UW Madison--Job Description: Technical Director

In general terms the TD's job description reads as follows: To define, in cooperation with the other members of the production group, the physical production scope so as to lie within feasible control; to plan, schedule, coordinate, and to realize the physical elements in support of the aesthetic concepts; to organize and maintain the production operations and physical elements as a safe and functional environment; to lead by planning useful and positive working experiences for those persons under the TD's supervision; and after the performance period, to remove, salvage and store scenic elements so that the production facilities can be effectively used by succeeding productions.

Duties during the Planning Period:

1. Evaluation of designs

· Establishment of construction methods, processes and techniques

· Cost estimate of production designs using UT standardized formats

· Solve engineering, mechanical, and rigging problems

2. Check designs for problems in the following areas:

· Sightlines

· Storage

· fit and movement

· required speed of scenic movement

· strength

· portability

· dependability

· economy (time and materials)

· availability of supplies

Pre-construction planning:

l. Make construction assignments.

2. Order supplies and materials early enough to ensure their availability the first day of construction, if possible.

3. Develop a construction schedule, providing for the construction, painting and set up of all units. This schedule should

be developed in cooperation with the Master Carpenter, Property Master, Scenic Artist, and Designer.

4. Develop a system of easy identification of individual units.

5. Develop a scenic breakdown separating units into pieces suitable for stage handling and transportation.

6. Initiate and supervise the preparation of working drawings for each unit.

Construction, Assembly, and Load-in of Scenery:

l. Work in close cooperation with the Master Carpenter, Prop Master & Scenic Artist to assure that work is progressing

on schedule and without problem. Be available daily to answer questions.

2. Supervision of quality control is the responsibility of the Technical Director in collaboration with the Designer.

3. Assist the Department staff in maintaining good working conditions in the shops and theatres.

4. Maintain safe working conditions.

Rehearsals and Performances:

l. Assist the Stage Manager in the preparation of a tech plot and scenery shift choreography.

2. Organize and direct a dry tech to familiarize the run crew with the technical aspects of the show. Be certain to make it

clear that from then on the crew is directly responsible to the Stage Carpenter and you will be there to trouble shoot

only. The Stage Carpenter, in turn, reports directly to the Stage Manager.

3. Attend all technical rehearsals.

4. Coordinate the strike of the scenery, props, and lights with the Master Carpenter, Master Electrician, and Property Master. The Technical Director will direct the actual strike in accordance with the agreed upon plan. All areas must be cleared and all equipment, etc. returned to its proper storage area.

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