Technical Director

Job Duties

The technical director (commonly called the “TD”) is a professional problem-solver employed by a theatre company to bring set, lighting, and sound designers’ ideas to life. The technical director leads a team of assistants, scenic artists, and technicians who construct, paint, rig, and execute designs for a production.

After receiving a design plot or rendering from the designer, the technical director will work with the production manager, designer, director and producers to determine the feasibility of the design, and how much it will cost to execute. This process begins several months before the beginning of rehearsals. In some cases, the technical director may need to suggest solutions when a given design cannot be executed in a venue. A simple example might be if a set-piece as designed won’t fit through a door, but a TD will also flag any design elements that might be unsafe or impossible for performers to use. Because their job is to identify and proactively fix any technical problems, the TD sometimes needs to have tough conversations with members of the artistic team regarding changes to their plans and designs.

Once the design is finalized, the technical director will deliver plans and drawings to their team, and coordinate and oversee the construction of the set and properties. They assist the team in solving any unexpected problems that might arise during the construction process, ensure that everything is completed on schedule, and keep an eye on the budget, communicating regularly with the production manager about any changes.

The technical director splits their time between the venue, the office and the scene shop. Although their role is primarily to coordinate and oversee, most technical directors will also do some construction and installation along with their team, and many are also designers. The technical director for a touring production will also be expected to travel with the company and work with the venue technicians to install set pieces, rig lighting, and sound equipment as per the design.

Terminology

• Backstage: The area of the theatre not accessible or visible to the audience.
• IATSE: The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, also called Local One, is the union for stage employees.
• OSHA: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Rendering: A detailed drawing, usually in color, of a technical design.