Director of Technical Theater and Production

Status: Full Time, Exempt
Start Date: November 17, 2025
Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director
Submit materials: through our online portal linked here.
Submit all inquiries to: Alex Francis, ForestTheater.Manager@forestforward.org

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization partnering with community stakeholders to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improved outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. The Forest Theater serves as the anchor institution, with an anticipated grand opening scheduled Fall 2026.

We are seeking a Director of Technical Theater and Production to provide direction for all on- campus productions and event experiences, including department operations, team training, safety and inventory management for the Forest Theater. Reporting directly to the General Manager, with consultation from the Executive and Artistic Director you will be the execution backbone behind every performance, event, installation and experience, ensuring safe and professional technical execution across campus including the concert hall, studio theater, south lawn and flexible spaces. This role demands a blend of technical knowledge, production execution, team leadership, and a commitment to safety, delivering unparalleled production quality that supports our artistic vision and elevates every experience at the Forest through design, tech and production.

What You’ll Drive

• Production Planning & Technical Execution (40%)
  • Technical Operations Leadership: Champion all technical operations for performances, rehearsals, events, and external rentals across the Forest Theater campus.
  • System Mastery: Spearhead the technical direction, training and use of all lighting, sound, video, rigging, staging, equipment, and build a comprehensive production infrastructure, ensuring high-quality, safe and consistent delivery.
  • Timeline Architect: Develop and manage the production timeline from pre-production, to load-in, through strike, working in close collaboration with the producing teams, ensuring seamless integration and use by internal and external stakeholders.
• Team Leadership & Vendor Partnerships (30%)
  • Crew Cultivation: Recruit, train, schedule, and empower our technical staff, designers, operators, contractors and overhire, fostering a high-performing, communicative and collaborative team environment.
  • Strategic Vendor Management: Forge and manage key partnerships with outside vendors and service providers for specialized equipment, technical support, and innovative solutions.
  • Training & Certification Champion: Develop and facilitate comprehensive training and certification programs for all crew members, prioritizing safety and proficient equipment usage.
• Facilities Integration & Safety (20%)
  • Operational Synergy: Collaborate strategically with operations and facilities teams to ensure that all spaces and systems are optimally configured and maintained for live performance, exhibitions, and events.
  • Safety Protocol Design: Design and uphold rigorous safety protocols for load-ins, load-outs, fire codes, and all backstage practices, ensuring a secure environment for all.
  • Accessibility & Compliance: Maintain cutting-edge knowledge of ADA and industry accessibility standards, ensuring continuous technical compliance and an inclusive experience for all patrons and staff.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Innovation (10%)
  • Interdepartmental Alignment: Work closely with other director-level leaders to integrate production needs with overall campus planning and strategic initiatives.
  • Technological Advancement: Explore and implement new technologies and innovative solutions to enhance the Forest’s design techniques, production capabilities and patron experience.
  • Problem Solver: Lead rapid response for any technical challenges or unforeseen issues, ensuring minimal disruption to performances and events.

What You’ll Build (Pre-Opening)

As our inaugural Director of Tech and Production, you will be instrumental in laying the technical foundation and standards of excellence for production at the Forest Theater. Key pre-opening deliverables include:

• Comprehensive Production Handbook: Create and develop a detailed production handbook outlining all technical policies, procedures, equipment inventory and best practices for all spaces.
• Equipment Commissioning & Training Protocols: Design and oversee the commissioning of all new lighting, sound, AV, and rigging equipment, and develop comprehensive training protocols for internal staff and external users.
• Safety & Compliance Manuals: Create and implement robust safety manuals, emergency response plans, and accessibility compliance procedures for all technical operations.
• Technical Vendor & Contractor Network: Establish and onboard a preferred network of technical vendors and production contractors, including external service agreements.
• Pre-Opening Technical Rehearsal & Testing Plan: Develop and execute a rigorous plan for commissioning, technical rehearsals, system testing, and operational dry runs across all performance and event spaces.

Direct Impact

This role is absolutely central to bringing the creative vision to life and ensuring the smooth, magical delivery of every experience at the Forest. You will directly impact:

• Artistic Realization: Translate creative concepts into stunning technical realities, enhancing the impact of every performance and event.
• Operational Excellence: Drive efficiency and reliability in all technical operations, ensuring seamless transitions and flawless execution.
• Safety & Compliance: Create and maintain a secure environment for all staff, artists, and patrons through rigorous adherence to safety and accessibility standards.
• Resource Optimization: Strategically manage production resources and vendor relationships to maximize quality and value.

Tools We Use

Our team relies on a modern tech stack to stay connected and productive, including Dropbox, Slack, Monday.com, Google Suite, RAMP, and Zoom.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in theatrical or live event production, with significant supervisory and leadership experience in complex venues;
• Advanced knowledge of technical theater, design, production and management, including expert command of lighting, audio, video, rigging, and union standard practices;
• Proven ability to develop and manage intricate production schedules across multiple concurrent projects and diverse spaces;
• Experience working in new or renovated facilities is a significant advantage;
• A deep understanding and commitment to accessible, equitable, and inclusive production practices, developing a new workforce for South Dallas.

This is a full-time, salaried position with a fixed compensation offer of $100,000 annually, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Compensation and Benefits

Employees who work an average of thirty (30) hours or more on a weekly basis may participate in medical, dental, vision, and other insurance programs. Under these plans, participating employees will receive comprehensive health and other insurance coverage for themselves and their families, as well as other benefits. Forest Forward presently pays a portion of the insurance premium for all eligible employees. Our Employee Benefits Package include the following:

Medical, Dental, Vision and other Voluntary options

Medical Coverage is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Employees are eligible to enroll in the plan within 30 days of their hire date, and the coverage is effective on the first of the following month.

Retirement Plan

Forest Forward offers a 401(k) retirement plan administered by Lincoln Financial Services. Employees are eligible to participate in the plan 90 days after their hire date.

Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Days

All full-time employees are eligible to receive 80 hours of vacation time annually, 40 hours of sick time and three (3) paid personal/ or mental health days per calendar year.

Additional Information

This position will require occasional evening and weekend work, in conjunction with major performances and other special events.

Applications and Inquiries

Submissions will be received and reviewed on a rolling basis, through our online portal linked here. Please submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments. If you are in need of an alternative form of submission, email: ForestTheater.Manager@forestforward.org

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color,religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.