Culture Lab LIC is seeking an experienced and collaborative Technical Director to oversee the technical execution of its annual New Works Festival, a celebration of original performance projects developed through the New Works Lab Artist Residency. The festival presents multiple world premiere productions by emerging companies and individual artists, requiring a technical leader who is organized, adaptable, and passionate about supporting artists creating new work.
The Technical Director works closely with the Artistic Director, outside resident artist Producers, Stage Managers, and participating companies to ensure each production is mounted safely, efficiently, and with the highest production standards possible within a repertory festival environment.
Responsibilities
Pre-Production
- Attend production meetings with the Artistic Director and each creative artist/company
- Serve as the primary technical liaison for all participating companies.
- Review technical riders, scenic plans, lighting and sound needs.
- Coordinate schedules, equipment needs, and production logistics.
- Oversee load-in, tech, and strike schedules.
- Communicate with artists regarding venue capabilities and technical limitations.
Festival Production
- Supervise all load-ins, changeovers, and strikes - Sundays/Mondays
- Oversee the installation of scenery, lighting, audio, and projection.
- Coordinate backstage operations during technical rehearsals.
- Ensure safe working practices for cast, crew, and volunteers.
- Troubleshoot technical issues throughout the festival.
- Maintain production inventory and technical equipment.
- Work collaboratively with designers and production teams to achieve each company's artistic vision while balancing the needs of a multi-show festival.
Qualifications
- Previous experience as a Technical Director or Production Manager / Producer for theater or live performance 1-2 years minimum.
- Strong knowledge of lighting (Qlab, rigging, refocus), sound, and stage operations.
- Ability and experience operating a Scissor Lift (OSHA Certification preferred)
- Experience working in repertory or multi-production festival environments preferred.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Comfortable working evenings and weekends during production periods.
- Commitment to fostering a supportive, artist-centered environment.
- 1099 contractor preferred
Schedule
The position begins with pre-production planning in October and continues through the conclusion of the festival in early December.
General scheudle looks as follows:
October (15 hours):
Production meetings, artist communication, technical planning, scheduling, and coordination in collaboration with the Artistic Director. Might require some onsite prep work - adjusting lights, speakers, etc.
November (70 hours):
Supervise weekly technical rehearsals, performance support, load-ins and load-outs specifically on:
Monday October 26
Monday November 9
Monday November 16
Monday November 23
Monday November 30
December 7th
December (15 hours): Final performances, strikes, equipment restoration, and festival close-out.
Compensation
Flat fee: $3,500
Equivalent to approximately 100 hours at $35/hour
Paid in two installments:
Initial payment at the start of the contract
Final payment upon successful completion of the festival
About the New Works Festival
Culture Lab LIC's New Works Festival showcases original theatrical, dance, puppetry and immersive theatrical works developed through the New Works Lab Artist Residency. This residency or LAB provides artists with rehearsal space, mentorship, peer review, and professional production support. The festival is dedicated to championing bold new voices and helping artists bring ambitious new work to the stage.
About Culture Lab LIC
Culture Lab LIC is a nonprofit arts organization in Long Island City dedicated to supporting artists at every stage of their careers. Through free public programming, exhibitions, concerts, theater, dance, and multidisciplinary performance, Culture Lab provides accessible opportunities for artists to create, experiment, and connect with audiences.