The Associate Technical Director (Assoc. TD) is a senior member of the Production Department responsible for supporting the Technical Director in directing and coordinating the technical operations of The Metropolitan Opera. Positioned between the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Directors, the Associate Technical Director provides elevated leadership across stage operations, New Production development, repertory planning, shop oversight, production documentation, and cross-departmental technical coordination. The Associate Technical Director ensures that the technical requirements of productions, revivals, and special events are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with artistic intent.
Primary Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Department Coordination Support the Technical Director in daily oversight of technical operations across stage operations, Production Engineering, Construction and Scenic Shops, and Night Crew/Repertory operations. Supervise and guide Assistant Technical Directors, ensuring their work aligns with departmental priorities and production needs. Coordinate technical activities related to rehearsals, load-ins, changeovers, strikes, and maintenance work. Ensure consistent communication between stage operations, shops, Production Management, and other internal partners. Production Planning & Technical Development Lead the technical development, planning and execution of the New Production Program in consultation with the Technical Director. Produce bid packages for all outsourced scenery and technical elements and manage vendor contracts once executed. Collaborate with the Technical Director on the technical planning and execution strategy for repertory productions and revivals. Oversee the development, drafting, and maintenance of technical drawings and production documentation. Evaluate complex technical challenges and propose actionable solutions. Repertory & Documentation Management Maintain and ensure accuracy of technical documentation within the Production Information Database. Partner with ATDs to refine documentation supporting load-in plans, shop builds, and nightly operational requirements. Manage selected production, technical, or capital projects from conception through completion. Provide technical leadership for special events, rentals, and presentations as assigned. Safety, Compliance & Best Practices Assist the Technical Director and Safety Director in monitoring safety practices for stage operations including aerial, automation, and special effects. Budgeting & Resource Planning Assist in annual budgeting by preparing cost estimates and tracking assigned budget lines. Monitor labor and material use across ATD-led areas and recommend efficiencies. Rehearsal & Performance Support Attend designated rehearsals to assess production requirements and troubleshoot technical issues. Leadership & Professional Development Serve as a mentor to Assistant Technical Directors, supporting their technical and managerial growth. Foster a collaborative work environment consistent with the Met’s commitment to artistic excellence.
Skills and Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Theater, Engineering, Design, Architecture, or equivalent professional experience. Significant professional experience in technical production with supervisory responsibility. Demonstrated competence in scenery construction, rigging, stage machinery, and backstage operations. Strong experience in technical/theatrical drafting and production documentation workflows. Experience managing complex technical projects and coordinating across departments.
Physical Demands
Must be willing to work evenings, early mornings, or overnight shifts during repertory periods as required. Must be flexible and able to support a dynamic production environment.
The Metropolitan Opera is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.
