Principal Technical Director, Show (Project Hire); Disney Live Entertainment at The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Entertainment, Live EventsIndustries

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, E… (Full degree description omitted)
Prioritization of Safety in all decision-making
Experience with complex, integrated facilities and experiences
Strategic and experienced in managing complex sustainable long life technical projects
Ability to collaborate with creative teams
Understanding of regulatory, safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational challenges

Responsibilities

Lead the technical direction for DLE experiences, including shows, parades, spectaculars, theatrical performance, and special events
Provide leadership oversight and strategic guidance for DLE projects through a project’s lifecycle: blue-sky; concept development; feasibility; design development; production; technical delivery; commissioning; training; and turnover
Collaborate with creative teams to develop and implement technical solutions that support the artistic vision
Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance strategies of complex technical systems, including stage machinery, show control, OT & IT network, lighting, sound, video, and special effects
Manage technical budgets, schedules, resources, experts, and vendors
Ensure compliance with safety regulations across jurisdictions, company standards, and Design Assurance / Hazard Assessment processes
Provide technical expertise and support to production teams during rehearsals and performances
Mentor and develop regional technical staff
Stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology
Participate in the development of company standards
Build project teams to lead technical delivery of designated projects
Provide functional leadership to assigned technical resources (Senior Technical Director, Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Director, Technical Producers, Coordinator, Designers, Engineers, etc.)
Support regional strategies to benefit the delivery of technical entertainment product
Regularly report to and take direction from the Project Steering Committee

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Technical TheatreStage MachineryShow ControlOT NetworksIT NetworksLightingSound SystemsVideo SystemsSpecial EffectsProject ManagementSafety ComplianceBudget ManagementVendor Management

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work location or arrangement for this role?

This is a hybrid position based in Glendale, CA, with potential international relocation.

What is the salary for this position?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What are the key requirements for this role?

Candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre or related field, experience managing complex sustainable long-life technical projects, ability to collaborate with creative teams, prioritization of safety, and understanding of regulatory, safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational challenges.

What does the team structure look like for this position?

The role involves providing functional leadership to assigned technical resources including Senior Technical Director, Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Director, Technical Producers, Coordinator, Designers, Engineers, and building project teams to lead technical delivery.

What makes a strong candidate for this Principal Technical Director role?

A strong candidate will have strategic experience managing complex, sustainable technical projects in live entertainment, proven collaboration with creative teams, deep knowledge of safety and regulatory compliance, and leadership skills to mentor staff and oversee technical systems like stage machinery, show control, and special effects.