Jobs & Auditions

Organizational Overview
The mission of The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati (TCT) is to educate, entertain, and engage audiences of all ages through professional theatrical productions and arts education programming. We fulfill our mission through three primary programs:
• TCT MainStage at the Emery Theater
• TCT On Tour
• TCT Academy

Vision: To awaken a lifelong love of theatre in children and the young at heart.

Core Beliefs:
• We believe in the power of theatre to enrich lives and create deeper understandings of people, cultures, and perspectives.
• We believe our audiences deserve high-quality experiences that are rich with wonder, honesty, compassion, joy, and wisdom.
• We believe the arts and education are not mutually exclusive.
• We believe the art we create must reflect the community we serve.
• We believe in the power of integrated arts education to enrich our lives and our communities.

Technical Director (Full-Time)

Position Overview:

The Technical Director is a skilled theater professional that is highly knowledgeable in all aspects of technical theatre including scenic construction, paint, lighting, sound, and AV systems.  They will effectively navigate the complexities of a multifaceted work environment with an ambitious production calendar. The Technical Director will be responsible for managing the Scenery Departments and management of the scene shop.

The Technical Director must work closely with all scenic designers to maintain the integrity of the scenic design for all productions, approving its safety and feasibility in terms of time and budget. They ensure that the finished production visually represents the integrity of the design while staying within the allocated budgets.

The Technical director must have the ability to read and interpret designer draftings and elevations to decide what building techniques are necessary to complete the task. They also must be able to properly communicate this information to their team.  They maintain technical spaces and equipment and develop/enforce practices that ensure safe, efficient, and effective operation of The Showtime Stage, The Scene Shop and the Emery Theater. The role directly supports the success of the scenic operations for 4 MainStage productions and 4-7 touring productions per year. They assist in identifying and prioritizing needs and initiatives, finding creative solutions to achieve goals while conserving resources.

The Technical Director reports directly to the Director of Production and supervises the ATD/Shop Foreman and the Scenic Charge Artist.

Responsibilities:

The Technical Director’s responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Create digital technical drawings and plans, using AutoCAD or Vectorworks 
• Work with director to understand his/her vision and needs, as well as to work out any potential problems related to schedule or other limitations   
• Approve scenic designs regarding safety, compatibility, feasibility, budget, and scheduling.   
• Assist/advise the members of the production team on technical aspects of each theatrical project.  
• Oversee scenic (carpentry and paint) build for all TCT Productions. 
• Determine technical needs for produced MainStage, Showtime Stage and TCT on Tour productions; 
  • Order/obtain materials and manage scenic design budgets.   
  • Work within the assigned budget by tracking set and paint materials, supplies and over-hire budgets 
  • Determine build, paint, and maintenance schedules.   
• Efficiently manage and supervise staff
  • Coordinate with Shop Foreman and Scenic Charge on needs and scheduling of over-hire team. 
• Coordinate the stage and equipment logistics with the ATD, including the loading and unloading of trucks with crew.   
• Build and maintain relationships with IATSE teams, trucking companies and community partners (Opera, Ballet, etc. with whom we share/rent equipment).  
• Attend scheduled production/design meetings  
• Attend necessary staging, tech and dress rehearsals at the Emery Theater  
• Work with the Shop Foreman to maintain technical spaces and stage equipment in the shops and theater spaces (Showtime)  
• Work with ATD/Shop Foreman and Scenic Charge to create and maintain inventories and storage of scenic stock goods, soft goods, supplies and equipment.   
• Assist with technical needs for all TCT programs and divisions.  
• Work with the Events and Rentals Manager to fulfill set rental requests 
• Make recommendations regarding capital purchases of technical equipment. 
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.  

Ideal and Minimum Qualifications:

• Working knowledge of techniques, methods and procedures of theater, dance, and music productions and presentations including  
  • Master level scenic carpentry construction techniques
  • Stage technology, scenic paint, sound, video and lighting design and implementation;  
• ​​Ability to lead and communicate with a team deadlines and expectations in a dynamic environment. 
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.  
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.  
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decision-making.  
• MIG welding, scenic painting and theatrical rigging.
• Ability to drive a 26’ Box Truck and 12-person van is a plus.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts or equivalent work experience.                                

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary range: $60,000-68,000.
• Health, vision and dental benefits are available, partially subsidized by employer contributions, after a waiting period.
• 403(b) retirement plan participation available, after a waiting period, with eligibility for an employer match after one year of credited service.
• Generous PTO based on years of service.
• Generous paid holiday schedule.

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati believes the stories on our stages and the work we do behind the scenes must reflect the diverse communities we serve. We believe inclusive work cultures spark wide-ranging, exploratory conversations and learning. Therefore, we strongly welcome and encourage people from all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and ages to apply as we continue our commitment to diversity and build an inclusive environment at TCT.

TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should submit whatever they feel best reflects their qualifications. This can come in the form of a video, cover letter/resume, portfolio, and/or demo reels. (Files should be less than 3MB in total, links are welcome). No phone calls, please.

Please submit materials and any references to Samantha.wade@tctcincinnati.com

Subject Line: Technical Director 2026

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Children’s Theatre of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer. TCT is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Scenic/Props Run Crew – Show Technician

Position Overview:

The Show Technician is an independent who reports to the Technical Production Manager and the Production Stage Manager during show calls. This position has the following responsibilities:

• Assist with load in of scenery and props before the tech process begins.
• Remain flexible and adaptable to changes to support the tech process.
• Load out, clean, and repair scenic pieces and props.
• Prepare the stage for rehearsal and performances.
• Make crew leads aware of needed updates to paperwork.
• Maintain a safe, healthy, and accessible work environment at all times.
• Clean onstage and backstage as needed after rehearsal and performance.
• Moving set pieces and handing off items during rehearsals and performances, making sure items are in proper position, at the proper times.
• As assigned, clean scenic elements and props, ensuring they are safe for use and performance ready.

Required Qualifications

• 1-2 years experience in technical theater or entertainment industry equivalent.
• Ability to effectively communicate by asking informed questions, relaying information to others, and professionally receiving criticism.
• A basic knowledge of technical theater terms.
• Excellent time management skills and a positive, problem-solving attitude.
• Embraces a safety-oriented environment.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• As a running crew position, the work schedule may require working up to 6 days per week, including frequent evenings and weekends. Hours will vary according to the needs of production but will range between 25-40 hours per week.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Lift, carry, push, pull: generally, up to 35 pounds and occasionally up to 75 pounds with assistance.
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, aerial work platforms, at heights, and in hard-to-reach places.
• Working in show conditions with theatrical and atmospheric elements including but not limited to: fog, haze, strobes, dim lights, and loud sounds.

Compensation:

• Hired as an Independent Contractor with a W9, hourly rate of $17-$18 per hour

Dates

Vary based on production on position

Peter Pan JR.

Props Load-in: January 28 – Febraury 11, 2027 (Exact Dates TBD)

Tech: February 12 – February 18, 2027

Shows: February 29 – March 7, 2027

Strike: March 8, 2026

101 Dalmatians the Musical

Props Load-in: March 24 – April 8, 2027 (Exact Dates TBD)

Tech: April 9 – April 15, 2027

Shows: April 16 – May 2, 2027

Strike: May 7, 2027

To Apply

Please send materials that best reflect your qualifications (resume, cover letter, video introduction, portfolio, etc.) to productionjobs@tctcincinnati.com with the subject line: Scenic/Props Run Crew 2026.  No phone calls, please.

TCT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is clear: there shall be no discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, or sexual orientation.

We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.