Technical Directing

Technical Director

The Technical Director (TD) is responsible for the construction, mounting, rigging and maintenance of all scenic elements in departmental productions. The TD implements equipment and facility maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and purchases. The TD is responsible for producing working drawings. Purchase of material and accounting for that material. The TD trains students in all areas of technical theatre, including appropriate safety procedures. The TD helps to create a positive working environment, is a positive role model/mentor for students, and represents the department positively to the campus community.

Responsibilities

Pre-Production

  • The TD Reads and studies the play; attends first production conference at which Director presents his/her interpretation of the play.
  • Discusses possible scenic treatments with the Director and Designers, and receives ground plans, working plans, sketches, elevations, etc. from the designers no later than the "Design Due" deadline on the Department Calendar.
  • Ensures that all technical elements are prepared and in running order by first technical rehearsal.
  • Ensures that all set dressing, painting, and details are complete by First Dress rehearsal.  This includes dryness of paint, tacking of any scenery, and rigging properly in place.

Rehearsal/Production Period

  • Supervises the Master Carpenter and Props and ensures that all designs are implemented.
  • Present at load-ins, strikes, rehearsals, and performances as necessary.
  • Attends Technical and Dress Rehearsals taking note of any details yet to be finished.
  • Responsible for maintaining Load-in Signin/out and Strike Signin/out sheets
  • Available during all performances in case of emergency.
  • Attends and gives report at weekly Production Meetings.

After Final Performance

  • Consults with the Master Carpenter, Master Electrician, Sound Designer, Costume Crew Chief, Props Designer, and Student Managers in coordinating Strikes. The Staff Production Manager/Technical Director takes charge of striking all scenic elements.
  • If the production is a participating KC/ACTF entry, the Production Manager and Technical Director are responsible for storing all production elements in anticipation of traveling to festival. If it is determined that the production will not be invited to festival, the Production Manager and Technical Director ensures that all stored elements are returned to their rightful place.