Technical Theater Director
THE POSITION
The Park School theater program has a long history of student-centered and student-led participation in the design and execution of all technical aspects of school productions. Park seeks a progressive arts educator with expertise in technical theater to develop, oversee, and teach in its Middle and Upper School theater design program and provide support to Lower School and community-wide event programming, as needed. The primary purpose of the technical theater program is curricular, namely the teaching of all aspects of theater design and production to students in Grades 6-12.
Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.
We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.
We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world.
The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, coeducational day school of 845 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Pedagogy and Programming: Technical Theater Design and Direction
- Teach theater design and production classes to Middle and Upper School students in Grades 6-12
- Direct all aspects of technical theater as they relate to Park arts productions and events
- Train, direct, and supervise student stage crews and technical theater-based extracurricular groups
Production Management
- Design, oversee, coordinate and execute production design elements, in collaboration with event director(s), including but not limited to, lighting, projection, sound, set, and scenery for performing arts productions
- Engage and contract with outside designers when necessary
- Recruit, train, instruct, and supervise all adult and student technical crews (scenery, lighting, sound, properties, rigging, running) and stage managers
- Supervise and run all technical rehearsals and shows; load-in and strike all shows
- Oversee budgets and execution of director’s artistic vision for arts productions
- Recommend items for capital expenses and securing equipment and technical upgrades in the theater and other campus arts facilities as technologies evolve
Theater Management
- Ensure the safe and smooth operation of the performing arts spaces, on a general and production-specific basis (300-seat Meyerhoff Theater, 100-seat Macks Fidler Black Box Theater, scene shop, costume and props rooms/storage, and dance studio)
- Conduct regular safety inspections of all installed and movable elements, and arrange repairs when necessary, in these spaces
- Oversee the long-term safety, planning, and upgrading of the existing facility
- Oversee and maintain the theaters, associated spaces, and all associated technical equipment in top working condition to support scheduled activities
- Deploy performance equipment (scenery, rigging, lighting, and sound) in readiness for events and activities
- Survey non-performance equipment and fittings of facilities and coordinate maintenance of these with the Director of Facilities
- Develop and monitor budget for operations and equipment, including any necessary repairs of equipment, of theaters, and associated spaces (lighting, sound, and projection equipment)
- Provide technical support for school events, as needed
- Schedule the theater’s use throughout the year; serve as a community-wide liaison and representative of the theater to a variety of constituencies
KEY QUALIFICATIONS
- Theatrical design experience is required, as is demonstration of successful artistry
- Professional or undergraduate/graduate-level training in all aspects of technical theater
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required, master’s degree preferred
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills; should be a proactive “team player” with excellent interpersonal skills
- Extensive knowledge of technical theater, theater equipment, and best practices
- Extensive knowledge of electrical distribution and safe practices
- Set construction experience
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with students in Grades 6-12 and familiarity and comfort with working with elementary age students
- Experience or aptitude for scheduling and “gate-keeping” facilities that are very much in demand
- Videography and video and sound editing expertise
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Park salaries and benefits are highly competitive with those in other leading independent schools. For new appointments, salaries reflect experience and training equated to Park’s scales.
In addition to normal retirement and health benefits, the school offers the following distinctive programs:
- Faculty and Curricular Advancement (FACA) Program: This program supports summer professional work by faculty on a distinctive scale. Established in 1989, FACA is supported by a $5.6 million endowment; currently, over 40% of all Park faculty participate in projects annually. Grants cover full salary and benefits for group or individual projects selected through a formal review process. Most grants are for four weeks; some are for shorter periods.
- Tuition Remission: Under current policy, faculty and staff who have been employed at Park full-time for two years are eligible to receive full tuition remission for their children who attend Park. All candidates, including faculty children, must meet Park’s standards for admission. (During the first two years of employment, faculty may apply for aid through the need-based financial assistance program.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Due to the large volume of incoming résumés, we cannot accept phone calls. Send a letter of interest, personal statement, and résumé. Please indicate whether you plan to attend any national recruitment forums. Please also indicate whether there are any special circumstances that will affect the timing of your search, availability for interviews, and decisions for the coming year.
CONTACT
Priscilla Morales, Associate Head of School
The Park School
2425 Old Court Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
academicresources@parkschool.net
The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee’s duties.
COVID-19
Please note: Park School currently requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination, subject to legally required exemptions, as a condition of employment.