Technical Director and Senior Lecturer in Stagecraft, Department of Theater

Colgate University’s Department of Theater is seeking a full time Technical Director and Senior Lecturerin Stagecraft beginning fall semester 2024 to join a dynamic team of professional artists and educators. Completion of an M.F.A. in Technical Theater is required prior to or shortly after the date of hire. Candidates with a B.F.A., B.A., or B.S. degree and at least five years of professional experience in technical direction will also be considered.

The Technical Director (TD) coordinates and manages all aspects of production for the Department of Theater, which produces up to four theater and dance main stage productions each year, along with student and visiting artist events. Together with the Assistant Technical Director (ATD), the TD oversees all scenic, electrics, and sound/video equipment; manages the Department’s facilities and production builds; works with visiting designers; supervises an assistant Technical Director and occasional over hire labor; and recruits and trains work-study staff. The TD acts as a principal carpenter, props supervisor and scenic artist on all builds, and instructs student labor of varied skill level in these builds. As a Senior Lecturer, the TD teaches one Stagecraft course per semester and mentors students with an interest in technical theater, including student stage managers. Additional teaching responsibilities in a related field may be possible pending institutional need.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Theater Production and Operations Manager and the Chair of the Department of Theater on scheduling the production season and planning production budgets. In addition, the TD will prepare all necessary production paperwork, including production calendars, construction drawings, schedule work calls, and oversee purchasing of all materials. Together with the ATD, the TD will provide additional support for other University events sponsored by the Department of Theater, and any other events that take place in Brehmer Theater as necessary. The TD is responsible for safety oversight and guidance for all technical areas of the Department’s operation, and for planning and budgeting annual facilities upgrades.

The successful candidate should be knowledgeable in more than one area of production; have experience working with students and staff of varying skill sets; and be an engaged, dynamic collaborator with faculty and students. Candidates should describe in their cover letter how their teaching experience and mentorship might support the university’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Review of applications will begin March 18, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. Please provide a cover letter, resume, and names of three references. Applications may be submitted to: April Sweeney, Search Committee Chair

Colgate is a vibrant liberal arts university of 3,200 students situated in central New York state. Colgate faculty are committed to excellence in both teaching and scholarship. Further information about the Theater department can be found at here.

Applicants with dual-career considerations can find postings of other employment opportunities at Colgate and at other institutions of higher education in upstate New York at this website.

Accountabilities

Primarily accountable for accurate and timely execution of all technical elements of productions in the Brehmer Theater. Develops and adheres to budgets for all production elements except costumes. Ensures proper maintenance and operation of all scene shop tools and theater systems (rigging, sound and lighting) in accordance with relevant safety protocols. Accountable for procurement of key supplies (lumber, paint, building supplies, properties) as needed. Ensures proper training and effective supervision of newly hired technicians, student workers and laboratory students. Accountable for effective scheduling and coverage of technicians for all events taking place in Brehmer Theater.

Accountable for adherence to Colgate University’s Chemical Hygiene Plan (CHP) that defines the university’s laboratory safety policies, practices, and procedures to ensure a safe learning environment for students, staff and faculty. Accountable for staying current with relevant regulations (e.g. health, safety, care, and otherwise).

Participates in all academic meetings in the Department of Theater. Submits and reviews recommendations on facility and instructional improvements.

Technical Competencies

Instructional Support:

Demonstrated ability to train and supervise student labor of varied skill level in the use of workshop hand and power tools, rigging systems, electrical systems, and audio-visual systems.

Workshop Skills:

Demonstrated ability to operate all stationary and hand woodworking tools safely.

Demonstrated ability to build scenery and props utilizing traditional theatrical woodworking techniques.

Workshop Support:

Demonstrated ability to organize shop environment and effectively manage inventory levels of materials and supplies.

Workshop tools and Theater equipment:

Ability to diagnose problems with key theater equipment and arrange for proper repairs and maintenance, and to establish a preventative maintenance and replacement program.

Technical Direction:

Demonstrated expertise in all areas of stagecraft sufficient to effectively plan and execute scenic, lighting, property, video and sound designs.

Demonstrated ability to provide accurate and timely cost projections for scenic, lighting, projection, and sound designs.

Demonstrated ability to adhere to a production schedule.

Rigging:

Demonstrated ability to safely and efficiently suspend scenic and lighting equipment overhead.

