Technical Director Responsibilities

The technical Director oversees and executes the technical aspects of Odyssey Theatre’s annual Theatre Under the Stars productions in Strathcona Park, Ottawa. In particular they are responsible for the timely set up of the Theatre’s venue and equipment, the smooth operation of the technical aspects of rehearsals and performances and the timely strike of the site in Strathcona Park.

Sound and Lighting

Select the lighting and sound equipment

needed to meet designer requirements, request quotes from suppliers and order equipment within budget.

Organize on-site delivery and with Technician set-up the lighting (hang and focus) and sound equipment, liaising with lighting and sound designers.

Conduct a technical trouble shooting session with the Stage Manager (SM) and the Technician prior to the opening of the production to ensure that they feel comfortable addressing various potential technical problems during the run.

Troubleshoot and resolve sound and lighting issues during the production if needed in consultation with the Stage Manager and the Technician.

Safely store all sound and lighting equipment at the end of the run, and return it to suppliers and obtain documentation to confirm its return.

Set and Costumes

Review set designs and plans from designer to ensure the set can be built safely, withstand weather and within budget.

Oversee the construction and installation of the set by the builder in two phases : basic ramps and steps to be installed before rehearsals and final installation of the set during tech weekend.

Inspect the final set build and installation to ensure set meets safety and design requirements. Oversee any changes by builder.

With crew, ensure the set is safely dismantled and disposed of at the end of the run.

Assist the set designer / builder if required to solve any issues for the delivery and installation of the set in the Park.

Liaise with costume designer / wardrobe manager for the delivery and storage of costumes.

Venue Set-up and Strike

Work with the GM and City of Ottawa Arts Court coordinator to organize and secure the scheduled delivery, installation and pick-up of park necessities including :

City crane to raise bleachers onto scaffolding (“boom truck”).

Barricades.

Picnic tables and bike rack.

Garbage bins.

Electrical hook-up.

(Note : The GM will handle any issues with grass cutting and bush trimming, garbage collection, Septic tank pumping, Day time security).

Update the site plan in consultation with the director, set designer and FOHM, submitting it to the GM (if changes from usual site plan are proposed for GM and AD approval), and oversee its implementation.

Assist the GM to request quotes and order other rented equipment required for the theatre venue, including :

Trailer (divided for dressing room).

Storage container.

Portable Toilets.

Others as needed.

Identify the scaffolding required, requesting quotes to review with the GM, ordering equipment and coordinating delivery.

Assist the GM to source and hire the set-up and strike crew, providing suggested names, numbers and schedule. One of the crew to be able to drive the truck.

(Note : The GM will source and rent a suitable truck for the set-up and strike).

Develop hourly set-up day and strike-day schedules, and tech week schedule, with assigned tasks and distribute to appropriate designers, stage management team, GM, front of house manager (FOHM), technician, youth apprentices, volunteers and crew, one week in advance, and set up follow-up meetings for everyone to review the plan and have a chance to ask questions.

Inspect the installation of any initial set pieces before rehearsals start to ensure safety.

Provide a safety briefing (written or in-person) to company members, youth apprentices during the first week of rehearsals.

Site and Tech Set up

Coordinate electrical hook-up by the City electrician and the safety inspection by the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA).

Coordinate and be on-site for delivery and installation of City equipment (mentioned above).

Coordinate delivery and with the Crew and apprentices install / set-up the following equipment on site :

Scaffolding for bleachers and lighting towers.

Bleacher seating with steps, railings and house lights.

Storage container for props and technical equipment.

A change trailer for actors.

Portable toilets for actors.

Front of house tent, concession stand, and silent auction table and lighting.

Back-stage tent.

Road sign at Laurier Ave. fountain and other front of house signs.

Inspect all technical equipment, scaffolding, sets, seating, trailers, and other on-site installations and fix any issues to make sure they are safe and secure, able to withstand public use and outdoor elements such as weather.

Ensure that the site is completely set up, cleaned and safe in time for the first public performance (open dress rehearsal Tuesday before opening).

Advise the GM if there are issues with Odyssey night time security not being present at scheduled times.

Attend weekly production meetings chaired by the GM prior to opening. Take action on any production / technical issues that need to be addressed. Meeting may be attended in person or by video call.

Attend the Technical and Dress Rehearsals and with the production staff to resolve any issues.

Performance Run

Be a contact for a Technician if any issues arise with performing minor repairs and preventive maintenance of equipment that the Technician and SM are not able to solve.

Be available to assist the Technician and Stage Manager with resolving production emergencies, including, but not limited to :

Weather damage.

Vandalism of the set.

Electrical system failure.

Sound issues.

Damage to front of house.

Advise the Technician if any issues arise with performing minor repairs and preventive maintenance of equipment that the Technician and SM are not able to solve.

(Note : GM will contact the City if there are any issues after opening related to septic tanks, garbage pick-up, grass cutting and day time security).

Strike

Develop an hourly strike schedule to complete the strike and clean-up of the site during the first two days after closing. Conduct a planning meeting with stage management team, GM, front of house manager (FOHM), technician, youth apprentices, volunteers and crew, one week in advance, for everyone to review the plan and have a chance to ask questions.

(Note : GM to source and rent a truck suitable for the strike. One of the strike crew or the PA to be able to drive.)

Schedule and book times for pick up by the City and equipment suppliers to ensure all major equipment is picked up the first day after closing.

Coordinate with City electrician for them to disconnect power to the site.

Coordinate the entire strike day Crew and Apprentices during the strike to ensure all equipment is properly returned to its owner in good condition, including :

Taking down all scaffolding, lights and other equipment to be returned or picked up by suppliers.

Costumes, masks, props and Odyssey equipment returned to Arts Court.

Containers are emptied and swept.

Ensure that the site is completely cleaned, including the comfort station (i.e. cabinets locked, fridges emptied, cleaned, unplugged and left open) and the cave.

(Note : PA / ADM to organize and oversee return of any borrowed props, costumes, or other non-equipment items. PA to collect keys from all company members and provide to GM).

Final report

At the end of the season, submit a brief final report consisting of :

Schedules and documents created, particularly detailed schedules for Tech week, Set-up and Strike.

Key contacts at the City, with suppliers and others.

Light and sound equipment used for the show.

Plans for the park set-up for the season.

Observations addressing :

How the season went overall.

Were there any issues and how were they resolved.

Priority recommendations for the next year.

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