Principal Technical Director – Show

Principal Technical Director – Show

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of experience in technical direction for live entertainment productions, or related experience.
• Must possess working experience and knowledge in Theater architecture.
• Strong and demonstrated leadership and technical project management skills.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of complex technical systems and equipment used in live entertainment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and ability to relocate internationally in the future.

Responsibilities

• Meet company expectations, always prioritizing Safety as the first key in all decision making. Serve as the champion for Safety.
• Lead the technical direction for DLE experiences, including shows, parades, spectaculars, theatrical performance, and special events, with a focus on the show and theatrical elements in each entertainment offering.
• Provide leadership oversight and strategic guidance for DLE projects through a project’s lifecycle: blue-sky; concept development; feasibility (develop and validate scope, schedule, and budget); design development; production (bid package, bid process, vendor selection, construction/fabrication, and factory acceptance testing); technical delivery (installation, programming, test & adjust, site acceptance testing, commissioning, training, rehearsal, and turnover); comprehensive final documentation and sustainment criteria.
• Collaborate with creative teams to develop and implement technical solutions that support the artistic vision, enhancing them according to technical progress; while integrating regulatory, safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational challenges.
• Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance strategies of complex technical systems, including stage machinery, show control, OT & IT network, lighting, sound, video, and special effects and facilities aspects.
• Manage technical budgets, schedules, resources, experts, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations across jurisdictions, company standards and Design Assurance / Hazard Assessment processes.
• Provide technical expertise and support to production teams during rehearsals and performances and ensure a smooth final completion handover to the operational and maintenance teams.
• Mentor and develop regional technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology to ensure Disney Live Entertainment remains at the forefront of innovation.
• Participate in the development of company standards.
• With direction and approval from the Entertainment Technical, build project teams to lead technical delivery of your designated projects.
• Provide functional leadership to these assigned technical resources (Senior Technical Director, Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Director, Technical Producers, Coordinator, Designers, Engineers, etc.).
• In line with overall direction from the Executive Technical, develop the practice of technical theatre in the international region.
• Support regional strategies to benefit the delivery of technical entertainment product – inclusive of vendor strategy, benchmarking, talent development, etc.
• Regularly report to and take direction from the Project Steering Committee in relation to the project(s) you are leading.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a theme park or large-scale entertainment environment.
• Experience with architectural scenography design, engineering and construction.
• Advanced certifications in technical theatre, circus, industrial engineering, hazard analysis or related disciplines.