TITLE
Independent Contractor - CFTC Technical Director, 2021-2022 Season
GENERAL FUNCTION
The CFTC Technical Director manages the construction teams for theatre scenery, performs general maintenance and upkeep of shop machinery and tools, helps to plan and organize the construction projects, and instructs and supervises volunteers and students in the construction of theatre scenery. This position will work with the scenic designers of each production to develop construction plans, schedules and materials orders in accordance with the allocated production budgets.
CFTC anticipates this position to be less than 10 hours per week during off-season, with increased time commitments (up to 30 hours per week) during our shows
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: At least two years’ practical work experience in the technical preparation and construction of theatre scenery and stage units is required.
Required Skills: Supervisory skills and organization skills. Mechanical skills in the use of hand and power tools. The ability to read and understand floor plans, color renderings, electrical schematics, and advanced construction plans or blueprints is required. Strong oral and written communications skills, the ability to instruct on material relevant to technical production, as well as the ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
Effort: The ability to lift and carry materials weighing between 50 - 100 pounds on a daily basis is required. The position requires prolonged standing, frequent bending or stooping and climbing of steps and ladders. Occasionally may be required to work on stage grid at a height of 60 feet.
Other: The scope of the job may require working evenings and/or weekends, particularly prior to openings of theatre production presentations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Coursework at the collegiate level in Technical Theatre preferred, as well as safety certifications and training.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides a comprehensive learning experience for volunteers and students by instructing them in the technical aspects and safety procedures of theatre set construction, assigning tasks to student assistants and crews, supervising volunteers and students in the operation of various power tools such as power saws, table saws, and radial arm saws.
- Ensures the production of theatre scenery and sets on schedule by determining the kind and amount of materials required, the tools or equipment needed, the order and sequence involved in the fabrication of single items or complete units, and the time required to meet production deadlines.
- Produce quality theatre scenery and sets that complement and support theatre presentations by assisting the technical director, scenic designer and artistic director in the development of desired product. Directs the activities of the scenery shop by planning and organizing construction projects with the construction team for each production. At the end of the day, this position is responsible for the sets being built and loaded into the theatre for each production.
- Seeks the most artistically appropriate solution in the completion of the projects by utilizing industry-accepted practices and tolerances when working with such materials as wood, metal, plastics, and canvas.
- Promotes preventive maintenance as a strategy in maintaining hand and power tools by performing and directing the routine maintenance and cleaning of all tools and equipment in the scenery shop.
- Supports theatre presentations by assisting in the set up of stage units, directing the placement and rigging of scenery, and supervising the dismantling and storage of stage units following the production depending on the needs of each production’s construction team.
- Ensures an accident-free learning and work environment by enforcing safety rules and supervising volunteers and students when operating scenery shop tools and equipment.
- Ensures the efficient daily operation of the theatre scenery shop by maintaining a sufficient inventory of supplies, construction materials and equipment, and purchasing replacement items as needed.
- Provides volunteers and students in the technical courses with an understanding of tool usage and safety practices, basic scenic construction, and rigging system operations.
- Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
- CFTC may contract or partner with or otherwise permit other theatre companies to work in the scene shop space. If such event occurs and the nature or duties of the Technical Director as described in this contract changes, then CFTC shall give written notice of such changes to the Technical Director. The Technical Director as an independent contractor can agree whether or not to accept the changes with CFTC or if it seems more applicable, the Technical Director can sign an individual contract with the non-CFTC company, as long as such terms of that agreement do not violate or contradict this agreement with CFTC.
SUPERVISION
As an independent contractor, the Technical Director will exercise independence and their experienced judgment in daily operations within the framework of their contracted duties and considerations as described in this agreement. The Technical Director will primarily work with CFTC's Artistic Director who under the general supervision of the Board of Directors will be best able to communicate, should clarification be needed, the goals of the Scene Shop and what CFTC needs from the Technical Director.
INSURANCE
The Technical Director as an independent contractor shall be responsible for maintaining their own general liability insurance.
PAYMENT
The Technical Director role is a paid position. The Technical Director shall present an invoice to CFTC that reflects the agreed upon payment and a general description of the work completed. The presentation of the invoice shall coincide with the opening of shows. After the invoice is received, CFTC shall pay $1667 in 3 installments over the course of the contract
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