Assistant Technical Director

Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education (dba The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater / The Ruth) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly theater experiences. We are passionate about arts education and its positive impact on our community. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that brings joy and culture to Utah Valley! 

Position Summary: 

The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) supports the Technical Director in planning, budgeting, and coordinating scenic builds and automation projects. With the Master Carpenter handling day-to-day shop operations, the ATD focuses on project management, scheduling, and technical advising. This role ensures that drawings and build strategies are translated into achievable, safe, and efficient methods while collaborating closely with the TD, Scenic Coordinator/Draftsperson and Master Carpenter. The ATD serves as the primary advisor on construction methodology, balancing engineering and design needs with practical shop workflows. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Project & Production Management 

Collaborate with the Technical Director on project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and material sourcing. 

Coordinate build priorities between the Scenic Coordinator/Draftsperson and the Master Carpenter. 

Assist with scenic load-ins, strikes, and technical rehearsals, ensuring safety and efficiency. 

Track materials, equipment use, and shop inventory. 

Other duties as assigned

Shop & Crew Leadership 

Delegate shop tasks to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of projects. 

Serve as the shop lead when the TD is focused on automation, rigging, or other departments. 

Train crew in safe tool usage, construction practices, and shop standards. 

Technical Advising & Collaboration 

Advise the Scenic Coordinator/Draftsperson on construction methods, material choices, and practical applications of drawings. 

Collaborate with the Draftsperson, Technical Director, and Scenic Designer to ensure accurate, safe, and efficient build strategies. 

Provide input on structural solutions to ensure buildability, safety, and efficiency. 

Collaborate with the Master Carpenter to align construction documents with shop workflow. 

Assist with automation and rigging projects as directed by the TD. 

Safety & Compliance 

Support the TD in implementing OSHA, ETCP, and theater safety practices. 

Ensure safety is considered in construction methods, rigging, and installation planning. 

Support & Collaboration 

Support the Technical Director and scenic team during load-in, rehearsals, and technical troubleshooting.  

Fill in as needed during production emergencies or when TD is unavailable. 

Skills & Qualifications 

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Production, or equivalent professional experience. 

Strong knowledge of theatrical carpentry, rigging, and scenic construction methods. 

Demonstrated leadership and supervision skills in a shop or production environment. 

Proficiency in project management and scheduling (experience with project management tools a plus). 

Familiarity with Vectorworks or other CAD/drafting software (ability to read drawings is required; ability to draft is a plus). 

Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple departments. 

Knowledge of OSHA, ETCP, and industry safety practices. 

Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve under time-sensitive production demands. 

Working Conditions 

Full-time, exempt position. 

May require evening and weekend work during tech weeks and special events. Must be able to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment.