Technical Director, Performing Arts Job at Milton Academy in Milton

Job Description:\n\nPosition: Technical Director, Performing Arts Department: Upper School - Performing Arts Location: Kellner Performing Arts Center, Milton Academy Campus, Milton, MA Hours: Full-time with the flexibility to work nights and weekends in support of theatrical productions and K-12 events FLSA: Exempt Classification: Faculty (Academic Year) Milton Academy is an independent college preparatory K–12 school, boarding and day in grades 9–12, located just outside of Boston. Milton Academy cultivates in our students a passion for learning and a respect for others. Milton students grow by developing their own identities, learning from and listening to the lived experiences of others, and living and working among peers whose differences they accept with respect and care. In our ongoing work to create an environment that confronts bias, injustice, and bigotry, we encourage each other to be open to learning, explore our histories and identities, and seek to understand the world around us with a critical lens. At Milton, we prepare students to partner with their future communities to create a more just world, and to have the courage to speak up and live by our motto, “Dare to be true.” Summary of Position: Milton Academy is seeking a Technical Director starting in August of 2025. The ideal director is a theatrical technician who will contribute to the legacy of outstanding technical theater education at Milton Academy while furthering innovation within our spaces. The Director should demonstrate a passion for and competency in creative collaboration, knowledge of trends and the ability to implement best practices in technical theater, and the experience and ability to foster a robust teaching program. The individual must also be willing to take ownership of and have the vision to build upon the established excellence in technical direction and school-wide event execution at Milton. The Upper School Performing Arts Department is known for dynamic productions and fostering both student and faculty creativity. As a teaching theater, the faculty therefore integrate students into all aspects of each show, including the technical process. The department produces shows with high production values, including nine productions each year, including plays, musicals, student-directed one-acts, and dance concerts. Productions take place in the Ruth King Theater (a three-hundred eighty-seat proscenium theater with flexibility for thrust and round orientations) or Studio Theatre (a fifty to ninety-seat black box theater). Productions are led by all-faculty teams. The Technical Director is responsible for the oversight of those two theaters (including all school-wide events held within them, both during and after school hours), as well as a scene shop and prop/set/lighting storage spaces. The Director oversees the technical direction and master carpentry of all productions; the lighting, sound, and prop design of most productions; and several production designs each school year. Above all, the Director fosters the growth of the student technical crew program, which meets daily. The Technical Director will ideally live on campus to be available on weeknights and weekends, as needed, to support events in the theater that serve the residential nature of our school. Preference will be given to candidates who are willing to live on campus. Other faculty responsibilities at Milton Academy encompass advising, community, and residential life activities, among others. Please see the full job description for more information. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Technical Director Leading technical theater daily after school (overseeing a student crew, who both build and run) for all shows within a school year (approx. nine). Additional faculty may support when multiple shows run close together. Running and maintaining Ruth King Theatre, Studio Theatre, the Scene Shop, and additional storage spaces Maintaining inventory for each space (lighting equipment, flies, props, power tools, etc.) Keeping a calendar of events for each space Working with facilities, AV, and outside vendors Ensuring risk management best practice is observed for each space In charge of theater safety Responsible for scheduling and conducting annual inspections, and arranging for repairs and expert evaluation as necessary in collaboration with the audio-visual and facilities departments Overseeing and facilitating the project management of each production Running production meetings Collaborating with creative team and additional designers Providing technical oversight, expertise, and execution: Master Carpenter for all productions Lead the build and install of all elements of an intended design, and integrating students into the building process On sets designed by the Lead Production Designer, collaborate with them on the above Production Designer (set/scenic design) for certain productions Lighting Designer for most productions Sound Designer for most productions Prop Designer for most productions Serving as point person for all school-related events held in Ruth King Theatre and Studio Theatre Attendance and provision of technical support at each event Collaboration with departments leading event (and audio-visual team as necessary) Requires some evenings and weekends Teaching and Curriculum Run daily after-school technical theater, which includes set construction, prop collection and creation, setting and programming lights and sound, general preparation of scenic and technical elements for productions, and all safety and risk-management related student training. Create a safe and student-centered learning atmosphere that fosters a passion and appreciation for technical theater and a positive classroom environment that encourages their emergence as designers and technicians. While not a primary responsibility of the Technical Director, the Technical Director may teach a class or fill in for an absent colleague, as needed. Adapt teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning styles and abilities. Stay informed about the latest developments in performing arts and technical theater education, trends, and innovations, and incorporate these into the program. Learn about diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in education; incorporate related principles when designing curriculum, teaching, and engaging with students. Collaborate with colleagues to develop inter-departmental and cross-disciplinary projects and initiatives, including collaborating with the middle school division on curriculum and instruction as requested. Actively support students, providing mentorship and academic guidance. Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues regarding academic progress. Advising Serve as an advisor to a group of up to nine students, engaging in advisor meetings each week. Connect, support, communicate, encourage, and celebrate each advisee Facilitate students' social-emotional learning and growth in alignment with all school programming through small group meetings. Build deep relationships with each advisee and assist them in navigating challenges they may encounter. Form relationships with and act as a liaison between the school and advisee families; serve as the first point of contact between the school and families. Read and be familiar with all relevant materials, most importantly the Student Handbook and the sections of the US Faculty Handbook on academic regulations and diploma requirements. Be informed about course offerings for the following year and help each advisee select programs that are challenging and appropriate, as well as areas of special interest. Review each advisee’s grades and comments. Craft formal advisor reports for each advisee two times per year, offering overarching perspectives on their progress, and acknowledging a broader view of their academic and community achievements at Milton. Should an advisee need additional support in a particular area, be in steady contact with the advisee’s teachers, administrators, and/or other committees as needed. Attend all upper school student required weekly assemblies, programming, and special events (e.g., community service day, pep rallies). Attend class trips, retreats, and social events arranged by the director of student activities or the class dean. Community Be a visible, accessible presence around campus. Contribute to creating a positive community culture that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for. Share in the enforcement of our expectations for students. Actively participate in greater community enrichment activities, such as advising a student activity, acting as a faculty sponsor to a student club, coaching an athletic team, leading an intramural sport, or acting as an affinity group advisor. Complete all chaperone and/or supervisory duty, as assigned; lead and facilitate weekend programming/activities and supervise recreational activities both on and off campus. Residential Life (if residing in on-campus housing) Act as a mentor and role model in all areas of the residential program, demonstrating a commitment to the success of each student, especially in the areas of social and emotional development. Contribute to creating a positive community culture within the dorms that ensures students are heard, seen, valued, and cared for. Facilitate and oversee programming when on duty and supervise recreational activities as assigned. Communicate regularly with other house staff as an opportunity to check in about the students in the dorm. Attend at least two dinners per week with the dorm community. Support a wide range of all school / K-12 events and student activities, such as Beatnik performances, K-8 open houses, and music department concerts, among others, many of which take place during evenings and weekends. Other Professional Expectations and Responsibilities Work cooperatively with students, parents, peers, administration, and community members. Act in a manner that is respectful, generous toward others, supportive of colleagues, and based in a belief in the competence and good intentions of all members of the community. Communicate openly and promptly, supporting colleagues, students, and the integrity of the institution in conversations with students and parents. Create and maintain classroom and campus environments that are open and flexible, reflecting the school’s values related to diversity, equity, and belonging. Strive to grow and improve professionally, demonstrating a commitment to continuing professional development in alignment with the upper school’s growth statements. Exhibit skills in collaborative problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Meet deadlines. Attend all school-wide, divisional, and faculty meetings and events and serve on committees as required. Prepare for and participate in opening of school programming, family visit days, graduation, and all other key student/family moments that are part of the school calendar. Complete school-required training. Abide by the school’s policies and procedures as outlined in the provided handbooks. Communicate with the appropriate supervisor when unable to meet any professional obligation. Supervision to be received: Supervised by Department Chair of Performing Arts and Upper School Dean of Faculty Supervision to be exercised: None. Education/Certification/Licensure Required: A bachelor’s degree in Theater/Theater Education/Theatrical Design or significant relevant experience Preferred: A master’s degree in Theater/Theater Education/Theatrical Design or a related field Experience Required: A minimum of three years of proven experience in technical theater, including teaching, designing, and building. Preferred: Experience working in an independent boarding/day school. Competencies Required: Knowledge of power tools and standard shop equipment. Knowledge of the latest technology used in theater design and lighting, including projections. Knowledge of best practices for theater standards and safety, including fire regulations. Proficiency with operating systems for lights, sound, projections, and cueing, including Qlab and ETC GIO systems. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated computer expertise, including proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Cloud. Ability to work within a budget. Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external constituencies. Understanding of confidentiality and related issues. Receptive to supervision and professional development. Desire to be a part of a dynamic educational community. Must have a valid driver's license Collaborate with departments across Milton to balance competing needs and priorities, ensuring a professional, equitable, and solutions-focused approach. Physical Abilities Required: Must be able to teach in relevant settings and use relevant instructional technology. Must be able to move around the Milton Academy campus without restriction. Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds and occasionally more with assistance. Must be able to operate mechanical lifts and scene shop machinery. Must be able to climb, balance, and reach in order to hang lights, drops, and set pieces. Must be able to operate hand and power tools and machinery. Must be able to step, kneel, and crouch for set construction/deconstruction. Must be able to stand for sustained periods of time during afternoon technical crew, set construction, installations, and strikes. Must be able to climb ladders and operate mechanical lifts. Must be able to pull, hold, and reweight fly lines. Must be able to handle all paint types and spray paints. All interested internal candidates must complete an application for promotion or transfer and inform your supervisor as soon as possible. The essential functions and basic skills have been included in this job description; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This position description is subject to change at any time. An equal opportunity employer, Milton embraces diversity and the pursuit of excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race (including natural and protective hairstyle), color, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, religious creed, physical or mental disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, ancestry, citizenship, national or ethnic origin or any other status protected by applicable law.