Technical Director for Theatre Arts
Position Category: Staff (Exempt)
FLSA: Exempt
FTE: .83
Location: Thousand Oaks
University Background:
The mission of California Lutheran University is to educate leaders for a global society who are strong in character and judgment, confident in their identity and vocation, and committed to service and justice. Founded in 1959 in beautiful Ventura County, the university has an enrollment of about 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students who come from across the nation and around the world from a diversity of backgrounds, cultures and faiths. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, Cal Lutheran is looking for candidates with a dedication to and success in working in diverse communities. The university is committed to an inclusive learning and work environment that values individual differences and respects each person's dignity.
Basic Function:
Reporting administratively to the Associate Dean of the Creative Arts and working in partnership with the Chair of the Theatre Department, the Technical Director (TD) oversees the technical operations of the Black Box Theatre, the Preus-Brandt Forum Theatre, and other performance venues as needed to support theatrical productions.
Representative Duties:
- Be responsible for transforming the proposed scenic, lighting, prop, sound, and media designs into technical communications that align with the space and budget while taking the process through to completion.
- Ensure a safe working/acting space for everyone involved, in the shops, storage spaces, and theatrical venues.
- Be responsible for planning and supervising technical production activities and personnel in the Black Box Theatre, and Preus-Brandt Forum.
- Identify and coordinate any accommodations or modifications as required to maintain budget and safety considerations, and suggest alternatives as needed.
- Work with Production Manager and/or Dept. Chair to develop and build a load-in schedule that ensures a completed set, lighting and sound systems are in place and functioning by first technical rehearsal.
- Maintain updated technical drawings, designer information packets, and space protocols for all CLU venues.
- Manage production areas in scenery, paint, lighting, sound, and properties.
- Support and mentor student designers throughout the season.
- Provide feedback and consultation to the Theatre and Dance Department Chair when they hire and supervise student workers.
- Design 1-2 shows per semester in an area of interest/experience. Ideally Scenic Design and/or Lighting Design
- Work Period: This position is scheduled to work from Monday, August 3, 2026, through Wednesday, June 2, 2027, consistent with the academic-year production schedule. The specific work period will be adjusted annually to align with the production calendar.
Knowledge Of:
- CAD (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and SketchUp), QLab, digital/online performance
- OSHA regulations for theater and building safety, including but not limited to three-phase power distribution, safety inspections, and rigging.
Ability To:
- Train and work with undergraduate student crews and student staff.
- Be committed to the ideas of a liberal arts education and theater as a component of a multi- focused student body.
- Proficiently read and execute scenic, lighting, sound, media, and prop designs (plots, drafting, paperwork, samples, research, file conversations, etc..)
- Oversee the planning, engineering, construction, installation, strike, and storage of all scenic, lighting, prop, sound, and media elements for all productions, special events, and other department projects.
- Work in fast-paced environments.
Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination equivalent to: a bachelor degree and three years of experience working in multiple theatre spaces within a professional and/or academic setting.
Preferred Qualifications:
An MFA in Theatrical Technical Direction
Licenses and Other Requirements:
N.A.
Physical Abilities:
Detect to understand appropriate written correspondence; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer; communicate to exchange information in person, in writing, on the telephone and by email; stationary position for extended periods of time; lift and move scenery exceeding 70lbs; be able to work at heights
Working Environment:
Outdoor and indoor work environment; may work at heights; fast pace and multi-task.
Hiring Range $74,000 - $79,000
Posting Number: Staff005392022
Open Date: 07/09/2026
Close Date: 7/26/2026
Application Procedure/Special Instructions
To apply, visit https://careers.callutheran.edu/postings/13386
*California Lutheran University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment for all persons, regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable law. No person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program, activity or facility of the University on the basis of these factors in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, ordinances, orders and rules, and University's policies, procedures, and processes.
Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process can be provided to individuals with qualifying disabilities. Please contact the Human Resources Department for further information or to request an accommodation.*
