Assistant Technical Director

About The Den Theatre
Located in the heart of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, The Den Theatre is a multi-level live entertainment venue featuring five intimate and unique theaters ranging from 50–302 seats. The first floor houses The Den’s Haven Lounge — a full-service bar where neighbors, artists, and audiences gather to drink, eat, talk, read, watch, think, listen, and connect.

Hundreds of companies and artists from Chicago and beyond call The Den home. From nationally touring comedians and theatrical productions to emerging local artists, The Den consistently presents a diverse and exciting lineup of programming.

Position Summary

The Assistant Technical Director (ATD) is a hands-on technical leader responsible for supporting the Director of Operations and Technology in the daily operation, maintenance, and execution of productions across all Den theatre spaces.

This role oversees the technical integrity of each black box space, manages venue equipment and inventory, and serves as the primary technical liaison for lessees and production teams throughout their production timeline. The ATD ensures all building policies, safety standards, and technical guidelines are upheld while maintaining a professional and welcoming working environment.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Oversight & Venue Management

• Manage the technical aspects of each black box theatre space.
• Ensure proper maintenance and operational readiness of lighting, sound, video, and staging systems.
• Oversee the upkeep and organization building.
• Maintain and manage inventory of technical equipment, tools, and supplies.
• Proactively assess and address technical issues during rehearsals and performances.
• Ensure consistent maintenance of each theatre space to meet safety and presentation standards.

Production Support & Building Coverage

• Oversee load-ins, strikes, and transitions between productions to ensure efficient and safe execution.
• Conduct safety walkthroughs with rental companies, guest production teams, and staff.
• Serve as a direct technical contact for lessees during their production timeline, ensuring compliance with Den building and technical guidelines.
• Support the Director of Operations and Technology with larger-scale building and infrastructure projects.
• Jump on shows as a board operator when needed.

Maintenance & Safety

• Facilitate routine maintenance and preventative care of venue systems.
• Identify, document, and resolve building or equipment issues.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, including safe rigging, electrical practices, and backstage procedures.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and code-compliant technical environment.
• Add value to theatre spaces by upgrading tech and physical space when needed

Required Skills & Qualifications

Proven experience working in technical theatre (professional or academic).

• Strong working knowledge of:
• Strong Carpentry and rigging skills
• Lighting hang and programming
• Sound Systems
• Video systems
• Experience with comedy production setups is a plus.
• Strong organizational and inventory management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities with minimal supervision. Abilities to manage time well.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, particularly when working with guest artists and production teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, multi-venue environment.

Schedule & Compensation

Salary: $38,000-$40,000 starting based off experience

Typical Weekly Schedule:

Sunday: 3:00PM – 11:00PM
Monday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 3:00PM – 11:00PM
Our goal is to keep the schedule as consistent as possible but there will be weeks where it fluctuates. Building hours and workload vary week to week depending on production needs.

Benefits & Perks

Health Insurance
Paid Time Off
Complimentary tickets to shows not performed in the Heath Theatre
Standby tickets to Heath Theatre performances
Den discounts on merchandise and bar sales