Technical support for theatrical, media, or software companies is typically the responsibility of a technical director. The director works with equipment that requires specialized training to operate, and is typically regarded as an expert in its use and coordination. He or she is in charge of teams or crews that are trained to perform technical tasks and are usually hired the director. The director is typically a company leader who collaborates with managers, directors, clients, and staff to ensure that all technical requirements are met. The technical director, who is usually a very creative person, is also in charge of identifying technical issues and coming up with creative solutions.
In the field of theater, a technical director is hired to oversee the facility’s technical operations. He or she also keeps track of the facility’s schedule and performs maintenance. For any group that uses the theater, a technical director designs, operates, and/or constructs lighting, sound, and scenery. In most cases, the director will appoint crew chiefs to supervise individuals on each technical crew and train crew members in skills that will enable them to work as a unit during the production.
Typically, the technical requirements for a show are determined the director of the performance group that is using the facility. The director then communicates his or her requirements to the technical director, who creates designs for the director to review. The technical director uses his or her crews to build or develop the designs once they have been approved.
During technical rehearsals, the director usually coordinates the efforts of all crews. The director supervises the crew chiefs and provides expertise to deal with any technical issues that arise during production. Each performance group is served the theater technical director from the time they enter the theater until the final performance is completed.
A technical director in the software industry is a manager who instructs employees on how to use technical equipment. He or she is typically in charge of coding and maintaining a code library. The director is also responsible for program language, Internet systems, and software compatibility. The director and his or her team are in charge of identifying software-related problems and coming up with creative solutions to solve them. While coordinating work with managers and supervisors, he or she provides technical support to clients, teams, and individuals connected to the company.
Technical directors work in the film and television industries. Film industry directors, like theater directors, usually work at a facility and oversee all operations there. The director is usually well-versed in the operation of all film and video equipment used in a production, including cameras, generators, editing gear, and lighting. In collaboration with the director, he or she determines a production’s needs, then hires, trains, and manages crews to support the technical operation. The director usually collaborates with other department managers and develops and distributes procedural policies for all crews, teams, and managers to follow.