Technical director

Technical directors realise the artistic visions of the creators within technical constraints. They coordinate the operations of various production units, such as scene, wardrobe, sound and lighting, and make-up. They adapt the prototype and study the feasibility, implementation, operation and technical monitoring of the artistic project. They are also responsible for the stage equipment and technical equipment.

The following job titles also refer to technical director:

technical and operations director
head of technical
director of technical arts
head of technical department
technical supervisor
technical manager

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as technical director. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Technical director is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to technical director.

front of house manager
dramaturge
airside safety manager
stage director
art director

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of technical director. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of technical director with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of technical director.

Theatre techniques: Understand techniques that facilitate a successful presentation of a play.

These skills are necessary for the role of technical director.

Organise rehearsals: Manage, schedule and run rehearsals for the performance.
Write risk assessment on performing arts production: Assess risks, propose improvements and describe measures to be taken on a production level in performing arts.
Coordinate with creative departments: Coordinate activities with other artistic and creative departments.
Adapt to artists’ creative demands: Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.
Negotiate health and safety issues with third parties: Consult, negotiate and agree on potential risks, measures and safety procedures with third parties.
Promote health and safety: Promote the importance of a safe working environment. Coach and support staff to participate actively in the continuous development of a safe working environment.
Coordinate technical teams in artistic productions: Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of the technical teams such as scene, wardrobe, light and sound, make-up and hairdressing and props during set-up, rehearsals, performances and dismantling.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of technical director. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of technical director. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

2166 – Graphic and multimedia designers

 

 

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References

1. Technical director – ESCO