ABOUT THE JOB:

HPA is seeking a GPAC Technical Director to support the technical side of our performing arts program and oversee the operations of the Gates Performing Arts Center (GPAC). This role blends teaching (0.4 FTE) with theater management (0.6 FTE) and offers the opportunity to mentor Upper School students while supporting performances and events across the K–12 program.

The GPAC Technical Director will teach technical theater courses for Upper School students while guiding student crews through the design and production process. In addition, the role oversees the day-to-day operations of the theater, ensuring that productions, assemblies, and community events run smoothly. This position plays an important part in helping students develop hands-on skills in stagecraft, construction, lighting, sound, and production safety.

At HPA, the performing arts are a vital part of our school culture. We are looking for a collaborator who enjoys mentoring students and maintaining a professional performance space that supports both student productions and community gatherings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Instruction

• Teach two Upper School courses focused on technical theater, including areas such as stagecraft, lighting, sound, and set design with a primary focus on set design and woodworking/woodshop construction.

• Provide hands-on instruction in carpentry, scenic construction, and safe tool use, with a strong preference for expertise in woodworking and shop-based construction
  Mentor students in the design and construction process while supporting different learning styles and creative approaches

Co-curricular Leadership

• Lead the student technical crew during afternoon co-curricular programming

• Foster teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of belonging as students work together on productions

Production Management

• Oversee the technical realization of HPA K–12 performances

• Guide students through set construction, rigging, and production preparation

• Support major productions such as musicals, plays, showcases, and May Day celebrations

Venue & Budget Oversight

• Manage the GPAC calendar and serve as a primary point of contact for school events and community partners using the facility

• Manage the GPAC theater and classroom budgets, ensuring resources are used responsibly and equipment is maintained for long-term use

Facility and Equipment Management & Safety Coordination

• Maintain the theater, stage, and woodshop to ensure a safe, organized, and productive environment

• Oversee the care, maintenance, and procurement of lighting, sound, staging, and shop equipment

• Implement and model industry-standard safety practices in the theater and shop

• Teach students proper use of tools and equipment and promote a culture of safety and respect for the craft

Event Support

• Provide technical direction for assemblies, lectures, concerts, and other campus events

• Coordinate staffing and technical support for productions and community gatherings

Collaboration

• Work closely with the K–12 Arts Department and other school programs to support performances, productions, and cultural events across campus

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Technical Production, or a related field

• Strong technical skills in theatrical lighting, sound reinforcement, and carpentry/scenic construction

• Passion for working with and mentoring students in a hands-on learning environment

• OSHA certification, or willingness to obtain certification upon hire

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple productions and event schedules

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds, work at heights, and operate shop tools and machinery safely

• Familiarity with lighting or sound consoles (such as ETC or Yamaha) and standard productivity software

• Commitment to supporting HPA’s mission and fostering a community that values culture, belonging, and respect for place in Hawai'i

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in scenic, lighting, or sound design for musical theater productions

• Experience with drafting or CAD software such as Vectorworks

• Previous experience managing a theater venue or performing arts facility

• Master’s degree (MFA or MA) in Technical Direction, Theater Education, or a related field

About Hawaii Preparatory Academy

Hawai`i Preparatory Academy, founded in 1949, is an independent coeducational school providing a full range of opportunities for students from kindergarten through grade 12. Our boarding program admits students in grades 9 through 12. The school has two campuses in the town of Waimea (Kamuela) on the island of Hawai`i. The Lower and Middle Schools are located on nine acres in the heart of Hawai`i's ranching country, while the Upper School is located just two miles away on a 200-acre campus at the foot of the Kohala Mountains.

Connections working at Hawaii Preparatory Academy