Hopkins School, a 364 year-old independent school for 715 students in grades 7-12 located in New Haven, CT seeks to fill a new full-time position – Theater Technical Director & Scene Shop Manager – to support the operation of a new, 350-seat theater opening in late 2024. Reporting to the Chair of the Arts Department, this faculty position is responsible for managing the systems (lights, sound, rigging, projection, digital displays, storage) that support events primarily within the Performing Arts program, including working with students on the design and construction of theater sets and scenery as well as lighting design. This position is also responsible for scheduling and coordinating other mainstage events in the Academic and Performing Arts Center and for collaborating with the Director of Facilities, as time allows, to resolve issues related to the new facility’s infrastructure. Hours are somewhat flexible but largely structured around the Hopkins performing arts calendar. Preferred start date: December 1, 2024.

Major Functions and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the technical operations of the Academic and Performing Arts Center (APAC) for theater productions, school concerts, outside rentals, and other school events
• Supervises the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment and the use and maintenance of stage facilities
• Designs, sets up, maintains, and operates lighting and sound systems for theater, music, and other productions and projects including assisting guest designers with technical matters. Designs and constructs sets for five in-house theater productions annually, supports music performances in their use of the space, and engages students in the process of set design
• Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within established budgets; performs preventative maintenance on equipment
• Attends technical rehearsals in order to supervise and assist in the technical aspects of the show
• Supervises student theater production workers and ensures compliance with safety standards.
• Coordinates load-ins and strikes for all theater events; manages production build schedules and ensures all scenic elements are completed in a timely manner and within budget. 
• Participates in all production meetings and is present on-site for all school productions and events in the theater. 
• Implements and maintains best practices in the use and maintenance of theater equipment and facilities.
• Oversees set-up, organization, and management of scene shop and sound/lighting booth, including purchasing supplies and materials needed for productions.
• Serves as a member of the weekly Events Logistics Committee (ELC) to ensure strategic and cohesive planning and programming throughout the calendar year.
• Facilitates the use of the technical facilities by Hopkins staff/students and others engaged in renting the facility, including training staff and students in the use of the facilities.
• Assists the IT and Marketing & Communications departments with recording and live streaming of school events in the APAC.
• Teaches technical theater classes and serves as an adviser.

Experience, Characteristics, Qualities:

• Bachelors in Technical Theater, Technology or equivalent experience; master’s degree in Technical Theatre Production is preferred.
• Experience working in college or secondary schools is preferred.
• Experience with construction, set design, running and programming light and sound boards, basic sound set up and live mixing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of various groups including team members, members of other departments, and outside vendors.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the need for technical support for events and performances.
• Must have good oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to act with integrity and professionalism.
• Strong candidates will have proficiency with QLab, Elements 2 lighting system, CAD Design or similar software for scenic design, Google Apps (Google Drive, Calendar, Docs, Sheets, etc.), Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.).
• Strong technical abilities and a vision for set design, lighting design, and theatrical production; experience with sound design is a plus. 
• Passion for working with students from 7th to 12th grade, including both teaching and mentoring student designers. 
• Physical requirements include lifting, balancing, crouching, climbing, and working from great heights.

Interested candidates should email resume and cover letter to: 

Geoffrey Nelson

Dean of Faculty, Hopkins School

AcademicOpening@hopkins.edu

Hopkins School believes that all persons are entitled to equal opportunity for employment and

strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, religion, national origin,

age, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, marital or civil union

status, sexual orientation and/or other protected classes. This policy applies to all terms and

conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination,

layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

About Hopkins School

Hopkins is a traditional, independent, gender-inclusive day school of 710 students in grades 7–12. Located on a 108-acre campus overlooking New Haven, the School takes pride in its distinguished faculty and a dedicated staff. We define ourselves as a community of civility and learning, one that educates students from diverse backgrounds to a full measure of their talents and humanity.

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