V & PA Tech Dir. Search - Military veterans preferred

Clark University

Location: Worcester, MA Category: Staff and Administrators Posted On: Tue Aug 5 2025 Job Description:

Position Summary

If you love the smell of sawdust, the buzz of a well-run tech week, and helping students bring big ideas to life, you'll feel right at home at Clark. We're looking for a Technical Director who thrives in creative, collaborative environments and who's equally comfortable teaching in the classroom and managing behind-the-scenes magic in our theatres.

This full-time staff role is a hybrid of hands-on technical direction and undergraduate teaching. You'll oversee our production spaces and safety protocols while teaching two technical theatre courses each semester. It's a chance to make a real impact on a program where students are encouraged to experiment, lead, and build work that matters.

This is a one-year pilot position, with a review planned to assess future needs as Clark explores the creation of a new academic unit for the Visual and Performing Arts.

About the Program

Clark's Theatre Arts Program, part of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (V&PA), blends imagination with action. Our students engage in all aspects of performance and production, often taking the lead on shows from start to finish. The department values interdisciplinary exploration, hands-on learning, and mentorship rooted in collaboration and inclusion.

We are housed in the Little Center, which includes the flexible 130-seat Michelson Theater, the Experimental Theatre, costume and set shops, and rehearsal spaces. Productions also take place in Atwood Hall, a larger proscenium-style venue on campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and technical functionality of theatre spaces and shops, including Michelson Theater, the Experimental Theatre, Atwood Hall, and the wood shop
• Serve as safety officer for all production spaces, ensuring compliance with OSHA, fire codes, and university policies
• Maintain tools, equipment, and safety documentation; coordinate with Facilities and other campus departments as needed
• Teach two undergraduate courses per semester in technical theatre (e.g., Stagecraft, Introduction to Technical Theatre, or Advanced Problems in Design)
• Supervise and mentor student technicians and crews for both departmental and student-led productions
• Collaborate with faculty, guest artists, and students on scenic and technical design implementation
• Interpret and generate technical drawings, production schedules, and build specs
• Manage technical budgets and participate in production and departmental planning meetings

About the Program

Clark's Theatre Arts Program, part of the Department of Visual and Performing Arts (V&PA), blends imagination with action. Our students engage in all aspects of performance and production, often taking the lead on shows from start to finish. The department values interdisciplinary exploration, hands-on learning, and mentorship rooted in collaboration and inclusion.

We are housed in the Little Center, which includes the flexible 130-seat Michelson Theater, the Experimental Theatre, costume and set shops, and rehearsal spaces. Productions also take place in Atwood Hall, a larger proscenium-style venue on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Theatre Production or equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Substantial hands-on experience in technical theatre, including scenic construction, rigging, lighting, electrics, audio, and video systems
• Familiarity with safety regulations and compliance in theatrical environments
• Supervisory or crew management experience, ideally in an educational or mentorship setting
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings; experience with budgeting and production planning
• Experience teaching or training others in technical theatre, particularly at the college level

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a college or university theatre program
• Ability to teach advanced topics in areas such as lighting design, projection, or sound
• Proficiency with scenic drafting, lighting plot generation, and modeling software (e.g., Vectorworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp)
• Entertainment rigging certification or willingness to pursue certification within one year of hire

Working Conditions

• Position is based on-site in theatre, shop, and performance environments
• Requires physical activity including lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing ladders, and operating tools and machinery
• Evening and weekend work required during production periods
• Regular interaction with students, faculty, vendors, and campus operations staff

Why Clark?

Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university where curiosity meets impact. Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark's culture values creativity, inclusion, and hands-on learning, especially in the arts. The Theatre Arts Program emphasizes collaboration and student ownership. As Technical Director, you'll play a critical role in supporting student creativity and building a safe, exciting environment for live performance to thrive.

At Clark University we believe that diversity of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds leads to a more innovative and productive work environment. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to join our team and contribute their unique ideas to help us achieve our goals.

Clark University offers a generous benefit package for full and, if applicable, part-time employees that include; paid time off, generous retirement plan, group health and dental insurance, life insurance, and tuition, along with use of many campus amenities. For a complete list of benefits for eligible employees visit here.

To review the Clark University Police Department Annual Security and Fire Safety Report visit here.

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