Paramount Technical Director

About us: The Paramount Theater is located along Front Street in downtown Burlington North Carolina. Originally built in 1928 this building has seen the evolution of this town. It is a great spot to see a show and grab a dinner in this historic downtown area. Shops, restaurants and bars are sprinkled along this 14 block district. What you'll do: The Paramount Technical Director is responsible for all production elements, production equipment, supervising staff and adhering to production budgets. The Technical Director works in conjunction with and supports the Event Center Coordinator, volunteers, employees, the general public and handling citizen inquiries. This role leads and oversees the set design and determines the necessary technical support for all events and performances. This position has significant public contact at the professional level and work is often under the scrutiny of public review. Considerable tact and courtesy are required in this role. Judgment is required in applying rules and policies established by the City of Burlington that may affect quality and accuracy of results. Work is performed under the supervision of the Paramount Director, with performance evaluations at the end of each season. The hours are full-time, 40 hours per week including some nights and weekends.

• Oversees and implements the company's production elements, including build, paint, props, maintenance and strike.
• In advance of production dates, the Technical Director determines the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs necessary for events and performances.
• Advises Director and on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show.
• Designs, supervises, assists and manages the construction of the set and stage.
• Reads and interpret blueprints, drawings and plots; supplementing design work as needed.
• Completes construction of all scenic design elements within the allotted time as determined by the overall production schedule.
• Designs, sets up, maintains and operates sound, lighting, stage and other technical equipment and systems.
• Ensures smooth operation of the technical aspects of all productions.
• Oversees the operation of equipment board/s during performances.
• Assists with the preparation and management of the technical operations budgets; maintain inventory and orders specialized supplies.
• Purchases, leases and/or borrows equipment as needed, while staying within specified budgetary limits.
• Makes recommendations to the Managing Director regarding capital purchases of technical equipment.

Promptly submits payment invoices and/or disbursement receipts of authorized expenditures. Displays proficiency and efficiency by keeping all expenditures within budget. Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment. Arranges for the repair and replacement of equipment within budgetary constraints. Performs preventive maintenance on equipment as needed.

• Maintains current knowledge of all equipment and supervises training on all equipment.
• Helps recruit, manage and retain stagehand part-time staff and volunteers.
• Develops, implements and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment in the backstage and stage areas.
• Attends required production meetings.
• Serves as Building Supervisor after normal hours of operation, or during assigned productions and rental events.
• In conjunction with the Paramount Theater Director, develops the year-long production calendar detailing all rehearsals, materials acquisition, set build, tech, strike and all other related production tasks.
• Oversees management of all load-in materials and return of borrowed items.
• Develops and maintains relationships with local designers, builders and colleges with technical training programs.
• Provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment.
• Stays abreast of new technology and software related to lighting and audio engineering.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Paramount Theater Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of Theater Production and industry best practices. Thorough knowledge of the hospitality industry, management of event venues, exhibit management and curation. Competent working knowledge of theater equipment, design tools and software. Considerable knowledge of preparing production budgets and forecasting expenses. Proven experience and ability to adhere to production budgets and the departmental budget. Ability to supervise, lead and delegate tasks. Familiarity with ADA and OSHA compliance. Ability to clearly and concisely communicate with the general public. Ability to prioritize responsibilities; handle multiple, simultaneous tasks in a timely manner. Ability to pay attention to details, strong organizational skills, and high degree of accuracy. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, volunteers and other employees. Knowledgeable about contract development, management and negotiation. Possess a collaborative demeanor that fosters a teamwork environment. Considerable knowledge of management and supervisory practices. Familiarity with conducting strategic planning processes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma and/or GED and a minimum of 5 years' experience. Considerable work experience with theater production theater equipment, design tools, software and social media is required. Associate's degree preferred in Arts Administration, Technical Theater Management or any related field and considerable work experience in Theater Production; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Work in this position requires heavy lifting exerting up to 50 pounds of force on a frequent basis, and/or up to 50 pounds of force to move objects. Work typically involves climbing ladders and the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of balancing, climbing, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, stooping, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions. Employees regularly operate a pneumatic/theatrical lift, variety of machinery and equipment, including lighting, sound, rigging equipment, design tools, set tools, hammer, screw drivers, power tools such as drills, stapler, nail gun, telephones, computers, calculators, printers, copying machine, scanner etc. Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work with set design, event management, equipment usage, color and texture differentiation, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading. The employee is subject to hazards, including bright lights, noise, paint fumes and on rare occasion extreme weather conditions. Working conditions include both inside and outside environmental conditions.