Job Description

Albuquerque Little Theatre(ALT) is a 96-year old community theatre employing paid directors, designers, and stage managers, and performers who are primarily local volunteer actors. In the 96th season, 5 plays and 5 musicals will be produced in the theatre company’s wholly-owned WPA-era building dating from 1936, which currently seats 490. The mainstage is scheduled for 110+ performances in the 2025-26 season, and a recently converted black-box studio flexible space (formerly a furniture store room) can host light entertainment and self-produced artists on selected weekend nights when the mainstage is dark. Scenic options include a 30 x 30 mainstage, cyclorama, orchestra pit, limited-height/weight capacity fly-rail. 

ALT also sponsors paid internship programs at the high-school, college, and technical school level. The theatre sponsors a very active Theatre Education program for ages 5 to Adult, including classes, summer camps, and educational performances. The mainstage is also available for selected rental events of short duration, and the 300+ car parking lot is occasionally rented to film-production events. Albuquerque is in the top 5 most-productive film industry hubs in the US, boasting film-production campuses owned by Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Paramount. 

Position Summary: 

ALT seeks a highly skilled and collaborative Technical Director (TD) to oversee all technical aspects of our live theatre productions and facility operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Technical Director will be a key member of the production team, responsible for ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective execution of scenic, lighting, sound, video, and rigging designs. The TD will manage and mentor technical staff, coordinate with designers and other production departments, and maintain the theatre's technical assets. 

Responsibilities: 

1. Production Management & Technical Direction: 

○ Serve as the technical lead for all theatre productions, from initial planning meetings through load-in, technical rehearsals, performances, and strike. 

○ Collaborate with scenic, lighting, sound, projection, and costume designers to determine the technical feasibility of their designs and offer creative problem-solving solutions. 

○ Generate working drawings, technical specifications, and material lists for scenic elements. 

○ Develop and manage production schedules and budgets related to technical elements, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget. 

○ Oversee and participate in the construction, rigging, and installation of scenic elements. 

○ Develop and implement rigging plans for scenery, lighting, and sound equipment. 

○ Supervise and coordinate load-in, set-up, changeovers, and strike of all technical elements. 

○ Ensure the safe operation of all technical systems and adherence to all safety regulations. 

○ Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, and performances as required. 

○ Troubleshoot technical issues that arise during rehearsals and performances. 

2.Production Capability Upgrades:

○ Advise ED on use and acquisition of digital projection equipment 

○ Advise on production filming of public-domain plays for archival/streaming use. 

○ Advise on upgrade of fly system 

○ Advise on expansion of costume storage lofts 

3.Staff Supervision & Training: 

○ Supervise and mentor the Assistant Technical Director (if applicable), carpenters, electricians, sound technicians, and hired crew. 

○ Develop and implement training programs for technical staff and volunteers on equipment operation, maintenance, and safety procedures. 

○ Create and manage work schedules for technical personnel. 

○ Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful working environment within the technical departments. 

4. Facility Maintenance & Management: 

○ Oversee the maintenance, repair, and inventory of all theatrical equipment, including lighting fixtures, sound systems, rigging hardware, and stage machinery. 

○ Develop and implement preventative maintenance schedules for all technical systems. 

○ Manage the scene shop and other technical spaces, ensuring they are safe, organized, and well-equipped. 

○ Coordinate with the Facilities Manager and Operations staff on facility-related technical needs and upgrades. 

○ Ensure compliance with all relevant building codes and safety regulations. 

5. Budgeting & Purchasing: 

○ Develop and manage annual budgets for the technical departments. 

○ Research and purchase necessary equipment, materials, and supplies, adhering to company purchasing policies. 

○ Obtain bids from and manage relationships with external vendors and rental houses. 

○ Track and reconcile expenditures related to technical production and facility maintenance. 

6. Communication & Collaboration: 

○ Maintain clear and effective communication with all members of the artistic, production, and administrative teams. 

○ Serve as the primary technical liaison for guest designers and visiting production companies. 

○ Participate in long-range planning for the theatre's technical needs and capital improvements. 

Qualifications: 

● Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Stage Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience. 

● Minimum of 3 (and preferably 5) years of progressive experience in technical theatre, with demonstrated experience as a Technical Director or in a senior technical role. 

● Extensive knowledge of all aspects of technical theatre, including scenic construction, rigging (both counterweight and motorized systems), lighting, sound, video, and stage management practices. 

● Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical drawings, including ground plans, sections, and elevations. 

● Strong skills in drafting software such as AutoCAD or Vectorworks. 

● Working knowledge of theatrical lighting consoles sound consoles and video systems. 

● Excellent carpentry, welding (preferred), and rigging skills. 

● Demonstrated experience in managing and supervising technical crews, both paid and volunteer. 

● Strong organizational, communication (written and verbal), problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. 

● Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. 

● Thorough understanding of and commitment to workplace safety practices. 

● Ability to lift and move heavy objects (up to 50+ pounds) and work at heights. 

● Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours as required by production schedules. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

● Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) certification in rigging or electrical. 

● Experience with automation systems. 

● Knowledge of theatrical budgeting and cost control. 

● Experience working in a non-profit theatre environment. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

● Salary commensurate with experience. $55,000-63,000 . 

● Benefits package including state-sponsored health insurance, paid time off. 

To Apply: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and list of professional references to TDsearch@abqliltheatre.org or mail to Attn: TD Search, Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale Ave SW, Albuquerque, NM 87104. 

Application Deadline: July 1, 2025 

Albuquerque Little Theatre is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusion in its staff, artists, and audiences. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. 

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