Technical Director - Design
CATEGORY: Design
Interlochen Center for the Arts
Interlochen, MI
US
CONTACT NAME
Jan Sickle-Witte
Job Details
DESCRIPTION
Interlochen is where artists and educators come together to shape the future of the arts. We honor our legacy of innovation, offering a place where creativity thrives and individuals are empowered to explore their potential. Whether working independently or collaboratively, our community is built on passion and purpose, ensuring that everyone’s unique talents contribute to a greater artistic vision. We invite you to join us and help cultivate a world where artistry and education lead to lifelong growth and impact.
Position Summary: The Technical Director - Design is responsible for the design and execution of scenery for Theater and Dance productions, as well as supporting other arts divisions as needed. This position designs scenic elements for assigned productions and establishes and maintains production schedules and deadlines. The Technical Director - Design works with the full-time scenic designer to ensure that all scenic design processes are carried out efficiently and in alignment with established production schedules and deadlines, and collaborates closely with directors, choreographers, and production staff to support a smooth and cohesive production process.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Work in collaboration with the Technical Director - Administrative to ensure the design and build process is efficiently run and executed at a high level.
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Designs at least 4 productions a year
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Works with division directors on production schedules and deadlines and runs all production meetings.
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Works with the full-time scenic designer to ensure the design process happens effectively
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Responsible for building alongside the technical director - operations and carpenter.
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Comfortable in a steel workshop.
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Helps oversee the maintenance of all shop tools and equipment.
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Seeks the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.
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Potential to run crew when needed.
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Complies with ICA policies/procedures and acts as a good steward of ICA finances.
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Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all students, their families and the community.
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Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.
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Performs other duties as assigned.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily in a standard scene shop and theatrical venue environment with extensive internal and external stakeholder contact.
Skills and Abilities:
Education: Bachelor’s degree in technical theatre or related program required. MFA in theatre design and technology or equivalent experience is preferred.
Experience: Seeking professional level experience. Experience working in a Performing Arts Center, Professional Theatre or academic arts environment is required.
Equipment Familiarity: Experience with all scene shop related equipment: power tools, hand tools, mig/tig welder, Autocad/Vectorworks, Adobe Suite with an emphasis on Photoshop/ Illustrator/After Effects, 3D-Printing, CNC router, Vacuforming
Certifications, Licenses or Special Training:
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Must meet and maintain background screening requirements as detailed in policy 12.HR.01 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.
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Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets the eligibility requirements of ICA’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Ability to multitask, working on several productions at one time.
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Ability to work in a collaborative, group work environment.
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Ability to follow and execute specific verbal and written instructions.
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Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
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Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.
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Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual, and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.
For a complete job description and to apply, go to https://www.interlochen.org/year-round-careers
Application Materials:
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Cover Letter
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Resume
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Portfolio or link to sample work
Benefits Package:
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Health, dental, and vision insurance
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Vacation, Sick, Holiday and generous winter holiday time off
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Life insurance
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Voluntary life insurance
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Short and long-term disability
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Employee development & tuition reimbursement programs
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Defined contribution 401(a) plan, managed by TIAA
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Free or discounted employee tickets to Interlochen performances and events *some exceptions apply
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Early event ticket purchase before general public sales begin
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Free Stone Cafeteria meal on shift
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Dennison Recreation Center accessibility (includes spouses)
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Priority access to Interlochen employees at Pitter Patter Day Care Center (less than one mile from campus)
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Employee Referral Program (cash payments)
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Tuition discounts for employee’s children at Academy, Camp and Interlochen Online
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Parental leave (12 weeks paid for Pregnancy/Maternity/Childbirth leave, 6 weeks paid for Parental leave).
DURATION
Jun 1, 2026 -
SALARY
$65,000.00 – $65,000.00 per hour