Position Summary

Harvard-Westlake School seeks a skilled and collaborative Upper School Assistant Technical Director to support its dynamic performing arts program and campus-wide events. This full-time position plays a central role in the technical planning, execution, and supervision of theatrical productions while also mentoring students and supporting the educational mission of the school.

The Assistant Technical Director works closely with the Upper School Technical Director, production directors and designers, faculty, staff, guest artists, and student technicians to ensure professional-level production values across all performances and events. The role places particular emphasis on sound engineering, lighting, and projection systems, as well as the ongoing stewardship and updating of performance venues and technical equipment. Morning, evening, and weekend work is required based on production and event schedules.

Responsibilities

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Performing Arts Productions

• Assist in the technical planning, installation, operation, and strike of all performing arts productions.
• Ensure the safe installation, inspection, and use of all overhead and rigged elements, in accordance with industry best practices.
• Operate and program theatrical systems, including:
  • Sound: Digital mixing consoles (QL5, X32, XAir, Dante networks), wireless microphones, playback systems, and live reinforcement.
  • Lighting: DMX and network-based lighting systems and fixtures, including ETC EOS family software, RDM, and Gio@5.
  • Projection and Media: Projection systems, media servers, and playback software.
• Program and operate show control and playback software such as QLab for audio, video, and MIDI.
• Advise production and program directors on technical specifications, equipment usage, and projected costs for individual productions.
• Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as required.
• Maintain current knowledge of in-house equipment and recommend maintenance or upgrades as needed.
• Support the ongoing stewardship, organization, and improvement of performance venues and technical equipment.
• Seek ongoing professional development to ensure alignment with current industry standards and emerging technologies.
• Maintain familiarity with ADA and OSHA compliance as it relates to theatrical and event production.

Educational Theatre and Student Mentorship

• Directly mentor and train student technicians in lighting, sound, projection, stagecraft, and safe work practices.
• Support student learning by modeling professionalism, collaboration, and strong problem-solving skills in live production environments.
• Foster a positive and inclusive working environment that emphasizes responsibility, skill development, and growth.
• Work with students of varying experience levels, supporting both technical competence and confidence.

Campus Events and Institutional Support

• Coordinate and manage Special Event Requests (SERs) for campus events in collaboration with the Technical Director and Head of Facilities.
• Provide technical support for faculty and staff meetings, guest speakers, assemblies, and campus-wide gatherings.
• Set up, operate, and troubleshoot audiovisual systems for live events, including microphones, playback, projection, and lighting.
• Collaborate with faculty, administrators, and external presenters to meet the technical needs of non-theatrical events.
• Coordinate booking, scheduling, delivery, setup, pickup, and invoicing for auxiliary equipment and personnel.
• Maintain professional relationships with vendors and outside technical partners.

What We’re Looking For

Required

• Demonstrated experience in sound engineering, lighting, projection, and basic networking for live performance and event production.
• Working knowledge of QLab, Vectorworks, and contemporary theatrical control systems.
• Experience supervising or assisting with rigging, scenery installation, and overhead systems, with a strong commitment to safety and best practices.
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as dictated by rehearsal, performance, and event schedules.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, guest artists, and students.
• A clear interest in educational theatre and mentoring students as they develop technical skills, responsibility, and professionalism.

Preferred

• Prior experience in high school, educational, community, or youth theatre environments.
• Familiarity with digital audio networking, LED lighting systems, and projection mapping.
• Experience supporting a wide range of live events beyond traditional theatrical productions.

Personal Qualities

• A patient, supportive, and student-centered approach to teaching and mentorship.
• High levels of organization and attention to detail.
• Calm, flexible, and effective problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset and a genuine enthusiasm for theatre technology and student learning.

About Harvard-Westlake

Harvard-Westlake is an independent school with two campuses in Los Angeles and approximately 1,600 students enrolled in grades 7–12. Classes for grades 7–9 take place on the Middle School campus in the Holmbly Hills neighborhood, while grades 10–12 are housed on the Upper School campus in Studio City. A third campus, River Park, focused on athletics and recreation, is scheduled to open in Fall 2026.

We are dedicated to fostering a community of belonging and continually advancing diversity and inclusion across all aspects of school life. We do not discriminate on any basis and seek educators and staff who bring sensitivity, understanding, and respect for individuals from diverse backgrounds; who can work collaboratively and independently in a dynamic environment; and who exemplify professionalism, openness, and generosity in their interactions with students and colleagues.

Compensation

This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Estimated base hourly rate: $36.06 – $43.27 per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule

Typical hours are Monday through Friday during the school day; evening and weekend work is required during production periods and for campus events.

Benefits

This position is eligible for Harvard-Westlake’s full benefits package, which includes:

• High-quality medical, dental, and vision coverage with low or no premium contributions
• Cafeteria allowance — enjoy breakfast and lunch through our on-campus dining program
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Mental wellness resources and workshops
• Employee Affinity and Resource Groups
• Complimentary tickets to local sporting and entertainment events
• Discount at the school bookstore — stock up on HW spirit wear!
• Paid holidays, including Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break