Technical Director - Props & Puppets

About the Role & Team

Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today!

This role is responsible for leading technical production efforts related to the maintenance of props & puppets used within live entertainment shows and product offerings for Disney Cruise Line Entertainment.

What You Will Do

• Duties include coordinating bid processes and vendor selections with contracts and procurement, handling vendor efforts including re-design development, construction and interaction with other party’s fabrication, shipping, installation and buy-off.

• The Technical Director consults on props & puppets maintenance and provides ongoing Entertainment Show Quality evaluations as part of implementation and operational planning and maintains project files, tech logs, design documents, bid packages, schedules and punch lists.

• Articulated Head and Gesture Recognition technology maintenance and training in partnership with CP&D.

• Prop/puppet support for Disney Cruise Lines Toronto rehearsal facility as required.

• Partners with shoreside Entertainment Technical Operations to handle props & puppets sustainment and rotational Cast usage.

• Partners with shoreside Technical Production Manager to facilitate shoreside training for new hire technicians.

• Partners with shipboard Manager of Entertainment Technical for ongoing shipwide support.

• Provides support to shipboard entertainment technical teams with regards to current show installations.

• Follows set policies and procedures as well as all maritime and ship rules, regulations, and procedures.

• Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Leadership, Disney Cruise Line Safety partners and the Standards and Sustainment team to ensure Safety Management System and Operating Guideline documentation is up to date and in accordance with current safety and regulatory practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 5 years experience in Technical Theater or Live Show Entertainment.

• Proven experience with prop/puppet design, engineering, and construction.

• Proven knowledge and experience in prop and puppet maintenance.

• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with entertainment industry state-of-the-art technologies.

• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and able to meet deadlines.

• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving and decision-making skills, often under pressure.

• Demonstrated leadership, partnering and strategic planning skills.

• Highly motivated requiring minimal direction and follow up.

• Strong computer skills (Outlook, Microsoft Suite, AutoCAD).

• Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers.

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays and frequent extended international travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven business management experience.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Technical Theater with focus on prop/puppet construction

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