Performing Arts Technical Director

PERFORMING ARTS TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA.  This Academic Professional position is responsible for the year-round operations of Beeghly Theatre and Orr Auditorium.  The Technical Director also teaches two Theatre courses per year, typically related to stagecraft, and manages theatre design for two budgeted theatre productions per year.  A Master’s Degree or higher is strongly preferred.

The primary users of Beeghly and Orr are the School of Music, the School of Arts and Humanities, and the Celebrity Series.  The Technical Director coordinates with these programs, and others, to ensure smooth and professional operation within Beeghly and Orr.  The position reports to the Chair of Art and Theatre, who gathers feedback from the Chair of Music and the Director of Celebrity Series during the annual evaluation process. 

The Technical Director ensures that users conduct productions safely within the limits of equipment and structure; provides consultation to on-campus and off-campus programs on suitability of requested technical riders in contracts; and recommends and coordinates stage maintenance and improvement projects to the College’s Physical Plant. The Technical Director trains and supervises a team of student workers in such activities as the proper operation of dimmer control board, sound system, and rigging, and assures the safe and clean operation of productions.

Job requirements include experience with technical theatre; stage, set, sound, and lighting design and implementation; ability to operate the live-streaming equipment in Orr Auditorium for School of Music events; clear communication skills; reliability and willingness occasionally to work outside normal business hours; ability to understand and work within a budget; willingness and strength to handle large properties, with appropriate tools; ability to supervise student workers and work collegially with other professional staff; and the adaptability to thrive in an evolving work environment.

Westminster College is a nationally recognized liberal arts college, known for its collaborative environment, outstanding experiential learning programs, and focus on student success.  Related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster was founded in 1852 as the first college in the country to offer the same degrees to all people, regardless of gender, race, or religion.  Westminster has been ranked among the nation’s top schools for “Top Colleges Doing the Most for the American Dream” (NY Times), “best value for the money” (College Factual), employment success (Educate to Career Index), graduation rate performance (U.S. News), social mobility (Washington Monthly), women in STEM disciplines (Forbes), service-learning (President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll), and other categories.  Around 1,200 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from close personal attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors, 10 pre-professional programs and 80 organizations.  Westminster’s historic campus is located in New Wilmington, PA, a beautiful rural setting near Pittsburgh and Cleveland.  

Applications accepted until appointment is made. Email cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of at least three professional references to Dr. Daniel Perttu, Chair, School of Music, Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 16172-0001, perttude@westminster.edu. EOE   Westminster College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, enhancing learning through diversity and inclusion.