Windward School
Windward School is a grade 7-12 college-preparatory, independent day school in vibrant West Los Angeles. Windward faculty and administrative leaders continually seek best practices and educational partnerships to help our students and faculty pursue their passions, engage in cutting-edge work, and lead meaningful lives.
Windward’s mission, as a college-preparatory school, is to challenge each student to achieve academic excellence in a nurturing environment. Windward teachers, parents, and administrators work as a team to encourage each student to be responsible, caring, well, informed, ethical and prepared, thus promoting the fullest development of the individual.
(A) Technical Director
Windward seeks a talented, dynamic, and enthusiastic Technical Director [henceforth TD] to join the Performing Arts Department in August 2023. This person will work as part of a team to provide leadership for the technical direction and support of all of the Performing Arts curricular, co-curricular and extra-curricular productions. The ideal candidate is an experienced problem-solver, an enthusiastic collaborator, and a passionate educator who is eager to incorporate their skills and understanding of technical theater into our Performing Arts program. In conjunction with the Performing Arts Design Teacher position, this is a part-time 50% FTE designation and is a one-year commitment for the 2023-2024 academic year; the TD reports to the Director of Performing Arts.
Specifically, the TD must be able to do the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
● In collaboration with production Directors and the Production Manager, oversee the design and execution of all technical aspects of all major Arts productions on or off campus.
● In collaboration with the Production Manager, oversee the set up, maintenance, and operation of lighting, sound, and video systems for theatre, dance, music, and other productions and projects.
● In collaboration with the Production Manager, oversee load-in or installation of theatrical sets and scenery elements (noting that most set-building takes place offsite); ensure proper execution of working drawings/elevations, cut lists, basic construction methods; have working knowledge of hand tools, power tools, adhesives, foams, etc.
● Ensure working order, servicing, maintenance, and replacement of all onstage and backstage equipment associated with our Performing Arts spaces, alongside the Windward Operations Department; perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
● Works with Operations and Events Departments to manage and maintain all of Windward’s event spaces, as well as audio, video, and lighting equipment and systems (campus-wide).
● Create, maintain and reinforce safety policies and procedures for Performing Arts facilities use and resource allocation; make recommendations to the PA Department leadership regarding capital purchases of technical equipment (“Enhancements”).
● Work with the Performing Arts Leadership Team and Production Manager to ensure appropriate coordination of the theater and production schedules.
● Work with the Performing Arts Leadership Team and Production Manager to solidify budgets for each production.
● Build, supervise, and maintain positive relationships with representatives of various outsourced resources, vendors, co-workers, guest artists and designers, and student crews. Integral to this position is the demonstration of practical initiative; respectful, courteous and collaborative relationships; affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices with a positive attitude. The TD should be present whenever external designers, vendors, and professional crew are working in Performing Arts spaces.
● Periodically take inventory of all lighting, sound, video equipment campus wide as well as all set pieces, props and costumes; organize said inventory and arrange for equipment to be stored, repurposed or disposed of appropriately with a meticulous eye for detail in regards to presentation, maintenance, and safety.
● Collaborate with architects, designers and Performing Arts Leadership to ensure that technical equipment and design elements in any newly constructed performance spaces in the future are aligned with best practices of professional performance spaces and in best support of Windward’s growing Performing Arts programming.
● Attend all technical rehearsals.
● Attend all department and faculty meetings.
(B) Performing Arts Technology and Design Teacher
The Technical Theater Director is also asked to be the Performing Arts Technology and Design Teacher [henceforth PATD Teacher]. This position supports students in the development of their technical design skills and the execution of the support roles they play during our rich season of productions. The PATD Teacher utilizes problem-solving and design-thinking skills to find creative and original solutions and has the ability to bring a variety of disciplines and guest artists together in service of our student’s education and, ultimately, our shows. The PATD Teacher should have a diversity of experience themselves in audio, lighting, costume, prop, and set design and should work to ensure the necessary training and supervision of students during production.
