Technical Director (Fine Arts)
Academy of the Holy Cross
Apply through the verified listingKensington, Maryland, The Academy of the Holy Cross is accepting resumes for a Technical Director to begin immediately.
The Technical Director plays a vital role in the Fine Arts Department, collaborating closely with department colleagues and overseeing the design, creation, and execution of all technical elements for theatre productions, music and dance concerts, and other Fine Arts events. This includes scenery, lighting, sound, costumes, props, and any other technical needs per show (e.g., projections, special effects). Additionally, this role involves managing theatre spaces and equipment, mentoring students in technical theatre processes, and fostering a collaborative and professional backstage environment. Beyond technical expertise, a successful candidate for this position will demonstrate an ability to foster a creative and joyful learning environment where students of all experience levels can explore, problem-solve, and take pride in their contributions to the production process, helping them develop confidence, teamwork, and a love for theatre and the arts along the way.
This benefits-eligible position averages 30 hours per week across the academic year. Weekly hours vary depending on the production calendar, with lighter weeks (15-20 hours) and heavier weeks (up to 40-50 hours) as needed. The Technical Director collaborates with the Department Chair and Theatre Producer/Director to establish weekly schedules in advance based on production deadlines, rehearsals, performances, and department needs. This position also provides audiovisual support and set-up for events during these pre-scheduled hours.
The Technical Director is also expected to work our annual Summer Stock Camp, which is stipended separately and takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for 2 weeks in mid-to-late June with a show at 7:00 p.m. on the fina camp day.
SCHOOL MISSION AND CORE VALUES
The Academy of the Holy Cross, a Catholic College preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross since 1868, is dedicated to educating young women in a Christ-centered community which values diversity. The Academy is committed to developing women of courage, compassion and scholarship who responsibly embrace the social, spiritual and intellectual challenges of the world. All faculty and staff must demonstrate a commitment to the Core Values of the Academy: community, Catholic identity, academic excellence, educating the whole person, tradition, diversity, leadership, single-sex education, environment and communication.
About the Fine Arts Department
The Fine Arts Department empowers students to develop courage, compassion, and scholarship through the arts. In classes, clubs, and extracurricular activities, students explore visual arts, theatre, public speaking, music, dance, and film. They develop technical skills, explore creative ideas and express themselves while strengthening critical thinking, resilience, and collaboration. Whether in the studio, on stage, behind the camera, or in front of an audience, students develop the confidence and creativity to shape their own lives and the world around them. The skills developed through the arts prepare students for success not only in creative fields but in any path they choose to pursue.
A complete position description can be viewed at www.academyoftheholycross.org/about-us/careers. Education and Experience
Bachelor's degree required.
BA/BFA or Masters in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Design/Production, or a related field is preferred, but candidates with a degree in another field and significant professional technical theatre experience are encouraged to apply.
Several years of experience across multiple areas of technical theatre design and production - including scenery, lighting, sound and costumes.
Scenic design, construction, and painting experience is a priority.
Experience working with high school students or young theatre technicians.
Experience with dance lighting is a plus
Technical Skills
Proficiency with power tools and stage carpentry.
Strong knowledge of lighting design, including ETC Ion consoles, moving lights, LEDs, and DMX protocol.
Experience with sound design and operation, including the use of a digitals soundboard, wireless microphones, QLab or other audio interfaces, audio editing software is a plus.
Ability to pick up rental materials/equipment or go to a hardware store as needed during the school day.
Typical Physical Demands
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. as needed.
Ability to safely wor5k at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts
Ability to stand, walk, crouch, climb, and move for extended periods during rehearsals, performances, and technical work
Ability to work in varied environmental conditions, such as warm, cold, dusty, or low-light spaces.
Ability to use power tools, hand tools, and theatrical equipment safely and effectively.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and reach in the course of building, installing, and maintaining sets and equipment.
Ability to work in tight backstage spaces or elevated positions.
Ability to focus on detailed or repetitive tasks for extended periods.
Ability to support work periods during production weeks, including occasional evenings and weekends, with work hours pre-scheduled in collaboration with the Theatre Producer and Department Chair.
When students are unable to complete production tasks during after-school work sessions or due to academic schedules, the Technical Director is responsible for finishing or supplementing tasks as needed during school hours. This ensures that productions stay on track, meet quality standards, and continue to serve as meaningful learning experiences for students.
