TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

OZ ARTS, NASHVILLE, TN

Summary

OZ Arts Nashville seeks an experienced and knowledgeable theater production professional to join the organization’s leadership team as Technical Director.

The Technical Director oversees all technical and production aspects of the contemporary performing arts programming and reports to the Executive & Artistic Director. The TD is the production interface with a diverse group of influential artists as well as rental clients, working with both the artists, rental clients, and their professional management or representatives to develop sound business relationships and procedures, while ensuring the effective presentation of the performances. The TD studies technical riders, lighting, audio, video, and rigging plots and electrical requirements to assess both the feasibility and the best professional practices to accommodate a production in the facility. Manages crew and personally, physically, ensures that all productions achieve the highest professional standards of technical presentation. The TD is currently the only full-time position dedicated to the technical and production aspects of the organization, and will recruit, retain, and manage a variety of contracted personnel to implement a wide range of performing arts programming, and to oversee the facility.   

ABOUT OZ ARTS NASHVILLE

Founded in 2013 by the Ozgener family, OZ Arts Nashville has quickly established itself as one of the Southeast’s most influential and respected producers and presenters focused on the creation and presentation of significant performing and visual artworks by diverse cultural visionaries who are making vital contributions to the evolution of contemporary culture. Through performances, exhibitions, and community events, OZ Arts focuses on producing and presenting the work of local and visiting artists who reflect our diverse society, utilize new artistic forms and technology in creative ways, and provide opportunities for meaningful engagement with audiences, students and cultural and civic leaders. OZ Arts’ unique creative warehouse has developed a reputation as a major national and regional laboratory for experimentation and a home for contemporary dance and performance. More than 70,000 audience members have been introduced to adventurous artists from around the world since the organization opened, and hundreds of local and regional artists have used OZ’s 10,000 square-foot warehouse theater to develop new works.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Liaise with producers, production/technical managers, artists, artist representatives, and rental clients. 
• Review technical riders and provide necessary consultation to clarify production requirements and determine appropriate equipment, support personnel, and timetables necessary to stage proposed events in a cost-effective, safe, and timely manner.
• Oversee and implement all production requirements such as stage-setting, audience seating configurations, change-overs, backline, lighting, sound and video, wardrobe, piano tuning, and the operation of all technical systems, including video projectors, computerized lighting systems, sound systems, mechanical rigging, and truss assemblies. 
• Proactively conceptualize, develop, negotiate, and assist with budgeting the production needs and solutions for new evolving works by local, national, and international artists, and serve as liaison with established companies, rental events, local productions, and performance initiatives. 
• Coordinate site-visits and pre-event meetings with visiting artists, rental clients, and their designers & production personnel.
• Monitor expenditures & purchasing records to ensure compliance with approved budgets. Duties to include preparing general event scheduling and cost estimates (that include crew, front-of-house, equipment & vendor costs).
• Oversee the maintenance of an appropriate roster of qualified and available hourly overhire crew members to serve the anticipated needs of upcoming events. Schedule and manage technical crew including crew-leads, carpenters, electricians, video & sound techs, stage managers, and wardrobe assistants. 
• Monitor the workflow of events using sound judgment, and problem-solve when necessary. Stay current with all communications to everyone including clients, talent and their managers, vendors, and staff, and respond to inquiries as quickly as possible.
• Ensure professional, considerate, and quality service by all production staff, both onstage and backstage, towards all artists, artist representatives, and producers for all curated work and rental events.
• Disseminate, as needed, venue information, equipment inventory, scheduling imperatives, work procedures and rules.
• Gather and transport, when necessary, event equipment and supplies.
• Review and approve all rigging plots and points. Ensure that points are installed in accordance with industry and venue load rating and safety standards. 
• Inform and direct crew, clients, and sub-contractors on rigging points, rigging equipment, and methods for any suspended elements. 
• Develop, implement, and ensure compliance to venue safety policies and procedures for all production-related work. 
• Maintain technical inventory and oversee the ordering of specialized supplies.
• Monitor the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, elevated work platforms and rigging equipment; arrange for repair and replacement when required within budgetary constraints and in consideration of the presentation calendar; perform preventive maintenance on equipment. Schedule maintenance time to clean and maintain all equipment. 
• Engage specialists to re-certify the necessary equipment (e.g. scissor lifts, chain motors, etc.) in a timely and manufacturer recommended manner.
• Provide physical facility upkeep and maintenance supervision, in collaboration with existing members of OZ staff and existing vendors (landscape gardeners, custodial, pest control, etc.), to ensure continuous, optimal, safe and clean presentation of facilities and grounds. Directly address common day to day building issues (lightbulb replacement, door hardware issues, etc.) that may occur and need attention.

Requirements/Preferred:

• A passion for contemporary performing arts and demonstrated experience and expertise with theatrical production and technical management for dance, music, and theater. Hands-on technical experience and proficiency with typical production elements including carpentry & rigging, electrical & AV/sound, stage drapery, chain-hoists & truss systems, stage-platforming, audience risers and seating, dance floors, backline, and technical crew supervision required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of performing arts production in all formats including all types of contemporary music, dance, spoken word, drama, interdisciplinary, multimedia, and emerging disciplines. 
• Proficiency with Vectorworks, and other standard spreadsheet, administrative, and production software. 
• Suitable level of experience on ETC lighting consoles, dimmers, and standard, as well as LED, performance lighting instruments.
• Suitable experience with, and knowledge of, theatrical rigging standards and procedures including truss assemblies, chain motors, etc.
• Suitable level of experience with theatrical sound and video equipment.
• Demonstrated financial management skills, particularly in making financial and labor utilization projections.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate production requirements and effectively communicate technical information.
• Familiarity with the procedures, materials and issues surrounding international cargo shipping & transport.
• Significant knowledge of safety procedures, precautions and materials.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, with ability to convey information, verbally and in writing, in clear and accurate manner, using appropriate language, vocabulary, grammar, and professionalism to explain procedures and resolve issues, sometimes across language barriers. 
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties independently, in a self-directed, prioritized manner with appropriate follow thru, to meet internal and external deadlines, while possessing the flexibility to meet changing needs and priorities as they occur. Performing efficiently while coping with a fluctuating workload, changing & competing requirements, and sometimes frequent interruptions.
• Able to lift, push or pull objects up to 60 lbs. using appropriate tools.

COMPENSATION:
OZ Arts will negotiate a specific full-time salary commensurate with experience and capacity. Salary range starting from $70k. PTO plan and comprehensive benefits to be discussed with candidates at time of interview.

OZ Arts Nashville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.  All aspects of the employment process will be merit-based and applied without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, military service status, citizenship or other protected characteristic.

CONTACT INFORMATION & PROCEDURE:

Candidates may send resume, cover letter, and references to program@ozartsnashville.org with subject: Your Name, Technical Director

OZ Arts Nashville
6172 Cockrill Bend Circle
Nashville, TN 37209