Des Moines Metro Opera is a major summer opera festival located in Indianola, IA. The company produces 3-4 new productions each season in a summer repertory schedule, presented within the intimate 467-seat theatre at the Blank Performing Arts Center. Our 53rd season includes Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen, and Stravinsky’s The Rake’s Progress.
Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work with the Director of Production in conjunction with the Scenic Designer(s) to coordinate the technical and design needs during the season.
• Supervise the load-in, set-up, repertory change-overs and load-outs as required and be able to provide clear and detailed instructions both written and verbal.
• Provide DMMO with all paperwork/information concerning load-ins for sets built.
• Manage the stage crew during all initial load-ins and load-outs. Supervise Designer notes when necessary.
• Provide all necessary information to the Assistant Technical Director(s) for the safe and successful running of all shows and designer notes as applicable.
• Work with and supervise the Head of Fly in the safe rigging of all flying scenery pieces.
• Budget and supervise the building of additional scenic pieces as needed for the three mainstage operas. This includes supervising or providing information to the Assistant Technical Director(s) for the completion of drafting work and purchases.
• Maintain and track a budget in collaboration with the Director of Production.
• Communicate schedules for the scenic team(s) to Production Management. Collect and submit crew time sheets to Production Management.
• Be a problem-solver and be solutions oriented.
• Strive to make the technical intern position as educational and worthwhile as possible (this may include running one or two workshops during the season) by sharing and imparting knowledge.
• Monitor and enforce safe working techniques and rules in the shop and on the stage.
Dates of Employment:
Sunday, May 11 – Friday, July 25, 2025.
Compensation:
$1,150/week during the festival season, overtime after 50 hours paid at a rate of $27.60/hour. Preseason work is paid at a rate of $23.00/hour.
$300 travel stipend to be paid upon arrival.
DMMO will provide a single bedroom in an air conditioned two-bedroom apartment during the festival season.
Skills and Knowledge
Any Combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• Minimum BA/BFA in Theatre or equivalent professional experience, MFA in technical direction is preferred, but not necessary.
• Extensive knowledge of how to operate shop tools and safety procedures.
• 3+ years of technical director experience.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• To strongly be a team player with a good attitude and ability to professionally handle stressful situations.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted or with the help of a team
• Ability to work at heights
• Ability to wear and safely use a fall arrest harness
• Ability to hold and operate hand, air, and power tools.
• Work includes periods of standing, working in low light, climbing stairs/ladders, and working in a personnel lift
Application Process:
Please submit resume with 3 references and a cover letter via email with the subject line “Technical Director” to:
Production@dmmo.org
Deadline:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
The applicant screening process will begin immediately, so please apply early.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Des Moines Metro Opera celebrates diversity and inclusion. We do not discriminate against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, age, veteran status, political affiliation or philosophy. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.