Website Chicago Opera Theater
Chicago Opera Theatre (COT) seeks an experienced and collaborative Technical Director for two productions in our 2026/27 season:
The Importance of Being Earnest (Castelnuovo-Tedesco)
Performances: December 2, 5, & 6, 2026
The Juniper Tree (Glass/Moran/Yorinks)
Performances: May 19, 22, & 23, 2027
Both productions will be presented at the Studebaker Theater in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building.
COT is seeking one Technical Director to oversee both productions.
About the Productions
The Importance of Being Earnest is the Chicago premiere of Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s sparkling operatic adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy. Directed by Brenna Corner and conducted by Kamna Gupta, the production blends elegant theatricality with fast-paced comic storytelling.
The Juniper Tree, by Philip Glass and Robert Moran, is a haunting and visually evocative operatic retelling of the Brothers Grimm tale. Directed by Lawrence Edelson and conducted by Brian DeMaris, the production will anchor COT’s spring season during international celebrations of Philip Glass’s 90th birthday.
Position Summary
The Technical Director serves as the lead scenic and production engineering supervisor for both productions, working closely with the Production Manager, designers, scene shops, venue staff, and production crews to ensure successful execution from design through strike.
This is a contract position best suited for a detail-oriented, solutions-driven professional with strong communication skills and substantial experience in opera or large-scale theatrical production.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Participate in the design and production process, providing technical expertise and feedback
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and scene shop(s) to assess build feasibility, budgets, and schedules
- Coordinating technical and crew needs with the Studebaker house TD team and staff
- Draft and manage load-in, technical rehearsal, and strike schedules
- Coordinate labor needs with venue and production management
- Supervise scenic load-in, backstage operations, and run crew activity
- Create and implement scenic change tracking and backstage procedures
- Attend technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances
- Respond to rehearsal notes and supervise necessary work calls
- Oversee strike, trucking, and storage logistics
- Maintain clear and timely communication with production and creative teams
- Ensure safe and efficient execution of all scenic operations
Qualifications
Ideal candidates will have:
- Previous Technical Director experience in opera, theater, or live performance
- Strong scenic engineering and rigging knowledge
- Experience managing crews and coordinating complex production logistics
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and drafting packages
- Rigging experience
- Excellent organizational and communication skills
- Calm, collaborative leadership under pressure
Schedule
The Importance of Being Earnest
Rehearsals begin: November 2026
Performances: December 2, 5, & 6, 2026
Strike immediately following final performance
The Juniper Tree
Rehearsals begin: April 2027
Performances: May 19, 22, & 23, 2027
Strike immediately following final performance
Detailed production calendars will be shared with finalists during the interview process.
Compensation
Total contract compensation: up to $15,000
Position structured as an independent contractor engagement
Please send:
Resume or CV
Brief statement of interest
References (preferred)
Any relevant portfolio materials or production photos/website links
Applications and inquiries may be sent to:
Colt Luedtke - Production Manager - jobs@chicagooperatheater.org
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Chicago Opera Theatre is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable working
environment and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities.
To apply for this job email your details to jobs@chicagooperatheater.org