Technical Director

The Carson Center for The Performing Arts in Paducah Kentucky invites applications for a Technical Director. Reporting to the Executive Director and the Director of Operations & Production, the Technical Director (TD) will lead the planning and execution of technical production operations for Broadway tours, concerts, rentals, educational programming, and community events throughout The Carson Center. This position serves as a key liaison between artists, touring production staff, Carson Center personnel, and IATSE Local 421, ensuring productions are executed safely, efficiently, and according to established production requirements. Position Overview The Technical Director is a key member of The Carson Centers Staff, responsible for leading technical operations and ensuring the safe, efficient, and professional execution across the venue. This role requires advanced skill and hands-on experience in theatrical carpentry, rigging, and stage operations with a strong focus on crew leadership, client interaction, and safety compliance. Working closely with visiting productions, internal departments, and local crews, the Technical Director develops and oversee technical schedules that prioritize human relations, ensuring adequate rest periods between shifts and minimizing consecutive long-day cycles to maintain crew safety, work-life balance, and morale. The TD will act as a bridge to advocate for sustainable work hours. This position oversees technical logistics, verifies scenic and rigging integrity, and ensures all backstage operations reflect The Carson Center’s core values. Serves as lead in audio and electrical departments. Lead TD must demonstrate system level proficiency in theatrical power distribution and digital audio networking. The Technical Director will report directly to the Executive Director and work alongside the Director of Operations & Production. Primary Responsibilities Management of Event Production Staff: Fosters a team-based culture focused on respect, communication, inclusivity, and collaboration. Provide direct supervision, coaching, and performance management for Production Staff and local IATSE crews ensuring clarity of expectations and efficiency of workflow. Oversee production scheduling and workload distribution, maintaining balanced staffing across venue. Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins, mid-year check-ins, and annual evaluations to support staff growth and long-term retention. Address employee relations concerns in conjunction with Executive Director and Deputy Director. May serve as the primary point of contact for Broadway to show arrivals, ensuring local prep meets the rigorous demands of National Touring standards. Event and Client Coordination: Serve as the primary technical liaison for assigned events, coordinating schedules, technical logistics, equipment usage, and load-in/load-out operations. Prior to load-in, thoroughly review advance details and technical notes to create an actionable plan in conjunction with technical operations team and external clients. Provide real-time problem-solving during rehearsals and performances, maintaining calm, professional communication under pressure. Oversee preparation and restoration of spaces for all scheduled events. Carpentry, Rigging, & Stage Operations Lead and participate in scenic construction, stage builds, rigging installations, fly rail operation, soft goods, and automation elements as needed. Inspect and approve all flown elements, chain hoists, truss configurations, ground support systems, and scenic installation to ensure compliance with industry safety standards. Maintain constant, professional, and solution-focused communication with crew members, visiting productions, and internal departments. Support event-related department head responsibilities that may include stage management, lighting, audio, carpentry, or other areas of support as needed. Serve as a department lead in the audio and lighting departments as needed. Administration and Reporting Prepare accurate post-event billing including labor and equipment charges for settlement. Document pre and post event notes, maintenance logs, and incident reports. Attend organization-wide, departmental, and advance meetings as required. Respond to internal and external communications in a timely, professional manner. Prepare labor and production estimates for potential programming. Crew Supervision and Safety Communicate expectations clearly to all crew members at the start of each call, including safety priorities, workflow, and client-specific needs. Act as crew lead or steward, assign tasks to stagehands ensuring efficient workflow. Enforce The Carson Center’s safety protocols including fall protection, weight ratings, and emergency procedures. Coordinate with building security and local authorities in emergency response or audience evacuation situations. Facility & Equipment Management Primary manager of rigging and scenic maintenance projects year-round. Primary manager of backstage workspaces, technical systems, tools, and inventory. Proactively identify and complete repair or improvement projects. Assist with identifying long-term planning for technical equipment upgrades and capital improvements. The responsibilities listed above are not all inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned. Skills and Knowledge Required: Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience) in one of the following fields: Technical Theatre / Theatre Production Theatre Technology or Design Stage Lighting / Sound / Production Design Theatre Arts with technical concentration 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience of a multi personal technical staff. Experience managing union crews, and interpreting collective bargaining agreements, is required. Flexible full-time availability, including evening, weekend, and possible holiday hours. Demonstrated knowledge/ expertise in theatrical carpentry and rigging (minimum of 3 years of professional experience). Proven hands-on expertise in both theatrical audio systems and lighting/electrical systems, including system design, installation, operation, and troubleshooting. Knowledge of rigging hardware, load limits, bridles, truss, and fly systems. Daily email access. Consistent professional and neat presentation. Customer service experience. Ability to work well in a group. Ability to solve problems and remain calm in stressful situations. Clear, calm, communication. Leadership & authority without ego. Collaboration and artistic empathy. Emotional intelligence and conflict management. Organizational maturity & big-picture thinking. Teaching, mentorship, and staff development. Professional judgement and discretion. Adaptability & change management. Preferred: Experience in a Broadway touring house, regional theatre, or performing arts venue. ETCP or comparable rigging certifications (arena or theatre). Advanced knowledge of lighting, audio, or stage management. Forklift, aerial lift, or OSHA safety certifications. First Aid/CPR certified Software and Services Used: Microsoft Suite, Momentus Elite, ESI Frequent Functions and Working Conditions Standing and being stationary for long periods of time. Pushing/pulling. Ascending and Descending flights of stairs and ladders. Face to face contact. Working in the dark with loud noises and flashing lights. Basic math skills. Analysis, problem solving, and decision making. Lifting and moving equipment up to 50 lbs. Occasional Functions include: Bending and Stooping. Ability to work outside in all weather conditions including hot and cold temperatures. Working at a high elevation.

How To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to scrabtree@thecarsoncenter.org