TECHNICAL DIRECTOR - Full Time

ABOUT THE COMPANY
Disability Dance Works, LLC, sometimes dba Kinetic Light, is a disability arts ensemble working at the nexus of disability and access, dance, and race through performance, technology, and design. Through innovative new artistic work, field-building initiatives, and educational programs, Kinetic Light promotes disability as a generative force and access as a creative aesthetic. Founded by Alice Sheppard in 2016, Kinetic Light is composed of disabled artists: Laurel Lawson, Michael Maag, and Sheppard. A roster of additional artists join us to contribute on a project by project basis. We work in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, and online, as well as touring around the country.

COMPANY CULTURE
As Kinetic Light moves into its first space, we are at the start of building our company homebase. We imagine a TD who will be a collaborator in the creative process of KL’s dynamic work, a builder of the space culture, as well as a contributor to company culture as a whole. Our diverse artists and staff hail from around the country. KL alternates between periods of in-person rehearsal 5 days a week “residency style” and periods of virtual administration and planning.

JOB SUMMARY
Kinetic Light creates and performs production intensive dance and film. From truss sets with automated performer hoists, to stage-filling sculptures, to portable set pieces, KL’s artists have found unique ways to move on ground and in the air. The Technical Director is responsible for operating, protecting and maintaining the company’s technical assets. They will manage and oversee the technical departments, including flight and rigging, scenic, lighting, costumes, props, sound, and effects.

 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
- The position requires superior communication and organizational skills and the ability to work as
a member of a team.
- The position requires leadership skills and the ability to direct others.
- Supervise all Production Team and overhire technicians.
- Ability to problem solve in a changing production environment and work with other departments to
create effective and timely solutions.
- Ability to attend to numerous projects concurrently; the ability to respond positively, effectively and
quickly to continually shifting priorities and needs.
- Advanced knowledge of VectorWorks and QLAB, proficiency in Lightwright, ETC eos, Google
Suite, Watchout, and Adobe Products.
- Collaborate with the Administrative and Production teams to prepare budget estimates, track
expenses, build schedules, oversee rental needs, etc.
- Advise company management, production management, producers and designers on feasibility,
costs, and equipment capabilities.
- Manage and maintain company storage and rehearsal facilities.
- Create/draft construction drawings for sets as needed.
- Routinely perform preventative maintenance on equipment and scenery.
- Schedule carpentry and paint crew in conjunction with Production Management

- Purchase new equipment and replace failing equipment as needed.
- Manage loading in and changing over technical elements for each production.
- Overseeing, assisting and leading crews for all departments throughout tech weeks and the
load-in/load-out process.
- Provide rigging knowledge and troubleshooting skills with the rigging company, flight director, lead
riggers and show flight team.
- Perform venue site visits, when asked, to ensure the show(s) will fit into the contracted spaces.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Make safety the first priority in all activities.
- Follow government, city, venue, and Kinetic Light’s COVID-19 safety protocols.
- Comply with all technical and house specific requirements of the venue.
- Adhere to and promote all Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as
they pertain to the safe operation of all elements related to the shows; participate in all required
health and safety classes and emergency rescue procedure training.

QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with aerial performance and rigging is necessary
- Drivers license and clean driving record required. Ability to drive trucks up 20’+ a plus.
- Experience as a Technical Director for a touring dance company a plus
- Drafting and/or Welding skills a plus
- Must be able to travel when the company is on tour domestically and internationally
- Uptodate with COVID Vaccination, including boosters as eligible
- Based in New York City area preferred

START DATE
January 2, 2023

CONTRACT

Full time Position
- NOTE: Schedules will fluctuate between very busy and somewhat calm times throughout the year

SALARY
Starting at $65,000-70,000 and negotiable, commensurate with experience. Benefit options available.

To Apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hiring@kineticlight.org

Disabled people, BIPOC, SWANA, and LGBTQIA+ applicants are especially encouraged to apply.

Disability Dance Works LLC /d/b/a KINETIC LIGHT provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.