Why Work at BYU   

As the flagship higher education institution of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young University (BYU) strives to be among the exceptional universities in the world. At BYU, we are devoted to our faith and to our students. We take an active role in the University's Mission: "To assist individuals in their quest for perfection and eternal life.” 

Our unique mission, deeply rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, provides countless ways to serve and make an impact. This, along with our remarkable culture of belonging, weekly devotionals, and endless opportunities for learning and growth—all situated within a beautiful and historic campus—make it hard to imagine a more inspiring place to work. 

Brigham Young University strongly prefers to hire faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Job Description

Technical Director – Department of Dance (part-time 28 hours/week)

The Technical Director provides technical and logistical support for the Department of Dance performance and touring program locally, nationally, and internationally.  This position assists with student learning through mentored training on campus performances and touring experiences.

What you’ll do in this position:

Campus Performance Technical Direction

• Coordinate technical support for campus productions and events.
• Establish appropriate parameters to accomplish required work within established facility guidelines.
• Coordinate with shop managers to ensure that scenery, props, and equipment are functional, maintained, safe, and ready for scheduled performances.
• Coordinate transportation of costumes, props, and equipment to performance venues.
• Coordinate the storage, maintenance, use, and repair of all department owned scenery, props, and equipment.
• Supervise load-in and load-out of all productions including loading and unloading of trucks.
• Hire, train, and supervise student stage crews and volunteers during load-in/out.
• Ensure that productions operate in a safe and supportive environment.
• Help enforce safety guidelines for students and staff while in other campus venues
• Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures regarding student employees.

Production Development

• Coordinate with the company Artistic Directors to provide support for day-to-day operations.
• Work with the creative team to evaluate scenic/prop designs and creating material and labor estimates.
• Guides scenic and prop designers on best practices, from initial design conversations through the tech and preview process. 
• Make suggestions and share ideas to solve problems, improve products, and facilitate changes.
• Oversee the shopping, purchasing, construction, painting, and finishing of scenery and props as needed, including but not limited to hand props, furniture, and set decorations.   
• Manage and facilitate all scenic prop production needs throughout the build, rehearsal, and run of each production and event. 
• Manage allocated financial resources for materials and labor.
• Update, maintain, and archive all research, notes, photos, and other information for all productions.

Tour Logistics

• Coordinate with audio, lighting, and projection shops to ensure that tour equipment is functional, maintained, safe, and ready for scheduled tours
• Coordinate transportation of equipment, props, and costumes for domestic tours
• Understand U.S. Department of Transportation interstate truck driving rules and regulations. 
• Secure all necessary permits and paperwork
• Supervise loading, and unloading of trucks
• Drive trucks for domestic tours following all USDOT regulations

Venue and Equipment Support

• Coordinate use and maintenance of the Dance Department truck.
  • Coordinate maintenance of Dance Performance Theatre and performance related spaces and equipment.
  • Set and enforce safe-use guidelines for stage equipment.

What qualifies you for this role:

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in technical theatre or a related field and three years’ experience working in professional theatre, live entertainment, and/or touring productions
• Demonstrated experience working with theatrical stage equipment.
• A demonstrated understanding of other production disciplines including but not limited to audio, video, lighting, rigging, and fabrication.
• The ideal candidate has skills in some of the following areas: Woodworking, furniture building and repair, and metal working, Soft goods, sewing skills, Small motors, mechanisms, and electronics, Scenic painting and finishing techniques.
• Experience with standard shop tools/equipment.
• Ability to accurately estimate production costs and create and maintain budgets.
• Ability to read and interpret working drawings and to disseminate that information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work long hours and manage an irregular schedule including weekends and holidays.
• Training and understanding of safe working practices in the theatre.
• Clear understanding of professional production processes.
• Computer aided drafting - AutoCAD or Vectorworks
• Experience supervising and managing a team of student employees.
• Understands USDOT truck transportation rules and regulations

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s Degree in technical theatre or a related field and five years’ experience working in professional theatre, live entertainment, and/or touring productions
• Experience with computers and computer software including Microsoft Office, Excel and Google apps.
• Well-developed communication, organization, research, and time management skills.
• Creative thinking and problem solving
• Excellent interpersonal, teamwork, and diplomacy skills
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast paced, rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Exhibits a positive attitude with good communication and interpersonal skills

What we offer in return:

This position comes with fantastic benefits, including:

• 401k. BYU automatically contributes 8% at no cost to you. Additionally, if you contribute 5%, BYU adds an additional 4% (Rehires may qualify for different retirement plans)
• Employee assistance program, available to the employee and all members of their household
• Tuition benefits after two years
• Access to athletic facilities
• Access to the library
• Free on-campus parking
• Free UTA passes for employees, spouses, and qualified dependents
• Discounts at the BYU Store and for many events at BYU

Pay Grade: 51

Typical Starting Pay: $28.25 to $36.25 an hour

Required Documents:

All Staff positions require a resume.

Refer to the Job Posting for any additional required documents.

Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints must hold and be worthy to hold a current temple recommend.

Brigham Young University is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

Brigham Young University (BYU) is widely recognized not just for its world-class education, but for its deep commitment to inspired religious values. Gathered together in a Christ-centered atmosphere, BYU employees are a vital part of a community of belonging, where we value the experiences, perspectives, and talents of each individual. If you share in our devotion to faith and to excellence, we have a place for you here at BYU!