Senior Technical Director

About the Role & Team:

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences! From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This team with varied strengths – representing a wide variety of subject areas and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, outstanding resourcefulness, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust! 

The Senior Technical Director with Disney Live Entertainment at the Walt Disney World Resort leads technical production efforts related to the development and sustainment of live entertainment shows and product offerings, including parades, stage shows, and special events for Worldwide Disney Parks and Resorts locations.

You will report to the Manager, Technical Direction.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

• Collaborate in the creation of design and technical elements for all DLE Productions through the effective execution of the creative process, in collaboration with Designers, Directors, Writers, Producers, and Production and Operators partners
• Lead Design Assurance efforts to ensure all design & technical elements for DLE productions comply with company Standards, Government regulations, and applicable local and national authorities having jurisdiction.
• Provide support for Hazard Analysis and Issue Mitigation of all design & technical elements by partnering with local teams and government authorities responsible for legal code compliance, including Safety, Global Engineering & Technology, Quality Engineering, Standards & Sustainment, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction
• Contribute to the Show Life Cycle during the concept, creative, feasibility, development, production (fabrication), delivery, and sustainment phases - Helping define compliance, mitigations, and reliability for safe, on-going operations
• Compile and report on budgets for your project scope; understand staffing needs against project support
• Participate in Scope of Work review, vendor qualification process, and identification of construction methodologies
• Participate in Creative Reviews, Design Reviews, Work Sessions, and Production Meetings
• Provide field support through install, acceptance procedures, test & adjust, programming, training, rehearsal, and opening
• Documentation support through review sessions, testing documentation, safety plans, and as built documentation packages

• Full discipline understanding, taking on project delivery and participating in blue sky when asked
• Companywide standards contribution and research
• Creative element discovery including research in advancement of materials, equipment, and methodology.
• Identify risk and communicate risk mitigation and solutions in a clear, timely manner
• Participate in industry forums and be aware of industry technology trends, pushing the boundaries of technical innovation

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum 7 years of experience working in a Technical Theater or Live Show Entertainment environment
• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays is required
• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the operation and artistic application of a variety of show systems and technology, including audio, special effects, puppets, lighting, show control systems, video, facilities, and rigging
• Proven experience with facility design, engineering, and construction
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express creative ideas
• Proven track record of supporting the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, producers, and writers
• Highly motivated requiring minimal direction and follow-up
• Strong computer, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated leadership, partnership, and strategic planning skills
• Natural collaborative ability to make sense out of diverse multidisciplinary requirements and to bring the project goals into focus for everyone involved
• Ability to research and present technical design options so that the team can make informed decisions that ultimately give the project greater depth
• Ability to establish and maintain consistency, quality, accuracy, and professionalism of design packages and associated technical design documents published by Disney Live Entertainment
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications:

It would be great if you also have:

• Strong Understanding of the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District, Epcot Building Codes and all other applicable local Authorities Having Jurisdiction and regulatory agencies
• Experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company
• Working knowledge and understanding of the Walt Disney culture
• Knowledge and proficiency in some or all of the following engineering disciplines: structural, mechanical, electrical, software, safety
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, and for extended periods of time
• English/French and/or English/Mandarin language skills

Education:

• College degree or equivalent professional experience with focus in theatrical design, technical production, and/or project management is required

Additional Information:

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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