Technical Director

ABOUT THE SECOND CITY

Dedicated to entertaining, inspiring, and transforming through courageous comedy, The Second City is the premier brand in improv-based sketch comedy. With sold-out shows playing on stages in Chicago, Toronto, and soon New York, Second City’s Touring and Theatrical companies entertain an additional one million theatergoers a year around the globe. The Second City Training Center is the largest school of improvisation-based arts on the planet, with locations in Chicago, Toronto, and soon New York. Second City Works, the B2B side of Second City, has brought award-winning improvisation and audience-driven techniques to over 600 Fortune 1000 companies, challenging businesses seeking a more collaborative culture to innovate through development programs, original digital and video content, campaign consultation, private events, and more.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Technical Director is responsible for the smooth operation and upkeep of all theatrical equipment in The Second City’s New York theater.

The Technical Director works with the Creative and Production teams, including Stage Managers, Directors, Creative Directors, Production Managers, and designers.

The Technical Director works full-time, 40 hours per week. Some shifts are nights and weekends.

Reports to the Vice President of Production.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Maintain the inventory of theatrical equipment for venues and multiple rehearsal spaces.

·        Perform comprehensive routine maintenance on venue equipment and infrastructure.

·        Train Stage Managers in proper use of equipment and create policies for that use.

·        Manage annual budget for the care and improvement of the theater.

·        Manage Second City’s relationship with equipment vendors, set builders, and technical consultants across all venues and reduce overall costs.

·        Advise Production and Creative teams on outside-hire designers (sets, lights, sound, projections). Help manage relationships with such designers to ensure they understand how to work with Second City’s unique culture and schedules.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES DURING NEW SHOW DEVELOPMENT

·        Advise Production Managers on needed upgrades or improvements well before rehearsals begin, and work with them to plan and execute those upgrades.

·        Work with IT to maintain rehearsal and show recordings.

·        Negotiate prices for and purchases of all new equipment.

·        Advise Designers, Directors, and Production Managers during the design of the set, bringing attention to technical concerns. Oversee set installation, solving problems that arise during construction.

·        Serve as Master Electrician or arrange to hire one.

·        Aid outside-hire projection designers, make changes to their show files for performances that they cannot attend, and coordinate their work with lighting designer.

DUTIES BEFORE OPENINGS

·        Make adjustments to lighting plot and assist in lighting hang to ensure new production's needs are met without disturbing other productions.

·        Setup and make adjustments to new show’s audio file.

·        Establish each production’s prop storage areas and control placement of outsize props.

·        Assist Stage Managers in writing lighting cues, creating QLab files, and setting up sound board show files.

THEATRICALS DUTIES

·        Train all Stage Managers in proper procedures.

·        Be on hand for show rehearsals, help Stage Managers as needed, and ensure technical issues are resolved.

·        Maintain audio equipment and musical instruments.

·        Maintain prop room, track props and equipment.

·        Serve as resource for Theatricals Stage Managers during rehearsals. Respond to concerns that come up in show reports and provide guidance.

·        Develop a working model for Theatrical productions with greater technical requirements. (Set pieces, lighting, and sound equipment, etc.)

TRAINING CENTER DUTIES

·        Coordinate long term equipment purchases, folding in unused equipment from the Mainstage to bring Training Center technical experience to the same level as Second City’s resident stage to benefit shows and talent-in-training.

·        Train all Stage Managers for proper procedures. Train Stage Managers on Second City’s expectations.

·        Perform day-of show dimmer checks. Replace lamps and gels as needed. Prevent running any show with fixtures offline.

·        Maintain equipment in performance laboratories, music rooms, and other TC facilities.

Requirements

Expertise in at least one technical theater discipline (lighting, audio, carpentry, video) is a must, as is competence in at least one additional discipline.

Improvisation or comedy experience is a plus.

 

*The Second City is an open, inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants who bring along with them diverse life experiences, including every permutation of economic and cultural backgrounds, orientation, ethnicity, and points of view. We strive to continue our efforts to work with people who may otherwise be marginalized or underrepresented in our business and around our community.

*All candidates for this role will be asked to authorize a background check and must be 21 and older.
 
*The Second City follows CDC guidelines and recommendations regarding safety measures to navigate the Covid-19 pandemic. To work at The Second City you must show proof of being fully vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. Applicants with medical or religious exemptions will be considered.