The TD / PATD Teacher dual role is intended to create a bridge for students from design skill-building to implementation while executing, supporting and elevating Windward productions with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to excellence, and a willingness to collaborate with some of the top professionals in the field.
The PATD Teacher at Windward School must be able to do the following:
Duties and Responsibilities:
● Mentor and instruct students enrolled in the Performing Arts Technology and Design class and student volunteers with an interest in technical theatre design. At this time, multiple sections of the Performing Arts Technology class meet concurrently (approximately 8-12 students total); for 2023-2024, the class will meet during periods 8 and 9, twice a week, for 80 minutes.
● Design and execute course curriculum in line with our design-focused approach to technical theater that offers students fundamental exposure to aspects of production design from ideation to creation. Possible units/modules include:
○ Set Design
○ Prop Design
○ Costume Design
○ Lighting Design
○ Sound Design
○ Projection/Video Design
○ Hair/Makeup
○ Special Effects
○ Stage Management
● Course curriculum should ideally also incorporate different eras, styles, countries and cultures of origin, materials, case studies and design projects from one year to the next.
● Select and secure guest teachers to support class instruction as needed.
● Ensure that students are trained to closely follow safety guidelines, precautions and procedures, and ensure supervision of student crews and student stage managers during production.
● Collaborate with STEAM and CREATE Studio Directors to ensure continuity in safety guidelines and training for students.
● As needed, organize, manage and supervise “Saturday work days,” where Tech Theatre students and student volunteers can work on technical elements that are needed for productions.
● Maintain a physical instructional space that is organized and safe and can serve as a productive and encouraging learning environment for students and instructors.
● Attend all department and faculty meetings.
Key Qualifications:
● Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Theatre Design, or a related field of study preferred.
● The ideal candidate should have at least 5-7 years of experience managing an established professional theater/performance space and/or one that is in an academic setting, and multiple years of teaching experience.
● Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theatre, dance, and music productions and presentations including stage, set, sound, and lighting design and implementation; stage management; computerized lighting systems; stage carpentry and electrical skills; appropriate safety precautions (OSHA & IATSE) and procedures.
● Familiarity with current Theater software programs such as Creston Systems, EOS and ETC Ion family lighting consoles, Qlab, Isadora, as well as Vectorworks, Google Apps and Mac OS X.
● Experience with set design, set construction, lighting design, sound design, AV operation, prop design and costume design.
● Commitment to ongoing professional development in both subject matter and pedagogy.
● Strong written and oral communication skills.
● Experience coordinating multiple ongoing projects with a clear head and grace under pressure.
● Able to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.
Special Qualifications:
Evidence of a sensitivity to, understanding of, and the ability to manage the classroom environment, effectively provide instruction, and engage with all school community members of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds.
Other Requirements:
- Because a TD may be called upon to deal with a wide range of technical issues, this person may also be asked to perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on equipment and maintain inventory of necessary supplies.
- Possess a valid California Driver’s license and have access to a vehicle for transportation to and from school related events and to pick up and deliver necessary items from vendors related to show production and performance.
- Possess up to date equipment use certifications, such as Lyft and Genie operation.
Work Conditions:
- Ability to sometimes work long hours, including weekends when needed, and work with a flexible schedule.
- Must be willing to work at heights, around moving machinery, and with exposure to noise, vibration, and dust.
- Must be willing to travel and work at various venues.
Physical Demands:
- Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift, push, pull and carry up to 100 pounds.
- Must be able to perform physical activities such as, but not limited to, lifting, bending, standing, climbing, and/or walking.
Submission requirements:
- Current CV
- Letter of Intent
- Three letters of recommendation
Selected individuals will be asked to come to campus for more in-depth interviews.
This is a great chance to be part of a dynamic, close-knit, independent school culture and community. Please see the Employment page on our website, which includes a salary calculator. Please also note that this position is a part-time (approximately 20 hours/week) position and is not benefits-eligible.
For more information about Windward, see our website: www.windwardschool.org.
Salary Range: $36,575 – $40,375
To Apply: All interested candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest via the Apply link.
EOE
