Job Details

Technical Director / Scenic Carpenter

Position Number: 7141866
Location: West Hartford, CT
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

University of Hartford

Technical Director / Scenic Carpenter

FLSA Classification
EX

Reports to
Director of Theater Operations and Production

Salary Range
F

Weeks Per Year
52

Work Week
Monday - Friday with some nights and weekends

Position Summary
Responsible for coordinating, implementing, and overseeing all scenic and technical aspects of theatrical productions and performances across all divisions within The Hartt School. Plays a critical, hands-on role in scenic construction while supporting the artistic vision of designers and directors through high standards of craftsmanship, organization, and safety. Successfully executes these duties in direct support of student education, production excellence, and the operational needs of The Hartt School. Performs all duties in full support of the University's mission, understanding that the positive effective execution of these duties is instrumental to the education of the University students.

Hiring Range
Budgeted Salary is $50,455 to $68,000 per year

Key Responsibilities
Production and Scenic Construction

Collaborates closely with designers, directors, scenic artists, and production staff to interpret design concepts and provide technical and artistic solutions using industry best practices.
Interprets design drawings, specifications, and renderings to determine construction methods, materials, labor needs, and technical requirements.
Constructs, installs, maintains, and repairs scenery for productions using woodworking, metalworking, and other theatrical construction techniques; assists with strikes.
Applies scenic finishes, textures, and treatments as required to meet artistic intent.
Attends production meetings, load-ins, technical rehearsals, and performances to address technical challenges and ensure successful execution of scenic elements.
Ensures all scenic elements are structurally sound, safe for performers and technicians, and compliant with design specifications.

Technical Direction and Operations

Actively participates in the oversight of theatrical productions and performances from load-in through restoration of venue post event.
Prepares and manages scenic and technical budgets in collaboration with the Director of Theater Operations and Production and other production staff.
Develops build calendars, load-in schedules, and strike plans that align with academic and production timelines.
Oversees the installation and dismantling of scenery in performance venues and maintains accurate records of materials and labor used for each production.
Operates, maintains, and safeguards technical assets of the theater facilities, including stage machinery, rigging systems, shop equipment, and scenic storage areas.

Supervision and Education

Supervises student workers and over-hire crews.
Assigns, organizes, and monitors daily workloads while mentoring students in safe, professional theatrical practices.
Supports a learning-focused environment that balances production demands with student training and skill development.
Coordinates with faculty, staff, and guest artists to ensure effective communication and alignment throughout the production process.

Safety, Maintenance and Documentation

Enforces all safety protocols related to scenic construction, rigging, and shop operations, ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and industry standards.
Maintains a clean, organized, and safe scene shop and work environment.
Monitors the condition of all tools, machinery, hardware, and materials; coordinates repairs and replacements within approved budgets.
Maintains inventory records for tools, equipment, lumber, hardware, and consumables.
Ensures proper installation, operation, and maintenance of carpentry systems and shop equipment.
Practices energy conservation and supports sustainable shop practices where possible.

Other Duties

Supports the educational mission of The Hartt School by fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment.
Performs additional tasks as assigned by the Director of Theater Operations and Production.

Posting Number
PS1191P

Working Conditions
High noise environment.Requires extensive safety training and/or protective devices.Regular exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles.Works on slippery or uneven surfaces.Works on elevated surfaces or below ground level. Stockroom or warehouse.High dust, dirt, grease environment.Works with poor ventilation or with regular exposure to odors.Regular exposure to chemicals, solvents.Works in darkness or with poor lighting.Requires travel, excluding overnight stays.

Education
Bachelors Degree preferred.

Physical Effort
Requires repeated reaching by extending hand(s) and/or arm(s) in any direction.Requires balancing to prevent falling or erratic movement.Climbing ladders or scaffolds.Requires feeling to perceive an object(s) size, shape, temperature or texture by means of senses in your skin. Intermittently sitting, standing, stooping.Typically crawling and/or kneeling.Typically pushing and/or pulling.Requires handling by seizing, holding, grasping, or turning hands, but without finger dexterity.Heavy lifting or carrying 51 lbs or more.Using equipment requiring high dexterity.Requires distinguishing colors and/or depth perception to judge distances.

Special Skills
The ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Knowledge of the performing arts that includes working vocabulary and familiarity with protocols and procedures in a performing arts theater. The ability troubleshoot technological issues and present a solution quickly. Advanced knowledge of scenic construction, theatrical carpentry, and stagecraft. Strong woodworking and metalworking skills; proficiency with theatrical shop tools and machinery. Ability to read, interpret, and generate technical drawings; experience with CAD software (Vectorworks or AutoCAD preferred). Familiarity with rigging systems and stage machinery; basic working knowledge of lighting and sound systems is a plus. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

Desired Start Date

Position End Date (if temporary)

Close Date
1/28/2027

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions Summary

For full application instructions and position description, visit: https://hartford.peopleadmin.com/postings/7709