Technical Director | Full-Time | Palm Springs Plaza Theatre

Oak View Group

Oak View Group is the global leader in venue development, management, and premium hospitality services for the live event industry. Offering an unmatched, 360-degree solution set for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster that includes the most influential, highest attended arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions on the planet.

Position Summary

The Technical Director is primarily responsible for supervision and implementation of all production elements (lighting, sound, set design and construction, etc.) of all productions. The Technical Director ensures safe-working practices, provides minimal production management for the use of the theatre spaces by outside groups and facilitates repair and maintenance of the theatre resources and equipment. Key to this is a strong work ethic centered on excellent organizational skills and the ability to develop and maintain positive, collaborative relationships and communications with all artistic parties (designers, actors, promoters, etc.) as well as administrative staff, board members, and volunteers.

This position reports to the General Manager of the Plaza Theatre.

This role pays an annual salary of $90,000-$100,000 and is bonus eligible

Benefits for Full-Time roles: Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, 401(k) Savings Plan, 401(k) matching, and Paid Time Off (vacation days, sick days, and 11 holidays)

This position will remain open until October 3, 2025.

About the Venue

Coming in 2025; once restored, the Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will be the only place available for the entire community to come together and utilize it as an affordable community venue showcasing diverse programming for all people, local youth organizations, promoting multicultural programming in film, music, live theater, education, comedy, and entertainment for all. It will also support and serve nonprofit organizations like the Palm Springs International Film Festival, ONE-PS, the Jessie O. James Desert Highland Unity Center, LGBTQ+ organizations, Arts groups, modernism-related events, our senior population, and many others.The Plaza Theatre has an impressive role in the history of Palm Springs. The theatre’s iconic identity was established on its opening to the public in 1936 with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning George Cukor film, Camille, with its legendary star, Greta Garbo, who allegedly slipped into the back of the theatre after the lights went down. In addition to being a movie theatre, it was also the venue for nationally-broadcast radio theatre programs by such luminaries as Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny, and Amos ‘n’ Andy.

Our Mission is to cooperatively work with other institutions and build a sense of cultural community, purpose and creative inspiration for the patrons, both local and tourists in concert with our historical heritage for our Greater Palm Springs Coachella Valley. 

Responsibilities

• Oversees and implements the theatre’s production elements
  • Determines the necessary technical supports, such as lighting, sound, staging, and special needs, necessary for events and performances in advance of production dates
• Advises General Manager on the technical specifications, costs and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show
• Designs, supervises and assists with set and stage construction and management
• Reads and interpret blueprints, drawings and plots, supplementing design work as needed
• Designs, sets up, maintains and operates sound, lighting, stage and other technical equipment and systems
• Ensures smooth operation of the technical aspects of all productions
• Oversees board operation during performances
• Assists with the preparation of and manage technical operation budgets; maintain inventory and order specialized supplies
• Purchases, leases equipment as needed, within specified budgetary limits
• Makes recommendations to the General Manager regarding capital purchases of technical equipment
  • Ensures that invoices for payment and/or receipts for disbursement, with respect to authorized expenditures, are promptly submitted being proficient and efficient with all expenditures made within the budget
  • Monitors the condition of equipment including lighting, sound, and rigging equipment; arranges for the repair and replacement within budgetary constraints; performs preventive maintenance on equipment
• Maintains current knowledge of all equipment and supervises training on all equipment
• Helps recruit, manage and retain stagehands and show personnel
• Develops, implements and monitors policies to ensure a safe work environment in the backstage and stage areas
• Attends required production meetings
• Serves as Building Supervisor after normal hours of operation, or during assigned productions and rental events
  • In conjunction with the General Manager, develops the yearlong production calendar detailing all rehearsals, materials acquisition, set build, tech, strike and all other related production tasks
• Oversees management of all load-in/load-out for events
• Develops and maintains relationships with local designers, builders, & colleges with technical training programs
• Provides an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment
• Oversees maintenance requirements for theatre and coordinates with City on shared maintenance responsibilities
• Stays abreast of new technology and software relative to lighting and audio engineering
• Additional duties as assigned by the General Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters Degree Preferred In Theatre, Show Production or Entertainment
• 7+ Years in Entertainment Leadership Level Positions, Theatre Show Production/Management/Venue Operations
• Ability and knowledge (including familiarity with ADA and OSHA compliance)
• Handle multiple, simultaneous tasks in a timely manner and within assigned budget
• Collaborative attitude and solution oriented
• Heavy-lifting abilities
• Competent, working knowledge of theatrical equipment, design tools and software

Computer Skills:

Proficient in Microsoft Office platforms, accounting and budgeting software, as well as Adobe Creative Suite, and knowledge of Banquet Event Order (BEO) or other event management programs i.e. CAD

Strengthened by our Differences. United to Make a Difference

At OVG, we understand that to continue positively disrupting the sports and live entertainment industry, we need a diverse team to help us do it. We also believe that inclusivity drives innovation, strengthens our people, improves our service, and raises our excellence. Our success is rooted in creating environments that reflect and celebrate the diverse communities in which we operate and serve, and this is the reason we are committed to amplifying voices from all different backgrounds.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Oak View Group is committed to equal employment opportunity. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.