Grades 4–12 Technical Theater Director (Contracted role)
Ranney School seeks an experienced technical theater director to assist with the Lower, Middle, and Upper School theatrical productions. Experience with light and sound design, carpentry, scenic design and execution, and stage management are crucial. This contracted role requires extreme flexibility and collaboration with our cross divisional Theater faculty–supporting, enhancing, and working towards continuous growth and high standards of Ranney’s award-winning Performing Arts Program.
Experience:
- Demonstrated experience with school students of all ages in a theater or related arts program
- Proficiency with construction materials and tools that would be used in set building
- Proficiency in lighting design and execution, stage light installation, and with typical technical hardware such as the ETC family of lighting boards, Q lab, and soundboards
- Proficiency in sound design and and the ability to train and oversee student leaders
- Proficiency in stage management and the ability to train and oversee student leaders
Primary? ?Job? ?Responsibilities:
- Together with the play and musical directors, design the set and develop lighting and sound designs
- Build sets on stage for each production, adhering to the combined space stipulations of Panther Hall and meet set construction deadlines
- Act as Stage Manager for productions and guide student assistant stage managers
- Supervise and train student-led technical theatre crews during rehearsals and performance runs in a range of technical theater elements; including set design and construction, props, sound and lights, and stage management
- Work kindly and inclusively with all student age levels and adult volunteers
- Be able to effectively manage multiple projects
- Manage and care for equipment while maintaining systems and theatrical elements of Panther Hall during rehearsal processes and performances
- Be available for night and weekend work sessions as needed and until mid-evening during tech weeks and performances
- Attend Production Meetings in person and/or virtually and be available for virtual communication, along with 3 weeks on campus (2-8pm) leading up to the LS & MS shows, and 4 weeks on campus leading up to the US shows.
- LS: April 9 & 10, 2027
- MS: December 2026 or January 2027 tentative
- US: Play - November 6 & 7, 2026 Musical - March 4, 5, & 6, 2027
- Collaborate positively with a solution-based approach and communicate effectively with theater personnel, facilities coordinator, and school leaders to support the production team, student and departmental success, as well as ensure that technical resources are available and operational for community events
Compensation
Stipend for this contracted role is $23,000, paid in pro-rated installments within two weeks after each production and contingent upon successful completion of job responsibilities.
To Apply:
Please submit an application dossier compiled into one, single PDF file and emailed to techtheater@ranneyschool.org; Attn: Tyler Weakland, Performing Arts Department Chair.
The dossier must include:
- a cover letter specific to this position at Ranney,
- a CV/resume
- examples of work, and
- a list of three to five professional references. References will not be checked without first notifying candidates.
The subject line of the email should read “Ranney School Technical Theater Director.” Please name the PDF file with the following format: “[Applicant Last Name] Ranney Tech Theater.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About Ranney School:
Ranney School is an Age 3 to Grade 12 independent school in Tinton Falls, NJ. We serve a diverse body of approximately 750 students from across Monmouth & Ocean Counties on the northern New Jersey shore. A secular, college-preparatory day school, Ranney is guided by a strong Board of Trustees, an experienced Head of School, Dr. John Griffith, and most notably, by a powerful mission: “To know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.”
An equal opportunity employer, we foster a community that supports a spectrum of cultures, beliefs, and talents to promote the intellectual growth and moral development of all members. We are committed to creating an environment that is affirming and inclusive. We are inspired by an awareness and appreciation for diversity, human dignity and interpersonal acceptance.