How to Be Dance Company Technical Director - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 15, 2022 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

The Dance Company Technical Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the technical aspects of the company's professional dance productions. This role is integral to the success of the performances, as the technical director is responsible for ensuring that all elements of the production are executed in a way that enhances the overall experience for the audience. As such, the technical director must have a comprehensive understanding of theatre production and design, as well as strong organizational and communication skills.

they must have a deep knowledge of lighting and audio equipment and be highly competent in problem-solving and troubleshooting, since they are required to quickly and efficiently identify and resolve any technical issues that may arise during a show. The effective performance of the Dance Company Technical Director can result in increased ticket sales, higher attendance rates and a more positive overall experience for audiences.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. A technical director typically needs to have a bachelor's degree in dance, theater, or another related field. While some technical directors may have an associate's degree in the arts, most employers prefer a bachelor's degree.
Learn Technical Theater Skills. Technical directors need to have a thorough understanding of basic technical theater skills, such as lighting, sound, and stage design. Consider taking classes in technical theater or enrolling in a technical theater program.
Take on Internships and Apprenticeships. Working as an intern or apprentice at a theater or dance company can provide valuable experience in the field. During this time, you will be able to gain hands-on experience in the technical aspects of the theater or dance production.
Gain Experience in the Field. After completing an internship or apprenticeship, many technical directors gain experience by working as a crew member on different productions. Working as part of the technical crew can provide valuable experience for a potential technical director.
Become a Production Manager. Many technical directors start out as production managers for small theater and dance companies. As a production manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the technical aspects of the production and ensuring that the production is completed on time and within budget.
Apply for a Technical Directorship. Once you have gained enough experience in the field, you can start applying for technical directorship positions with larger theater and dance companies. Make sure to highlight your qualifications and experience on your resume and cover letter when applying for a position.

The technical director of a dance company plays a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of a production. It is their responsibility to ensure that the stage is fully equipped and ready for the performance, that the lighting, sound and other technical aspects are in place, and that the costumes and props are accessible. They also need to be able to troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during the performance.

By having a competent and capable technical director, a dance company can be confident that its productions will run smoothly and be received by audiences in a positive manner. Furthermore, having an effective technical director allows the dancers to focus on their craft and gives them the confidence they need to give their best performance.

You may want to check Dance Company Business Manager, Dance Company Touring Production Manager, and Dance Company Tour Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Oversee the technical and production aspects of the dance company, including lighting, sound, set design, and other technical elements.
Manage the budget for technical production needs.
Research and purchase necessary technical equipment and supplies.
Collaborate with choreographers and artistic directors to ensure that production elements are in line with their vision.
Train and supervise technical crew members, ensuring they are knowledgeable and proficient in their roles.
Oversee all technical rehearsals and performances, making sure they run smoothly and all technical cues are executed properly.
Troubleshoot any technical issues that arise during rehearsals or performances.
Ensure that all safety regulations are followed on the production team.
Maintain inventory of all technical equipment, keeping it in good condition.
Develop technical guidelines for the company to follow for future productions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Thorough knowledge of dance techniques and styles
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to teach, coach, and mentor dancers
Familiarity with costume design, stage set-up, and technical production
Knowledge of safety procedures and standards
Ability to develop choreography and arrange music
Experience with audio/visual technology
Ability to budget and manage resources
Knowledge of industry trends and regulations
Familiarity with grant writing and fundraising

The role of a Dance Company Technical Director is to provide support for artistic staff and other personnel in the development of performances and productions. This requires a diverse set of skills, but the most important one is excellent organizational skills. Technical Directors must be able to plan, manage, and coordinate events to ensure that all aspects of a production come together smoothly.

They must be able to manage time efficiently, keep track of a variety of details, and communicate effectively with all involved. In addition, Technical Directors need to have strong problem-solving abilities to troubleshoot any issues that arise during a performance or production. they must be able to work efficiently with a range of people such as performers, production staff, and other stakeholders.

Without these organizational skills, it would be difficult for a Dance Company Technical Director to guide their team through the complexities of producing a successful production.