Technology:

Familiarity with design-specific software (including ETC Ion lighting console, QLab, AutoCad and/or Vectorworks, Adobe Photoshop) sufficient to navigate, train others, provide access and perform simple troubleshooting activities.

Regulatory Safety Knowledge:

Demonstrated ability to create and maintain a safe, efficient production workshop environment.

Demonstrated ability to enforce Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they pertain to theater practice; to enforce the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adherence to standard theater chemical, physical, and environmental Hazard Communication (HAZ-COM) practices.
 

 Behavioral Competencies 

Personal Accountability for Results:

Takes responsibility for decisions, performance, and outcomes; behaves in a responsible manner with a positive attitude; shows self- awareness and openness to feedback.

Effective Communication:

Demonstrates effective written and oral communication skills; shares information and seeks input from others; adapts communication to diverse audiences; protects private and confidential information.

Problem Solving and Decision Making:

Analyzes and prioritizes situations to identify and solve problems; generates solutions to improve efficiency and quality; involves others in solving problems and making decisions; factors organizational goals into decisions; makes clear, transparent, and timely decisions.

Change Management:

Responds positively to changing university initiatives and readily adapts behavior to maintain effective performance; understands the long-term direction of the university and can relate this to departmental area; adapts to new methodologies; identifies and acts on areas where change is appropriate.

Leadership and Teamwork:

Applies skills and knowledge to provide a climate to achieve departmental and organizational success; balances individual and department goals; helps others perform at their best; builds productive relationships to enhance individual and organizational effectiveness; treats others with respect; resolves conflicts among team members.

Creativity and Innovation:

Generates, explores, encourages, and implements innovative ways of creating strategic value for the university, division, department, and individual level; critically assesses the effectiveness of new initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Demonstrates respect for people and their differences; understands the benefits of a diverse workforce; earns the trust and respect of others; includes and welcomes others; works to understand the perspectives of others; promotes opportunities to experience diversity within our community.

Sustainability:

Understands the impact of decision-making and personal behavior in achieving the university’s commitment to a sustainable and carbon neutral campus; supports and advances the university’s sustainability initiatives; influences others to use sustainable practices.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to work independently, climb ladders to a height of 24 feet, and lift objects of up to 50 lbs. Valid Drivers’ License is required.

Other information:

Evening and weekend work will be necessary on occasion.

Salary Range or Pay Grade

$72,900 - $75,900

Campus Crime Reporting and Statistics

The Department of Campus Safety at Colgate University will provide upon request a copy of Colgate’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. This report includes statistics as reported to the United States Department of Education for the previous three years concerning reported: 1. crimes that occurred on-campus; in certain off-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Colgate University; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus and 2. fires that occurred in student housing facilities. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security and fire safety, such as policies concerning sexual assault, life safety systems, and other related matters. You may access the report from the Clery Compliance web page here. Printed copies of this report may be obtained upon request from the Department of Campus Safety via e-mail at cusafety@colgate.edu.

Department Statement

Employing multiple global and cultural perspectives, the Colgate University Department of Theater inspires and transforms students through immersion in the challenging and exhilarating reversals of the creative process. Our curriculum prepares students to thrive in a wide range of future endeavors. As a close-knit group of artists and scholars, we ignite collaborative engagement and experimentation in the classroom through a far-reaching sense of wonder, curiosity, and play. The department serves Colgate and the surrounding communities by creating theater and dance performances that awaken feeling, interrogate assumptions, and sharpen perceptions of an ever-changing world.

Students in the Department of Theater learn by doing in the intellectually and physically rigorous environment of studio courses, rehearsals, and public performances. Majoring or minoring in theater fosters students’ ability to read closely, think critically, and communicate clearly. Students of Theater are trained to integrate analytical, physical, emotional, and interpersonal intelligence in a way that few other courses of study demand. By making and studying theater at a liberal arts university, Colgate students act out a variety of perspectives on the world, learning to problem solve and self-start through immersion in the challenges of the creative process. Graduates regularly pursue successful careers not only in theater but also in communications, media, business, law, and technology.

The Department of Theater produces up to four theater and dance main stage productions each year. All students are welcomed to audition, regardless of concentration or experience. Auditions are held at the beginning of each semester and participation in a department main stage production carries a full course credit.