Technical Director

City of La Mirada, CA

$75K — $94K *
Media
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years of backstage theatre experience, including supervisory roles
  • Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts or related field or equivalent experience
  • Skilled in carpentry and theatre equipment operation
  • Strong ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Knowledgeable in safety standards and backstage practices

Responsibilities

  • Oversee and repair sets, rigging, props, lighting, and sound equipment
  • Assist visiting companies in loading in and striking sets
  • Execute scene changes during performances under various conditions
  • Maintain and inventory theatre supplies and equipment
  • Inspect and repair theatre equipment regularly
  • Supervise and train stage crew members
  • Monitor show cameras as needed

Benefits

  • Flexible work hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays
  • Potential for salary advancement based on city service
  • Performance of varied duties in a vibrant theatre environment
  • Opportunity to work with a diverse range of production personnel
  • Engage in a dynamic, creative atmosphere with constant learning opportunities
Full Job Description
Salary : $6,068.70 - $7,553.63 Monthly
Location : La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-26
Department: Theatre
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: 7/17/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Job Description

Salary effective June 29, 2026 with approved cost-of-living adjustment:
Bi-weekly $2,912.98 - $3,625.74
Annually $75,737.48 - $94,269.24

Under the direction of the Production Manager or his/her designee, oversees the installation and repair of sets, rigging, props, lighting, and sound equipment for all Theatre events; works irregular hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Typical Duties Performed

(These examples do not include all the duties which may be assigned)
  • Assists incoming companies in the load in, execution, and striking of sets, scenery, costume racks, shipping cases and various other materials and equipment.
  • Oversees and executes scene changes during performances; sets hand props, places set pieces and raises and lowers drops, curtains, or scenery in potentially adverse conditions which may include heights, loud noise, and large crowds.
  • Maintains inventory of theatre supplies and equipment; reports inventory shortages; makes recommendations for capital improvement projects.
  • Assists visiting theatre companies in the organization and best utilization of theatre equipment.
  • Inspects theatre equipment and stage materials regularly to ensure proper maintenance and upkeep; performs necessary repairs.
  • Conducts the supervision of stage crew.
  • Monitors cameras during a show run, as necessary.
  • Process timesheets, Billing and Advancing future shows when necessary.
  • Sets safety standards and example for the crew.
  • Adheres to City and departmental policies and procedures; performs related work duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:Stage rigging techniques and hardware, set construction techniques, lighting and audio equipment, and techniques; knowledge of safety rules and standard backstage practices pertaining to theatrical work.
Ability to: Do work requiring physical strength, dexterity, and endurance; skill in carpentry work and in the assembly and operation of scenery, props, rigging, counterweights, and various theatre materials and equipment; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with visiting production companies, producers, directors, stage crew, and all theatre personnel; ability to effectively train and supervise subordinates; ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; ability to work varying hours under stress and within pressing deadline; ability to operate and repair light and audio board, follow spot, theatre equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools. Maintain accurate files and records; operate a personal computer using Microsoft applications; work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Under the direction of the Theatre Director or his/her designee, the Technical Director is responsible for the smooth and safe staging of events. The Technical Director must be able to employ tact, diplomacy, and unlimited patience while working with a wide variety of amateur and professional directors, stage managers, producers, actors, singers, dancers, musicians, promoters, stage crews, and other production personnel. The Technical Director must be constantly alert to potential safety hazards and take immediate action to correct them when they occur.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Experience:Three (3) years of applicable backstage theatre experience including supervisory experience and carpentry work or any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and ability.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field OR graduation from high school or the equivalent with a minimum of 3 years professional experience as a lead stagehand/rigger and technical director.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE:
Possession of a valid California Class C driver license is required.

THE FOLLOWING CERTIFICATIONS ARE DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED:
  • CPR, First Aid, AED Certification
  • PIT (Forklift) Certification
  • Aerial Lift Platform (Scissor lift) Certification
  • ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre

Supplemental Information

Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range. Consideration and approval for a salary higher than the first step is done on a case-by-case basis.

SELECTION PROCESS:
A completed online application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) are required to be considered for this position. Resumes are accepted along with the application form but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Applicants will be screened based on the qualifications for the job as described. Applications evaluated as best matching the needs of the City will continue in the selection process. The selection process may include any or all of the following: oral interview(s), a written or practical examination, a skills test, and an assessment center examination. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Office.

Candidates will be required to pass a City administered pre-employment requirements to include live scan fingerprinting and a medical examination as part of the Selection Process. Candidates who do not pass any portion of the above processes will be disqualified and removed from proceeding in the selection process.

The provisions of any job flyer or job application do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. The provisions may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of La Mirada offers a competitive compensation and benefits package based on the adopted Appointments are normally made at the first step of a five step salary range. One year of City service is required to advance to the next pay step in the salary range.

For detailed salary and benefits information, see current
01

Though not required, possession of certain certifications are desired for this position. In the following items, select "yes" if you have a current valid certificate; select "no" if none. Please confirm: I understand that answering "yes" to any of the desired certification requires attaching a valid copy of the certificate with my application.
  • Yes
  • No

02

PIT (Forklift) Certification
  • Yes
  • No

03

Aerial Lift Platform (Scissor lift) Certification
  • Yes
  • No

04

ETCP Certified Rigger - Theatre
  • Yes
  • No

05

CPR, First Aid, AED Certification
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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