DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS SEEKS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
Davidson Community Players (DCP) seeks a Technical Director to complement its production teams for six Main Stage and three youth shows each season with sporadic special events.
ABOUT DCP
Now in its fifty-seventh season, Davidson Community Players is a non-profit organization established to produce theatre that entertains, enriches, and encourages community participation in the dramatic arts. DCP operates a youth division for productions and education called The Connie Company. Both organizations have a long-standing record of providing creative, authentic and affordable opportunities for both children and adults. Each year nearly 15,000 patrons attend our Main Stage and youth productions.
ABOUT THE POSITION
DCP seeks to hire a Technical Director. This position will report to the Executive Director and work closely with the Artistic Director and visiting directors. DCP produces shows at two venues: the 108 seat Armour Street Theater in Davidson, NC and the 525 seat Duke Family Performance Hall at Davidson College. The duties of the TD will vary based on the venue. For all shows the TD will:
● Build and load in the set for each production;
● Strike the set and load out immediately upon the conclusion of each production
● Plan the construction, purchase supplies and work within budget constraints for each show;
● Coordinate scheduling of and supervise shop volunteers;
● Maintain a clean safe and secure working environment;
● In conjunction with artists and/or production representatives, read contract and drawing or stage depiction to ascertain needs for the production; determine feasibility and make arrangements for special staging, rental equipment, and special effects;
● Approve set and lighting designs with regard to safety, compatibility and scheduling considerations;
● Responsible for the safety of all special effects, including rigging and pyrotechnics;
● Maintain inventory and order specialized supplies while supervising and maintaining the scene shop;
● Attend and assist with technical rehearsals of all productions;
● File all necessary invoices and receipts in a timely manner;
● Periodically perform safety checks on equipment and facilities ensuring that safety guidelines are met.
For shows at the Armour Street Theater, duties include
● Consult with the director to assist in the set design;
● Assist in lighting and sound design as needed;
● Conduct light focus and programming of lights as needed;
General responsibilities also include:
● Maintain and organize the scene shop;
● Maintain irregular and flexible hours and occasionally extended working hours including weekends and evenings, depending on production needs;
● Supervise two summer technical theatre interns;
● Monitor the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arrange for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; perform preventive maintenance on shop and theatre equipment;
● Be capable of lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 100 pounds using appropriate tools;
● Attend regular weekly staff meetings
The Technical Director (TD) works with a great deal of independence and exercises independent judgment in performing a wide variety of duties. Close supervision is not normally required nor expected.
Compensation is competitive based on the expected hours to be worked. A modest Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) is available to assist with health care costs. Salary is $35k – $40 k depending on experience.
Qualifications
The qualified applicant will have at least two years of experience working in a scenic shop with previous experience as a Technical Director or Master Carpenter preferred. A degree in theater or related area of study is also preferred. Own transportation and driver’s license is required. Ownership of or use of a pick-up truck or similar vehicle for transporting equipment and small set pieces is a plus. Comfort with heights (e.g. ladders, suspended grids, catwalks, etc.) needed. Understanding of all aspects involved in technical theatre, including lighting, rigging, and sound is necessary. Lighting and set design experience is desired. Stage painting experience is also preferred.
Candidates are required to have mechanical skills in the use of hand and power tools, be able to read and understand ground plans, design sketches, blueprints, construction plans, and be able to produce working drawings. Design opportunities may be available. Opportunities may exist to earn additional income.
To apply, please send a letter of interest and resume including a list of references to Executive Director Matt Merrell at [email protected] Applications accepted through December 5, 2022. No phone calls please.
DAVIDSON COMMUNITY PLAYERS SEEKS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Davidson Community Players (DCP), a fifty-seven year old theater company producing shows in the beautiful Town of Davidson, seeks an energetic and talented Artistic Director to lead the artistic vision of the company. DCP produces six Main Stage and three youth shows each year with several special projects interspersed throughout the season. DCP has a robust and popular youth program led by an Education Director who works closely with the Artistic Director towards implementing our mission of producing entertainment and education to enrich the community
The Artistic Director is responsible for conceiving, developing, and implementing the artistic vision and focus of Davidson Community Players, and for making and participating in major decisions about the ongoing development of the aesthetic values and activities of DCP.
The position of Artistic Director is a twelve-month position compensated as a part-time appointment. Frequent evenings and weekends are required depending on the production schedule. The job requires significant flexibility to ensure that DCP’s artistic programs achieve the highest quality. Responsibilities include:
· Hires, supervises and evaluates artistic personnel including directors, production staff, designers, and stage managers;
· Supervises and evaluates key technical personnel, including technical director;
· Develops, implements, and evaluates artistic programs for the year;
· Manages rehearsal calendars for all DCP venues and shows;
· Works with the Technical Director to recruit and train volunteers for work calls and stage crew;
· Directs two productions per season at least one of which is a Main Stage production
· Manages season play selection process working well in advance of grant cycles;
· In consultation with executive director, develops annual program budget;
· Collaborates with the Education Director striving to implement an artistic vision for the educational programs, devising an appropriate budget for these programs, and assists in the development of strategies to grow and improve these programs;
· Reports to the Board of Directors on a periodic basis to give an update on artistic activity;
· Supervises the maintenance of written procedures manual for technical and production staff;
· Seeks to develop new artistic programs consistent with the organizational mission;
· Meets regularly with the Executive Director to share information, strategize about programs, and offer counsel to the ED on the management of the company;
· Assists with marketing and ambassadorship to develop audiences working with the marketing coordinator to best explain how the production’s themes both fit with and challenge DCP’s established brand. For each production, the artistic director seeks to offer the marketing coordinator with interesting background and original materials to use in press releases and advertising campaigns.
· Acts as a spokesperson for the organization’s artistic purpose via speaking engagements, public and social appearances, and, as requested, at fundraising events and solicitations;
· Fosters the development of good relations with other cultural organizations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate;
· Manages several special artistic projects each year
· Additional tasks and responsibilities as needed
Skills and Qualificiations Sought:
1. A bachelor’s degree in an arts-related field or extensive experience in the arts community
2. Extensive directing experience
3. Creative and collaborative leadership skills.
4. Effective problem-solver
5. Ability to motivate and unite a team of artists.
6. Ability to recruit, motivate, and inspire volunteers
7. An advocate for the arts.
8. A strong team player.
9. A willingness to wear many hats and take on many roles in a small organization.
10. A friendly, fun and supportive attitude.
The position is compensated at a competitive rate for the market. A modest Health Savings Account benefit is available as is a generous leave policy. Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected] No phone calls please.
Davidson Community Players Seeks Directors, Designers, and Teaching Artists
Since 1965, Davidson Community Players has produced high quality theatre for the Lake Norman and Charlotte community. DCP is seeking directors, set designers, costumers and stage managers for its 2023 season. Teaching artists for youth actors are also needed for the spring class and summer camp sessions of our youth programs.
All positions are compensated at a varying rate dependent on the project. We encourage all who are interested to send in a cover letter and resume to Matt Merrell, Executive Director at [email protected]. No calls please.
Davidson Community Players is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Our goal is to be a diverse workplace where we provide an environment of mutual respect with opportunities for applicants from diverse cultures, perspectives and experiences. Hence, artists of all races, ethnicities and nationalities are encouraged to apply.
