Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Technical Director (TD)?

In short, a Technical Director is a Senior Project Manager who manages and represents all the technical departments in live entertainment. These departments include (but are not limited to): Lighting, Scenic, Props, Rigging, Audio, Video, Logistics, and Wardrobe. Technical Directors make sure the vision of the Director and Designers is realized while keeping all departments on task and on budget.

There are many different types of Technical Directors for theatre and live productions. These are the different types of Technical Directors I have been:

  • Producing house TD: when a theatre produces its own shows in-house, the Technical Director is tasked with the following duties.

  • Receiving/Presenting house TD: Serves as the technical representative of the theatre for visiting productions. The TD typically oversees all technical departments in the theatre.

  • Touring TD: When a show has been designed and built, the TD oversees (and often writes) the show’s technical rider, does all the preliminary legwork to make sure the show’s technical needs are being met in the visiting theatre, oversees the technical teams in loading in, running, and loading out the show. For a more detailed description, click here.

  • Circus creation TD: A combination of the above with the added features of being involved in the creation of a show that is not based on a script while also overseeing acrobatic design and safety.

ON A MORE PERSONAL NOTE…

What is important to you?

  • I care deeply about striving to be inclusive, intentional, and kind with my actions, words, and thoughts.

  • I think a lot about how to best serve others and encourage the people around me.

  • I strive to reduce cognitive load by making streamlined processes and communicating effectively.

  • I believe strongly in continually pursuing personal growth and health through learning, reading, movement, and therapy.

  • I firmly endorse that knowledge should be shared freely, with patience and kindness, with anyone who wants it.

What else are you good at?

  • Organizing spaces and people and finding solutions to all sorts of things energizes me! I especially enjoy doing it alongside others, in a team, working towards a common goal. I prefer not to be a solo artist.

  • I am really good at making/organizing spaces to be functional and intuitive; I enjoy spaces and processes that make sense.

  • I am also an artist, a carpenter, a fabricator, a painter, a sewer, and a newly minted potter.

How do I get in touch with you? I have more questions...

Send me a note via the contact page. I would love to hear from you!