Who You Are
Are you a creative problem solver who enjoys bringing artistic visions to life in ways that are practical, safe, and visually compelling? Do you have a knack for thinking three steps ahead while keeping today's production on schedule and on budget? Are you equally comfortable working with a designer, leading a team in the shop, troubleshooting backstage, or rolling up your sleeves and getting the work done yourself?
If you are an organized, collaborative and hands-on theatre professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.
Who We Are
Theatre Charlotte is proud to be the longest running arts institution in Charlotte, North Carolina, with a reputation for high quality productions and an inviting, family-oriented culture. We believe our people are what make Theatre Charlotte special—from the artists and technicians who create our productions to our staff, board, volunteers and audiences.
Our 226-seat proscenium theatre was built in 1941 and has had a few renovations and modifications over the decades. We produce a full season of 10 productions in 12 months, including two youth-centered summer intensives and our Penguin Project production for students with developmental and physical disabilities.
As we approach our 100th season in 2027-28, Theatre Charlotte is experiencing exciting growth and looking toward the future. We are seeking a Technical Director who wants to be an important part of building the foundation for our next century.
Theatre Charlotte exists to inspire all generations through the power of the stories we tell and the experiences we share. We recognize that theatre is a reflection of our society, and we believe that people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, cultures, backgrounds, abilities and beliefs should feel welcomed, valued and represented onstage, backstage, on our staff and board, and in our audience.
We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible environment and recognize that this work is ongoing. We welcome candidates whose experiences, perspectives and skills will help us continue building a theatre where everyone can contribute and belong.
The Opportunity
The Technical Director is a key member of Theatre Charlotte's production team and is responsible for bringing the technical and practical elements of our productions to life.
Reporting to the Artistic Director and working closely with the Production Manager, the Technical Director will oversee the planning, construction, installation, maintenance and execution of scenic and technical elements throughout the season. This is a hands-on position that combines technical expertise, project management, problem-solving, leadership and collaboration.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working independently while also building strong relationships with designers, directors, stage managers, staff, technicians and volunteers. Because Theatre Charlotte is a small, highly collaborative organization, the successful candidate should be someone who enjoys being involved at every stage of the process—from reading a script and reviewing a design to building a wall, troubleshooting a technical challenge, leading a crew and helping bring a production across the finish line.
The Technical Director will serve as the primary scenic and technical resource for the theatre and will help ensure that every production is delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule and at the artistic standard Theatre Charlotte has established for its audiences and production teams.
What You Will Do
Production Planning & Technical Direction
Collaborate with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, directors, designers and stage management to determine the technical needs and practical requirements of each production.
Review scenic and technical designs for feasibility, safety, budget, scheduling and available resources.
With the Artistic Director and Production Manager, develop production timelines and contribute to the season's overall production calendar.
Create and maintain technical documentation, including shop drawings, construction plans, measurements and other production paperwork as needed.
Identify potential technical challenges early and develop creative, cost-effective solutions.
Attend production meetings, design meetings and other planning sessions as appropriate.
Attend technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals and provide technical support throughout tech and performances as needed.
Scenic Construction & Installation
Lead and participate in the construction, modification, installation and strike of scenic elements for Theatre Charlotte productions.
Serve as the lead hands-on carpenter for productions while coordinating volunteer and contracted labor.
Recruit, organize, train and supervise volunteers supporting scenic construction, painting, props, running crew and other production disciplines.
Order and source materials, hardware, supplies and equipment while seeking efficient use of resources and minimizing waste.
Coordinate furniture sourcing, pickups, deliveries and returns as needed.
Oversee load-ins, changeovers, strikes and restoration of the performance space.
Maintain an organized, functional and safe scene shop and backstage environment.
Technical Operations
Support the installation, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of theatrical lighting, sound, rigging and other production elements.
Assist with the purchase, installation and implementation of new equipment and technology.
Maintain theatre tools, shop equipment, lighting, sound and other technical equipment.
Maintain appropriate inventories of equipment, materials and production supplies.
Serve as a technical resource for staff, designers, artists, technicians and volunteers.
Operate or provide backup support in other technical areas when needed, including running lights, sound, QLab or run crew.
Establish and maintain a culture of safety throughout the shop, backstage and production process.
Ensure that volunteers and crew receive appropriate instruction and training before performing unfamiliar or potentially hazardous tasks.
Budget, Purchasing & Facilities
Work with the Artistic Director and Production Manager to develop and monitor production budgets and provide technical input on capital improvement needs.
Obtain estimates and make purchasing recommendations for materials, equipment, rentals and outside services.
Serve as the primary staff contact for facility repairs and maintenance related to production, facility and technical operations.
Coordinate with outside contractors and vendors when specialized repairs, installations or facility work is required.
Help identify long-term equipment replacement, facility improvement and capital needs.
Culture & Collaboration
Foster a respectful, welcoming and collaborative environment for staff, artists, technicians and volunteers.
Recruit, train and develop volunteers with a wide range of skills and experience.
Recognize that successful theatre is both a creative and collaborative process and contribute to a positive culture across all departments.
Support Theatre Charlotte's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility.
Perform other duties related to the successful operation of the theatre as assigned.
What You Bring
We recognize that no single candidate will have every skill listed below. We are interested in people who bring strong technical fundamentals and organizational skills, a willingness to learn and a collaborative approach to the work.
Required or Strongly Preferred Skills
Experience in theatre technical direction, theatrical production, scenic construction or a related field.
Strong organizational, project-management and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated knowledge of theatrical construction techniques with an emphasis on safety, durability, efficiency and responsible use of materials.
Proficiency with common shop tools, including table saws, miter saws, circular saws, jigsaws, pneumatic nailers and staplers.
Ability to read and create technical drawings and working plans.
Familiarity reading and navigating computer-aided drafting software such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks.
Experience leading, supervising, training and/or coordinating crews and volunteers.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, prioritize competing deadlines and remain calm and solution-oriented under pressure.
A collaborative approach and genuine respect for people with different backgrounds, experiences, skill levels and perspectives.
Commitment to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace.
Additional Experience We Value
Experience with theatrical lighting systems and consoles (particularly ETC Eos systems).
Experience with theatrical sound systems and live sound mixing.
Experience with QLab.
Experience with scenic painting, props construction or special effects.
Experience with facility maintenance and theatrical equipment repair.
Experience working in a volunteer-driven organization.
Experience rigging (our theatre does not have a fly system).
Experience working with youth theatre or inclusive theatre programs.
Physical & Schedule Requirements
This is a hands-on production position. The Technical Director must be able to:
Work from ladders and elevated work areas, including heights of approximately 16 feet.
Lift and carry materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
Perform physical tasks associated with theatrical construction, installation, maintenance and production.
Work in environments that may include dust, paint, noise, varying temperatures and other typical theatrical shop and backstage conditions.
Work evenings, weekends and occasional holidays according to the production schedule.
Adjust work hours during periods of construction, technical rehearsals, performances and strikes.
Compensation and Benefits
Paid time off
Flexible schedule
403(b) Retirement plan
Health Insurance
Starting Salary: $60,000
Interested in Joining our Team?
Please send a cover letter, resume and three references to chris@theatrecharlotte.org with Technical Director in the subject line. Position is open until filled with an anticipated start date in January 2027. No phone calls please.
Theatre is full of magic that vibrates throughout the essence of art, imagination, culture, and history. We strive to provide theatre to our community and our city that is saturated in excellence, community, experience, inclusion, and influence. Our goal is to mount productions that reflect the growth and beauty of the diversity of Charlotte and the surrounding communities.