Entertainment Technical Director (Cruise) – Worldwide

A leading cruise line is looking for an Entertainment Technical Director to join one of their ships. You will be responsible for overseeing and managing the technical integrity of all produced entertainments and venues onboard. You will provide guidance and leadership for all entertainment technicians and managers, maintaining the standards and performance level of technical production personnel throughout the vessel.

The Entertainment Technical Director is responsible for the overall maintenance, upkeep, safe operation, and training of the ship’s technical equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Create clear and concise maintenance and inspection schedules for Entertainment Operators and Staff in conjunction with the Stage & Production Manager and Venue Production Managers.
• Create clear and concise schedules for the Entertainment Staff & Operators. Schedules are to be communicated and distributed to team members in a timely fashion.
• Creates technical reports (EOV & Deficiency Reports) on all technical equipment and technical staff each voyage.
• Liaise with Cruise Director, Stage & Production Manager, and Venue Production Manager to schedule and coordinate all maintenance calls for the ship’s lighting, sound, performer flying and stage automation systems.
• Attend and support key events throughout the ship as needed by the Cruise Director, Stage & Production Manager or Venue Production Manager.
• Responsible for the supervision and performance management of the Entertainment Operators and Entertainment Staff. Will converse with the Venue Production Managers and Stage & Production Manager to input performance appraisal and disciplinary actions for Operators & Staff.
• Responsible for operating the stage automation system and performer flying system in the Celebrity Theatre for rehearsals and performances. Responsible for training and rehearsing the Stage & Production Manager on being the secondary automation/rigging operator.
• Responsible for the upkeep, repair, maintenance, and inspections for all entertainment technical equipment.
• Responsible for ensuring the Entertainment Operators are correctly using and operating technical equipment during rehearsals and performances. Will ensure all Operators are scheduled to cross train with other operators to learn all shows during rehearsal times in the main theatre so there are backups for each position should the need arise.
• Oversees with Entertainment Operator Fly the safe use of aerial and automation systems in the Theatre and the alternative entertainment venues ensuring only produced/approved material and equipment is utilized.
• Supervise stage resets alongside the Cast and AV team to ensure scenery, props and equipment are set up/struck at appropriate times in the Celebrity Theatre and entertainment venues.
• Liaise with ship-wide department managers and supervisors to fulfil tech requests through the tech request process.
• Liaise with the Cruise Director, Stage & Production Manager, Venue Production Managers, Broadcast Manager, and other department heads on a regular basis.
• Jointly responsible (with the Stage & Production Manager) for all entertainment technical facilities including backstage, dressing rooms, quick changes, AV lockers and stores, wardrobe facilities, etc. Will ensure all areas are kept clean and tidy by Cast and AV members, that all shipboard Safety and SQM policies are met, and report maintenance issues through IssueTrax as needed.
• Work closely and communicate with the managers and Entertainment Operators to ensure all alternative entertainment venue equipment is in good working order.

Administrative tasks which should include (but is not limited to):

• Creating daily schedules for the Entertainment Operators and Staff.
• Creating and updating equipment reports (EOV’s and Deficiency Report).
• Update and monitor effective time keeping (Kronos) for Entertainment Operators and Staff.
• Create and input disciplinary actions and appraisals for the Entertainment Operators and Staff.
• Process and schedule technical requests.
• Create Fleet Visitor requests for technical vendors, crew visitors, and others as required.
• Work closely and communicate with the Venue Production Manager and Stage & Production Manager to ensure the Audio Visual and Entertainment team have the required resources to complete their jobs – create Crunch Time orders as required.
• Updating OCIMS with safety observations as required.

Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in entertainment or theatrical management (stage, technical or production) from an accredited university or equivalent experience is required.
• Solid experience in entertainment technical management.
• Any West End, Broadway or Disney park experience will be extremely beneficial
• Experience with multi-unit management in entertainment back of house.
• Advanced operation, maintenance and technical knowledge of varied lighting, sound, rigging, and automation systems required.
• Experience with stage automation and entertainment rigging. Basic knowledge of mechanical and electrical engineering, components, and system design.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work positively and cooperatively in a diverse team environment to meet overall established timeframes.
• Ability to communicate tactfully with department heads, co-workers, and other shipboard employees to resolve problems and negotiate resolutions.
• Able to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• High level of ability to successfully accomplish several tasks under pressure and fixed time constraints.
• Working knowledge of computers, Internet access, and the ability to navigate within a variety of software packages such as Excel, Word, or related programs.
• Previous cruise line experience a plus.