Dance Fitness Instructor, Dance Programmer, and Dance Costume Maker are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the dance industry?
How have you managed complex technical issues in the past?
What strategies do you have for coordinating equipment and personnel for performances?
How have you ensured the safety of performers and technical personnel in past roles?
How have you kept up with changes in technology, lighting, and sound for performance venues?
What experience do you have in budgeting for technical needs?
How do you handle difficult situations with performers or other staff?
What do you think makes a successful production?
What challenges have you faced in past roles, and how did you overcome them?
What strategies do you have for training new staff members on technical issues?

Common Tools in Industry

Scheduling Software. Used to track rehearsal and performance times, staff hours, and personnel availability (eg: Microsoft Outlook).
Lighting Design Software. Used to create lighting designs, simulate lighting effects, and control lighting equipment (eg: ETC Eos).
Sound Design Software. Used to create soundscapes and sound effects, as well as to mix and control audio equipment (eg: Pro Tools).
Costume Design Software. Used to design costumes for dance performances, including 3D renderings of costumes and the ability to track costume fittings (eg: InDesign).
Video Editing Software. Used to edit video footage of rehearsals and performances, as well as to create promotional videos (eg: Adobe Premiere Pro).
Choreographic Software. Used to create and document choreography for performances, including video playback features to review and critique (eg: DanceForms).
Technical Drawing Software. Used to produce technical drawings, such as plans for stage layout, lighting plots, and rigging diagrams (eg: AutoCAD).
Budgeting Software. Used to manage the financial aspects of a production, including budget tracking, cost estimating, and invoicing (eg: QuickBooks).

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Association of Dance Conventions and Competitions (ADCC)
National Dance Education Organization (NDEO)
International Association of Dance Medicine & Science (IADMS)
Dance/USA
Dance/USA Education Network
Dance Masters of America (DMA)
Dance Safe International
Society of European Stage Directors and Choreographers
Dance Council of North America (DCNA)

We also have Dance Studio Instructor, Dance Show Coordinator, and Dance Lighting Designer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Rehearsal Director. The Rehearsal Director is responsible for leading and scheduling rehearsals, making sure that the dancers are prepared for upcoming performances.
Choreographer. A Choreographer is someone who creates or arranges dance routines and develops the movements and steps for the dancers.
Stage Manager. The Stage Manager is responsible for the overall production of a performance, from the initial conception to the final execution of the show. They are also responsible for managing all aspects of the performance venue, from lighting to sound and everything in between.
Lighting Designer. The Lighting Designer is responsible for creating the lighting effects for a performance, either through traditional lighting fixtures or through digital media.
Costume Designer. The Costume Designer is responsible for designing costumes for each dancer in a production, often in coordination with the choreographers vision.
Set Designer. The Set Designer is responsible for creating the physical environment for the performance, often designing stages, backdrops and props.
Sound Designer. The Sound Designer is responsible for creating the sound effects and music for a performance, as well as managing the audio systems at the venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the primary role of a Dance Company Technical Director? A1: The primary role of a Dance Company Technical Director is to oversee production and technical elements for performances, rehearsals, and events associated with the dance company. Q2: What skills are necessary for a Dance Company Technical Director? A2: Skills necessary for a Dance Company Technical Director typically include technical knowledge in lighting and sound design, experience in stage management, budget management, and strong communication and organization skills. Q3: How many hours per week does a Dance Company Technical Director typically work? A3: A Dance Company Technical Director typically works between 30-40 hours per week. Q4: What type of salary can a Dance Company Technical Director expect to earn? A4: A Dance Company Technical Director can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 - $55,000 per year. Q5: What qualifications are required to become a Dance Company Technical Director? A5: Qualifications required to become a Dance Company Technical Director typically include a Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts or related field, along with experience in stage management, technical theatre, and sound and lighting design.

Web Resources

Technical Director | Department of Theatre and Dance theatreanddance.appstate.edu
Repertory Dance Company | Mendocino College www.mendocino.edu
Technical Director | Berklee www.berklee.edu