Technical Director

Role overview

Odyssey Theatre is seeking a Technical Director to lead the technical delivery of its annual Theatre Under the Stars productions in Strathcona Park, Ottawa. This role is responsible for making sure the venue, equipment, rehearsals, performances, and site strike are all arranged and executed on time and safely.

Sound and lighting

• Choose the lighting and sound gear required to match the designers’ needs, gather supplier quotes, and place orders within budget.
• Arrange delivery to the site and work with the Technician to install and focus lighting, set up sound, and coordinate with the lighting and sound designers.
• Run a troubleshooting session with the Stage Manager and Technician before opening so they are prepared to handle technical issues during the run.
• Support the resolution of sound and lighting problems during the production, in coordination with the Stage Manager and Technician.
• Store all sound and lighting equipment securely after the run, return it to suppliers, and obtain proof of return.

Set and costumes

• Review the set designer’s plans to confirm the set can be built safely, endure weather conditions, and stay within budget.
• Supervise set construction and installation in two stages: early ramps and steps before rehearsals, and final installation during tech weekend.
• Check the completed set to ensure it meets design and safety standards, and oversee any required revisions.
• Work with the crew to dismantle and dispose of the set safely at the end of the run.
• Assist the set designer or builder with delivery and installation challenges in the park, if needed.
• Coordinate with the costume designer or wardrobe manager on costume delivery and storage.

Venue setup and pre-tech planning

• Partner with the General Manager and the City of Ottawa Arts Court coordinator to arrange delivery, installation, and pickup of park infrastructure such as the boom truck for bleachers, barricades, picnic tables, bike rack, garbage bins, and electrical connection.
• Note that the General Manager handles issues related to grass cutting, bush trimming, garbage collection, septic tank pumping, and daytime security.
• Update the site plan with the director, set designer, and FOHM, and submit revisions to the General Manager when required for approval.
• Support the General Manager in obtaining quotes and ordering rented venue items such as the trailer, storage container, portable toilets, and other needed equipment.
• Identify the scaffolding requirements, review quotes with the General Manager, place the order, and coordinate delivery.
• Help the General Manager source and hire the setup and strike crew, including names, contact details, and scheduling; one crew member must be able to drive the truck.
• Note that the General Manager is responsible for sourcing and renting the truck for setup and strike.
• Create detailed hourly schedules for setup day, strike day, and tech week, assign tasks, and distribute the plan to designers, stage management, General Manager, FOHM, Technician, youth apprentices, volunteers, and crew at least one week ahead of time.
• Arrange follow-up meetings so all parties can review the plan and ask questions.
• Inspect any initial set pieces before rehearsals begin to confirm they are safe.
• Provide a safety briefing, either in writing or in person, to company members and youth apprentices during the first week of rehearsals.

Site and tech installation

• Coordinate the City electrician’s power connection and the ESA safety inspection.
• Be on site for delivery and installation of the City-provided equipment.
• Oversee delivery and installation, with the crew and apprentices, of scaffolding, bleacher seating, house lights, storage container, change trailer, portable toilets, front-of-house tent, concession and silent auction setup, backstage tent, and signage.
• Inspect all technical equipment, scaffolding, sets, seating, trailers, and other site installations to ensure they are safe, secure, and ready for outdoor conditions and public use.
• Confirm the entire site is clean, complete, and ready in time for the first public performance, including the open dress rehearsal on the Tuesday before opening.
• Alert the General Manager if scheduled night security is not present.
• Attend weekly production meetings chaired by the General Manager before opening, either in person or by video call, and act on any technical or production items raised.
• Attend technical and dress rehearsals and work with production staff to resolve issues.

Performance run

• Serve as the contact for technical problems that the Technician and Stage Manager cannot resolve through minor repair or routine maintenance.
• Support the Technician and Stage Manager in handling production emergencies such as weather damage, vandalism, electrical failure, sound problems, and front-of-house damage.
• Provide support for any additional repair or maintenance issues as needed.
• Note that the General Manager handles any City-related issues after opening involving septic tanks, garbage pickup, grass cutting, and daytime security.

Strike and wrap-up

• Prepare an hourly strike schedule to complete site cleanup and dismantling during the first two days after closing.
• Hold a planning meeting one week before strike with stage management, the General Manager, FOHM, Technician, youth apprentices, volunteers, and crew so everyone understands the plan and can ask questions.
• Note that the General Manager arranges the truck for strike, and one strike crew member or the PA must be able to drive it.
• Book pickup times with the City and suppliers so that major equipment is collected on the first day after closing.
• Coordinate with the City electrician to disconnect the site power.
• Lead the crew and apprentices through the strike process to ensure all items are returned properly and in good condition, including scaffolding, lights, costumes, masks, props, and Odyssey equipment.
• Ensure containers are emptied and swept.
• Confirm safe electrical shutdown.
• Make sure the site is fully cleaned, including the comfort station and cave area.
• Note that the PA/ADM organizes the return of borrowed props, costumes, and other non-equipment items, and the PA collects all company keys and gives them to the General Manager.

Final report

• Submit a short end-of-season report that includes the schedules and documents created, especially those for tech week, setup, and strike.
• Include key contacts at the City, suppliers, and other relevant parties.
• List the lighting and sound equipment used for the production.
• Summarize the park setup plan for the season.
• Provide observations on how the season went, any issues encountered and how they were resolved, and recommendations for the following year.