Employment

Technical Manager of Produced Theatre

Reports to: Director of Produced Theatre & Special Programming
Classification: Exempt
Status: Full-time

About The Gallo Center for the Arts

The Gallo Center for the Arts (GCA) is a state-of-the-art performing arts complex located in the heart of vibrant downtown Modesto, CA. The Gallo Center houses two indoor performance venues—the 1,248-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater and the 440-seat Foster Family Theater, as well as year-round outdoor community programming in the Modesto Rotary Music Garden. The mission of the Gallo Center is to enrich the quality of life in the San Joaquin Valley by providing an inspirational civic gathering place where regional, national, and international cultural activities illuminate, educate, and entertain. The Gallo Center celebrates the diversity of our community by offering an array of cultural opportunities designed to appeal to and be accessible to all. For more information about the Gallo Center for the Arts, please visit GalloArts.org.

Position Summary

The Technical Manager of Produced Theatre serves as the Technical Director and Head Carpenter for all Gallo Center for the Arts (GCRC) productions, including Arts Education programs and in-house shows. This key position combines technical leadership with creative collaboration to ensure the successful execution of high-quality performances and events. The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, creative environment that fosters arts education and community engagement.  As a key member of our team, you will help bring a wide range of productions to life and contribute to the Center's mission to foster creativity and artistic expression.

Essential Functions, Duties, and Responsibilities

Technical Direction

  • Serve as Technical Director/Head Carpenter for GCRC productions, including managing load-in, run-of-show, and load-out.
  • Fulfill the same responsibilities for Yes Co. Productions, GCYA Productions, and GCA on Tour under the Arts Education Department.
  • Act as Technical Director/Head Carpenter for in-house Gallo Center productions, such as the Valley Talent Project.

Scenic Design

  • Serve as Scenic Designer for GCRC and Arts Education productions on an as-needed basis, as determined by leadership.

Budget Management

  • Assist in managing budgets and tracking/reporting expenses related to GCRC/Arts Ed. productions and other in-house produced works.

Scheduling and Coordination

  • Collaborate with the Rentals Manager, Production Department, and leadership to identify all available load-in/load-out dates and technical rehearsal schedules.
  • Coordinate scenic and production needs with production directors, stage managers, and the Production Department.

Crew Management

  • Assemble backstage crews by coordinating with the Production Department or recruiting volunteer-based help.

Inventory Management

  • Maintain and organize the stock of scenery, props, and costumes at offsite storage locations.
  • Oversee rentals and usage of all inventory, keeping an accurate database of materials.

Scenic Shop Oversight

  • Manage the scenic shop, tools, and construction area, ensuring a clean and safe environment shared with Opera Modesto.

Logistics and Transportation

  • Oversee transportation of scenic materials to and from storage, working areas, and performance venues.

Partnership Coordination

  • Facilitate technical theatre partnerships with institutions such as CSU Stanislaus and MJC Theatre Departments.

General Duties and Requirements

  • Participate in ongoing professional development and self-directed learning as provided by the Company.
  • Support all co-workers and treat them with dignity and respect.
  • Be able to think and act quickly and efficiently in emergencies.
  • May drive on company business.
  • Present a positive view of GCA to the community.
  • Comply with all GCA policies and procedures, including but not limited to workplace safety, reporting work-related injuries, Infection Control, and preventing potential safety risks for staff, clients, and others.
  • Punctual and regular attendance is an essential responsibility of each employee at GCA. Employees are expected to report to work as scheduled, on time, and prepared to start working.  Employees also are expected to remain at work for their entire work schedule.  Late arrival, early departure, or other absences from scheduled hours are disruptive and must be avoided.
  • The list of job duties and requirements needs to be more inclusive. Management, at its discretion, may assign additional duties.

Education and Experience

Education – A bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, Scenic Design, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent professional experience in technical theatre and scenic design may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience – Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in technical theatre production, including scenic design, carpentry, and technical direction. Proven experience managing budgets, scheduling, and coordinating with diverse teams.  Familiarity with professional-grade scenic construction, rigging, and shop maintenance. Experience working in both professional and educational theatre settings is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • A passion for the arts and a love of the people who make it happen.
  • Extensive knowledge of scenic construction, rigging, and stagecraft techniques.
  • Familiarity with theatrical lighting, sound, and projection systems.
  • Understanding of safety standards and best practices in technical theatre operations.
  • Knowledge of budget management and expense tracking for productions.
  • Awareness of current trends and technologies in theatre production and design.
  • Proficiency in drafting software such as AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar tools for scenic design.
  • Strong project management skills, including scheduling, resource allocation, and team coordination.
  • Ability to assemble, lead, and manage a team of staff and volunteers effectively.
  • Strong organizational skills to maintain inventory, track assets, and manage resources.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills for collaboration with directors, designers, and production staff.
  • Ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
  • Capacity to troubleshoot and resolve technical issues efficiently.
  • Flexibility to adapt to changing production needs and schedules.
  • Ability to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.

Environmental Conditions

  • Primarily works in theatrical spaces, scenic shops, and storage facilities.
  • Exposure to noise, dust, and potentially hazardous materials such as paints, solvents, and construction tools.
  • Requires frequent travel between storage locations, scenic shops, and performance venues.
  • Schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holidays based on production demands.

Physical Demands

  • Regularly required to stand, walk, climb, stoop, and kneel for extended periods.
  • Must be able to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Operates hand tools, power tools, and theatrical rigging equipment.
  • Must have good manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precise technical tasks.
  • Ability to work at heights using ladders, lifts, or scaffolding safely.
  • May work in varying temperatures and environmental conditions depending on the venue or shop setting.
  • Use one or two hands to grasp, move, handle, control, feel, and assemble objects, tools, or controls.
  • Ability to walk, sit, stand, stoop, crouch, and climb stairs.
  • Visual Acuity (Far/Near).
  • Ability to drive a vehicle.
  • Regularand Consistent Attendance.

Compensation and Benefits

This full-time, salaried position requires a minimum of 40 hours per week, with an estimated salary of $68,640 per year, plus benefits.  The Gallo Center for the Arts offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and ability, including health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, accidental death and dismemberment and life insurance, 529 college savings plans, long-term disability coverage, 401(k) matching plan, vacation, holiday, and sick pay and much more.

ADA/FEHA:  The Gallo Center for the Arts will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California's Fair Employment and Housing Act.

EEO:  The Gallo Center for the Arts is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment, including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

How do I apply?

Interested candidates should submit resumes and cover letters in a single Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name.   All submissions should be emailed to Maria Elkin at melkin@galloarts.org with the subject line “Technical Manager of Produced Theatre Application – Your name” in the subject line.  No phone calls, please.

For more information about life in Modesto, please visit VisitModesto.com.