TD

[top]Overview


The Technical Director, or TD is the person in charge of the technical elements of a production. Though in many theatres these days the TD presides mainly over the scenic elements of the production as many companies have Production Managers and Lighting Supervisors who handle lights and sound. The costume shop is often in it's own little world no matter what theatre you are.


[top]General Responsibilities


The TD's basic function is to ensure that the technical aspects of a show are created to the designer's specifications and that everything gets finished on time. The scene designer will hand off the plot to the TD, who then creates Working Drawings that are given to the carpenters and crafts people in the scene shop. Often one of the biggest challenges for the TD is to make sure that pieces are finished in a timely manner so that they can get sent to the painters.


[top]During the Build


During the build, the TD oversees all of the crew that works in the shop. Often the TD is in charge of hiring the crew. In smaller venues / shops, the TD assigns projects and makes sure that people know what they are doing. The TD is also there to assist any crew member who needs help or instruction. In larger venues this is primarily the responsibility of the Master Carpenter.

In some shops the TD will also work on part of the show, especially in smaller regional and educational venues. In many scene shops the TD is just a supervisor and helps with projects as needed, but in the smaller shops where they can't afford to have all the carpenters they might need, the TD will work in the scenic shop.

The TD is also in charge of getting all of the pieces of the set from the scene shop and assembling them correctly in the right position on stage. This often means locating critical points on stage by measuring from center line and plaster line. Loading in the set may also require creating proper rigging and bracing to keep the set in place.


[top]During Tech


During the tech process, often the TD will sit with the director and stage manager and watch the rehearsal looking out for things that still need touching up and making sure that everything is safe for the actors. The TD also makes sure that all the technical elements function properly. During the rehearsal (or after) the director may give notes to the TD about things that need fixing, finishing, or safety concerns. Usually the directors notes for the TD will include any scenic notes from set construction issues to paint issues.


[top]During the Run


In the regional theatre world the TD is not usually at every performance of a show. They may come in to check on equipment each day, but in general they move on to start working on the next show.