Jemicy School, which educates talented and bright college-bound students with dyslexia or other related language-based learning differences, is seeking a qualified technical theater director for the 2026-2027 school year. This position, which reports directly to the chair of the Upper School Performing Arts Department, supervises, plans, coordinates, and executes most, if not all, technical aspects of performance and event programming in the school’s Tomlinson Theater and its facilities. These facilities include the theater itself, the theater lobby, a costume shop, a technical booth, and both indoor and outdoor storage facilities.
The theater and its facilities are utilized by all divisions and multiple departments of the school. Technical direction and support (including set build) will be required for, but not limited to, all Upper School and Lower/Middle School theatrical productions, admission events, development events, school-wide events, special events (like Evening of the Arts), guest speakers, and presenters. In addition, the technical theater director will be expected to teach coursework including Theatre Design & Production, Stage Management, Upper School Prep (USP) Theatre Seminar, Independent Performing Arts, and Advanced Independent Performing Arts.
The Upper School Performing Arts Department at Jemicy offers an innovative and collaborative educational theatre program. This program is founded on the conviction that students with language-based learning differences and/or executive function challenges should have open access to a multisensory experience. This experience promotes self-expression, self-discovery, and transformation, ultimately fostering enhanced executive function development and improved retention across the curriculum.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Production and Facilities Management
- Serve as the technical director for the year-round schedule of all campus activities, events, productions, exhibitions, and general facility use.
- Develop, maintain, and disseminate the Tomlinson Theater programming, production calendar, and build schedules to optimize the efficient and effective use of the shared space.
- Ensure the efficient and timely maintenance of all theater facilities and equipment, including the oversight and maintenance of both owned inventory and external equipment rentals.
- Manage the creation and execution (including planning, evaluation, scheduling, implementation, execution, engineering, and supervision) of all scenic elements (sets, lights, props, audio/visual, and special effects) for all divisional theatrical productions. This work will align with division planning or the specifications provided by a contracted designer.
- Supervise/manage all construction aspects—including carpentry, welding, rigging, and work with plastics, fabrics, and other set-related materials—to achieve the highest possible artistic quality in a cost-effective and safe manner.
- Act as the primary liaison and point of contact for third-party vendors related to rented theatrical equipment, such as lighting and rigging.
- Maintain the technical integrity of all programming by attending all events, technical rehearsals, and productions, often outside of regular school hours, to serve as an emergency technician. Provide prompt resolution for technical/audio/visual incidents in support of student technicians and faculty/staff.
- Research and stay current with emerging technologies in technical theater to enhance curriculum, support production needs, and improve operations.
Curriculum and Student Supervision
- Teach coursework, including Theatre Design & Production, Stage Management, USP Theatre Seminar, Independent Performing Arts, and Advanced Independent Performing Arts.
- Recruit, encourage, and supervise students involved in technical theater.
- Assist the chair of the Upper School Performing Arts Department in developing a highly-motivated and collaborative design and production team consisting of both students and professionals.
Safety and Compliance
- Act as the chief safety officer, ensuring a safe educational theatrical space in compliance with OSHA, ADA, and building fire codes.
- Develop a comprehensive safety manual, address all safety hazards or infractions, and follow up on hazard reports.
- Ensure that all students and faculty/staff participating in a theatrical production or event are thoroughly familiar with the safety manual and emergency procedures.
- Supervise and evaluate crew members, student workers, and volunteers, monitoring their use of equipment and tools to ensure safety.
- Arrange for any necessary certifications required for contracted designers, vendors, faculty/staff, and/or students.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE IS:
- An arts-centered individual who is passionate and committed to advancing the lives of students.
- Knowledgeable about dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
- A skilled technical craftsperson with a passion for education and theatrical excellence.
- An expressive and dynamic personality who is adept at building and maintaining relationships with students, faculty/staff, artists, independent contractors, vendors, etc.
- A promoter of a values-based educational culture that strives to foster a sense of belonging, affirmation, and connection to other community members and to social movements through theatre.
- Able to deftly navigate and promote a culture that welcomes ambiguity, meet challenges, adapt, reinvent, and swiftly assimilate new concepts.
- Skilled at interacting with a diverse team of staff members and artists while fostering an environment that values open communication, encourages the sharing of best practices, and actively seeks feedback to support areas of growth.
- Adept at communicating professionally and articulately, adjusting communication style as necessary, both in person and through written/digital communication.
QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal technical theater director will possess a strong command of theater production and technical disciplines, including (but not limited to) lighting, sound, projections, set construction, costumes, props, stage makeup, and stage management.
Required Experience and Skills:
- Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
- Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Proficiency in computer and technology skills, particularly with office productivity software (Microsoft Office, iWork, and G Suite).
- A bachelor's degree (master’s preferred) in theater production, technology, or an equivalent combination of professional/practical experience.
- A minimum of two (2) years (four [4] years preferred) of professional experience in technical theater or a related field.
- At least one (1) year (two [2] to four [4] years preferred) of teaching experience in a high school setting.
- Advanced digital literacy, especially with digital drafting and project management software.
The annual salary range for this position is $45,000 to $76,741 based on years of experience and education level; the exact amount will be discussed during the hiring process. The Jemicy School offers a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), spending accounts (HSA, FSA, and Dependent Care), company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Jemicy also offers a 403b plan with employer contribution (after one completed year of service) as well as paid time off (personal, sick, holidays, inclement weather).
Jemicy School is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution. Faculty, staff, and students are recruited, admitted, hired, trained, promoted, and supported without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, creed, marital status, disability, genetic information, veteran status, union affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
This policy applies to all aspects of employment, admissions, educational programs, tuition assistance, athletics, and other school-administered activities.
As an accredited member of the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS), Jemicy School abides by the AIMS Code of Ethics.
Send a cover letter and resume to Laura Gray at
lgray@jemicyschool.org or 11202 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills, MD 21117
For serious consideration, applicants must apply directly to Jemicy School. The school will not review resumes submitted through public job boards.