Technical Director Queensland Ballet

POSITION PURPOSE

The Technical Director is responsible for leading, managing and overseeing the Technical/ Production Department in all aspects of the planning, manufacture and decoration of sets, props, costumes, wigs and make up from commissioned designs, the staging of productions, and the storage and maintenance of the Company’s property. The Technical Director is responsible for the overall quality and standard of presentation of all physical elements involved in Queensland Ballet productions including mainstage and touring, studio seasons, guest performances and special events.

ABOUT QUEENSLAND BALLET

Queensland Ballet is a vibrant, creative company which connects people and dance across Queensland. We offer a program of world-class productions of the best classical ballets and inspired contemporary dance works. The Company engages renowned choreographers and designers from around the world and nurtures emerging local talent by presenting exciting new works in an intimate studio series. With a culture of creativity and collaboration, complemented by an active program of engagement with our communities, Queensland Ballet has become the central hub for dance in the State. Our dancers are acclaimed for the technical excellence and versatility, and our annual program offers diversity in style, audience focus and geographic reach, with up to 100 performance in Brisbane and tours to regional Queensland.

The facilities at Queensland Ballet’s home in Thomas Dixon Centre in Brisbane’s West End allow the Company to offer a full range of training and community access programs, including public dance classes. We are committed to providing a pathway for young talent through our Pre-Professional, Senior and Junior Programs. Queensland Ballet is dedicated to the pursuit of artistic excellence, dance education and innovative presentation of classical repertoire. With bold and confident ambitions for the future, we proudly build upon the legacy of many creative and gifted artists who have been part of the Company’s rich history since 1960.

VALUES

We value the following characteristics in our company members and collaborators: unity, innovation, excellence and passion.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Artistic Director and also works closely with the Executive Director.

Direct reports include Production Stage Manager, Technical Manager and Wardrobe Production Manager/ Resident Designer and supervises a team of permanent and casual employees and contractors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning

• As a member of the Queensland Ballet Senior Leadership Team, contribute to strategic direction, business planning and development of the company;
• Advise on and coordinate the Technical aspects of programming and scheduling; and
• Oversee the planning and monitoring of departmental budgets.

Liaison with Creatives

Work with contracted creatives on the technical realisation of their creative vision for the production and ensure the timely delivery of new productions within budget. This will include ensuring:

• The necessary technical expertise and resources to support creative teams;
• Clear understanding of new technologies used in design and execution;
• New productions are able to be achieved within the physical environment of our main theatres; and
• Compliance with relevant work health and safety legislation and standards in the design of productions.

Manufacturing Management

Oversee the manufacture of scenery, props, costumes and wigs for new and revived productions, including overseeing that:

• Commissioned designs are satisfactorily translated into practical and effective sets and props; and
• The Company’s stock of sets are appropriately stored, maintained and delivered to the venues.

Production Management

Oversee the effective production management of each production, and ensure that:

• The planning, budgeting and management of each production is carried out to the highest standard;
• The appropriate risk management processes are applied to the production;
• The effective stage management of each rehearsal and performance; and
• The effective functioning of the stage lighting, mechanist, props, wardrobe, wigs/makeup sections to the necessary professional standards for each performance.

Staff Management

Manage workplace relations and staffing to achieve a highly proficient and cost-effective technical service through:

• Recruitment, development and maintenance of a committed and competent team;
• Effective delegation of work and monitoring of standards and output;
• Implementing appropriate work health and safety procedures and practices; and
• Facilitating effective and cooperative work relations within the department and between the department staff and the rest of the Company.

Common Accountabilities

Queensland Ballet is committed to the health, safety and wellness of its staff. The Company and its staff must comply with a range of statutory requirements, including equal opportunity, work health and safety, privacy and trade practice.

SELECTION CRITERIA

1. Candidates must possess tertiary qualifications in technical management for theatre, or a related field; or possess relevant, high level industry experience.
2. Excellent written, verbal and people management skills.
3. General understanding of government funding for the NFP arts sector.
4.  Solid experience in CAD (Vectorworks).
5. Solid experience in maintaining technical databases.
6.  Display a keen ability to multi-task and to thrive in a busy environment.