach, and work in confined or elevated areas. Safely operate hand tools, power tools, ladders, lifts, and theatrical equipment. Lift, carry, push, or move up to 50 pounds independently and heavier materials with assistance or appropriate equipment. Work around dust, paint, theatrical haze, noise, and construction materials while using required protective equipment. Work occasional extended hours during load-ins, technical rehearsals, openings, and strikes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.