Associate Technical Director

Company: Des Moines Metro Opera

Company Location: Indianola, IA

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Temporary & Seasonal

Date Posted: February 9, 2025

Network(s): None

DESCRIPTION

Summary:

Des Moines Metro Opera does big things! If you are looking to join a creative, fast-paced professional major summer festival, you will want to join DMMO for its 2025 season. Located in Indianola, Iowa the company will produce three exciting new productions in a summer repertory schedule, within the intimate 467-seat theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center. Our 53rd season includes Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, and Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress. DMMO is one of America’s boldest Opera Companies (as reported by the New York Times) and was nominated for its 2024 season for an International Opera Award. Join our team in this a critical role to work on some of the most challenging, bold, intense, visually stunning, complex and rewarding productions of your career!

Des Moines Metro Opera utilizes three Associate Technical Directors and assigns each ATD to a specific production. The ATD assigned to a production is responsible to advance, monitor, solve, communicate and lead; like the role a Technical Director would hold in a more traditional stagione opera company.

These positions all require professional experience as a Technical Director or Assistant Technical Director. These are senior level positions in the Production Department.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

Des Moines Metro Opera is looking for Associate Technical Directors for our summer shows in rep. The below responsibilities corelate to the show that is assigned:

• Working with the creative team, be the primary contact for the production and disseminate that information out as needed.

• Provide the Stage Operations Technical Director, Show Operations Supervisor, Stage Operations Supervisor with adequate paperwork and leadership to accomplish the load-in, run, rep-changes and notes.

• Prepare all organizational plans for notes, new builds and tasks for the scenic shop as it relates to their production.

• Prepare all technical / construction drawings needed for the production and assist the other ATD’s as may be needed when workload allows and when the other ATD’s may need assistance.

• Coordinate the repertory change-over with the other productions with the other ATD’s.

• Assist the TD with the stage crew (Head Flyman, Stage Carpenters, and Stage Interns) as needed for changeovers while coordinating with the Electrics and Properties department.

• Coordinate best methods and techniques for efficient changeovers with TD and Show/Stage Ops Supervisor.

• Support the Head Flyman/Carpenter in the rigging and flying of all scenic elements by providing guidance.

• Monitor and enforce safe working techniques and rules on the stage during at all times.

• Coordinate the needs of design staff and stage management during light levels, notes calls, and preset.

• As necessary, assist the Stage Operations Technical Director in leading the stage crew during all technical rehearsals, scene-shift rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.

• Coordinating with the other ATD’s, self-schedule so that one ATD is always present during load-in, rep change over, show run. These needs will be discussed with the Director of Production and efficiencies in monitoring the stage will be driven by production needs.

• Providing planning for construction/ modification of sets/props/furnishings of the assigned production when needed.

• Strive to make the technical intern position as educational and worthwhile as possible.

• Strive for a work place that is; team-focused, creative, positive, professional and solution based – encouraging all members of the team.

Skills and Knowledge

Any Combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• 4+ years of experience working backstage in a production setting

• Experience as a Technical Director, Assistant / Associate Technical Director in opera or at a theatrical organization.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor to the needs of the listener/reader.

• Proven leadership ability with-in a diverse, multi-generation workforce.

• Experience working with designers and directors.

• Experience working with/in a scenic shop is an asset.

• Experience working in a repertory production format is an asset.

• Experience working in a flyhouse is an asset.

• Experience loading/unloading/calling a truck pack

• Is proficient in AutoCAD and experience creating ground plans, section views, construction drawings.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Ability to sit, stand, and traverse a working stage/shop environment.

• Work includes periods of standing, working in low light, climbing stairs/ladders, and may include working in a personnel lift.

Desired Start Date: May 12, 2025

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $1,200 - $1,200 Weekly