Technical Director - Opera & Internal

Be a Star at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts!

Straz Center for the Performing Arts is seeking a Technical Director - Opera & Internal to join our production team. This position oversees all aspects of the technical production related to Opera Tampa events and Straz produced events. The Technical Director will also serve to advise and supplement planning operations for internal Straz events, including fundraising events.

Located in downtown Tampa, the 335,000 square-foot Straz Center, one of the largest performing arts complexes in the country, offers a team-based work environment that shows our dedication to the community every day. We reward our full-time employees with a strong benefits package including options for health/dental, vision, etc., discounted downtown parking, food and show discounts, plus a generous 403(b) plan and up to 27 days of PTO/Holidays per year.

Essential Functions:

Opera Tampa and Straz Produced Events

• Oversees the planning, scheduling, implementation, and engineering of all scenic elements; collaborates and coordinates with lighting, sound, and production departments to facilitate purchasing and planning.
• Creates detailed material and labor cost and builds schedules for each production, working closely with designers, Senior Director of Production, and stage directors to establish build priorities. Schedules and moderates all design meetings, production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances.
• Actively participates in budget planning for current and future seasons.
• Oversees construction, load ins, and load outs of scenery and set pieces. Provides additional construction support as needed.
• Maintains inventory control of Straz assets and stock scenery pieces.
• Works closely with guest designers to leverage stock pieces to the greatest extent possible to minimize cost and redundancy.
• Reviews, evaluates, and coordinates all Opera Tampa and Straz Produced production requirements.
• Researches and recommends rental set and costumes options.
• Compiles all relevant regulatory and insurance related documents for rental vendors.
• Recommends Lighting Designers and oversees the installation of lighting plot.
• Recommends Wig and Makeup Artists, Production Stage Managers, and Assistant Stage Managers.
• Compiles, orders, or oversees the construction of all required props for Opera Tampa and Straz Produced productions.
• Partners with Lighting Designer, Center's Master Electrician, and Head Carpenter to determine the hanging plot and positioning of the set on stage.
• Compiles or creates all required drawings associated with scenic layouts and design documentation to facilitate the rehearsal process and scenic construction processes. Responsible for the procurement and collation of all shop drawings.
• Orders supplemental lighting equipment in coordination with the Lighting Designer, as required by production.
• Coordinates orchestra pit setup with the Pit Orchestra Contractor and Artistic Director.
• Schedules Fire Watch if warranted by special effects.
• Oversees the overall safety of the production to ensure safe, organized, and efficient working conditions; communicates and implements Straz Center's standard operating procedures as they relate to safety, evacuation procedures, crisis communication, and security.
• Determines necessary alterations or additions to production elements to meet artistic vision.
• Compiles and delivers production settlement information.

Internal Events

• Supervises and coordinates all aspects of production on events, including compliance of the technical rider, as contracted.
• Acts as Stage Manager when necessary.
• Serves as liaison between visiting production personnel and Straz Center's technical, house, and Security staff members.
• Ensures that visiting Company's production needs are understood and fulfilled to the best of Straz Center's ability.
• Compiles and delivers production settlement information.
• Assists in producing weekly schedules for production crews.
• May temporarily perform some duties as Senior Director of Production, if necessary, in their absence.
• Assists Senior Director of Production with other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibility:

• This position provides oversight to local crew, house crew, and design teams.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities):

• Outstanding interpersonal and organizational skills as well as a meticulous attention to detail.
• An industrious work ethic.
• A high level of computer proficiency, including the MS Office suite.
• An ability to work independently, under pressure in a multi-task environment, and as a dynamic and supportive part of a team.
• Experience drafting, editing, reading, and interpreting lighting plots, ground plans and construction drawings.
• Experience implementing technical riders, providing scrutiny and negotiation of production elements requested.
• Design knowledge in CAD, Vectorworks, or other design programs is an added asset for this position.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver License.
• Must be able to successfully complete a Level 2 background check*.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in the industry.
• Five to eight years of experience in the production industry.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The nature of this job requires the employee to work on-site as a regular work routine.
• Work may require moving event materials or theatrical equipment weighing up to 40 lbs.
• Work regularly requires traversing the facility; approximately 50% of performance facility is reachable only by stairs or ladder.
• Work regularly requires ascending and descending narrow ladders between floors backstage.
• Ability to identify visual and auditory difficulties occurring during events/productions.
• Some work may be completed in low light areas and/or areas of restricted access.
• May operate electrical or sound equipment.
• Position occasionally requires work in areas where hazardous materials (e.g. spray paint or cleansers) are present.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high.

* As a condition of employment and in compliance with Florida House Bill 531, the candidate(s) selected for this position are required to complete a Level 2 background screening through FLClearinghouse. Please use the following link to view more about the required screening: . Failure to complete the screening or meet the requirements may result in disqualification from consideration.

The David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer committed to being an inclusive workplace and strongly believes in the importance of having a diverse group of individuals represented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Please visit our website at to learn more about the Straz Center.