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Technical Director

Seattle Open Arts Place · Chicago, IL

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WE’RE HIRING: TECHNICAL DIRECTORSeattle Open Arts Place (S.O.A.P.) is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical operations of our arts venue in Seattle.This is a hands-on, collaborative role for a technically skilled and creative problem-solver who enjoys supporting artists, maintaining technical systems, troubleshooting in real time, and helping create an accessible, artist-forward environment.The Technical Director will work with a high degree of autonomy while collaborating closely with S.O.A.P. staff, artists, rental clients, volunteers, and production teams.WHAT YOU’LL DOThe Technical Director will oversee the organization’s technical systems, equipment, venue readiness, and technical support for productions, events, festivals, rentals, and performances.Key responsibilities include:Maintain and troubleshoot lighting, sound, projection, streaming, and other technical systemsProgram and maintain the venue’s lighting boardsMaintain the tech booth and technical storage areasEstablish, maintain, and reset rep plots and supporting documentationCreate clear technical guides, diagrams, and training materialsMaintain equipment inventory, coordinate repairs, and recommend purchases based on need, usability, and budgetSupport technical design and documentation for productions, events, and festivalsUpdate venue TV slides and OBS stream slides in collaboration with the Marketing DirectorProvide technical guidance for major events and organizational initiativesLead technical orientations and exit walkthroughs for artists, co-producers, and rental companiesSet up Vimeo streaming links for co-productions and rentals when applicableProvide technical support during performances and long-term rentalsServe as a board operator for internal events as neededTrain staff, volunteers, interns, and learning artists in basic technical systemsBuild and manage a roster of board operators, stream engineers, and learning artistsHelp develop future technical internship and learning opportunitiesParticipate in technical budget planning and manage approved equipment purchasesCoordinate quarterly stage-floor repainting and help maintain a clean, functional venueWHO WE’RE LOOKING FORWe’re looking for someone with hands-on experience in technical theater, live events, venue operations, or a related field, with particular experience programming and maintaining lighting boards.The ideal candidate is:Comfortable troubleshooting technical equipment independentlyOrganized and attentive to technical documentation and systemsExperienced working directly with artists and production teamsAble to manage multiple technical prioritiesComfortable working independently while being a collaborative team memberA clear and respectful communicatorCommitted to creating supportive experiences for artists with diverse abilities, identities, and levels of technical experienceAvailable for regular onsite work in SeattleARTIST & COMMUNITY COLLABORATIONAt S.O.A.P., technical work is about more than equipment. The Technical Director helps create an environment where artists feel supported, respected, and empowered.You’ll work with artists, co-producers, rental companies, staff, volunteers, and community members to make technical processes clear, accessible, and welcoming.The role also includes helping build opportunities for interns, volunteers, and emerging technicians to develop practical skills and gain experience in technical theater and event production.VENUE RESPONSIBILITIESThe Technical Director will also:Participate in approximately three Front of House/bar shifts per month as part of a rotating scheduleObtain a valid MAST (Mandatory Alcohol Server Training) permit, with training costs covered by S.O.A.P.Assist with venue resets and cleaning as neededHelp maintain a welcoming, functional, accessible, and artist-forward venueOUR COMMITMENT TO INCLUSIONS.O.A.P. is committed to equity, inclusion, accessibility, and creating pathways into technical leadership in the arts.We especially encourage applications from Global Majority, LGBTQIA+, disabled individuals, and people from communities historically excluded from technical leadership roles in the arts.We believe technical theater should be a space where people can learn, grow, create, and build meaningful careers.POSITION DETAILSSeattle Open Arts Place (S.O.A.P.)1406 18th AvenueSeattle, WA 98122This position requires regular onsite work in Seattle, although some responsibilities may be completed remotely.The Technical Director reports to the Executive Artistic Director and operates with a high degree of autonomy while working collaboratively across the organization.HOW TO APPLYPlease send the following materials to info@seattleopenartsplace.org:Your resumeA short note explaining why this role interests you and what you would bring to S.O.A.P.2–3 work samples. PDFs, links, or cloud folders are welcome.Work samples may include:A tech packet or rep plot diagram you’ve createdA tech schedule or production calendar from a past eventA short description of a production you’ve tech’d and your role in itDocumentation you’ve created for a system, space, or teamA brief video walkthrough or visual tour of a setup you’ve helped designDon’t have all of these? That’s okay. We want to see your strengths and the work that best represents your technical experience.ACCESS NOTEIf you need to submit your materials in a different format or require accommodations during the application process, please reach out. We’re committed to making the application process accessible and human-centered.Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.Apply by email: info@seattleopenartsplace.org#Hiring #NowHiring #TechnicalDirector #TechnicalTheater #TheaterJobs #ArtsJobs #SeattleJobs #SeattleArts #ProductionJobs #LiveEvents #TheaterProduction #ArtsAdministration #SeattleWA