Technical Director Roles Open for New York City’s Fresh Fruit Festival
New York City’s vibrant arts scene is preparing for the 2026 Fresh Fruit Festival, a celebration of LGBTQ+ arts and culture, and with it comes an opportunity for experienced technical directors. All Out Arts, Inc., the organization behind the festival, is seeking two Festival Technical Directors (TDs) for the event, which will run from April 20 through May 3, 2026. The festival, now in its 24th year, offers a unique environment for theatrical production, operating within a modern 89-seat Manhattan house. This is a chance to contribute to a long-standing and respected festival known for its commitment to diverse and engaging performances.
The role demands a high level of technical proficiency and the ability to manage a fast-paced production schedule. Successful candidates will share responsibility for approximately 7 to 8 shows per week, encompassing both full-length plays and shorter events. Each show includes at least one tech rehearsal and between one and three performances, with two of those performances often being simply-staged readings. The position is offered as an Independent Contractor (1099-NEC) with a base total fee of at least $1,900, with the potential for a “stress bonus” added during the first week of the festival. A $150 retainer is paid on the second day, with the balance of the fee paid before the load-out.
Essential Skills and Experience
Applicants must be available throughout the duration of the festival, from April 20 to May 3, 2026, with a commitment of roughly half-time availability. A strong understanding of modern lighting technology is paramount, specifically experience programming and running ETC lighting control hardware and firmware, with a focus on creating and maintaining multi-show backups. The ability to replace lamps, when assistants are available, is also required. Proficiency in programming vari-focus and LED-color instruments is essential, as is a focus on lighting design utilizing a pre-designed, fixed rep-plot.
Beyond lighting expertise, candidates should possess at least one season of experience as a Technical Director within a theater festival environment. A basic understanding of booth-level sound environments is also beneficial. The role requires a flexible approach and the ability to collaborate in creating a workable schedule. Comfort working within a predominantly LGBTQ+ environment is also a stated requirement.
Additional Desirable Skills
While not mandatory, several additional skills would be highly advantageous. The ability to assist Show Stage Managers (SMs) in integrating sound or video cues into a QLab-equipped laptop, if necessary, is a plus. Similarly, assisting directors who lack a dedicated lighting designer in adapting from the existing rep-plot would be valuable. Strong communication skills, including the ability to politely decline requests when necessary, are also highly regarded. Crucially, successful candidates will be expected to communicate effectively with the two provided Assistant Stage Managers (ASMs), particularly in maintaining up-to-date booth books with show tech notes.
The Festival Environment
The Fresh Fruit Festival typically features between five and seven full-length plays per week, alongside three shorter events. The festival operates on a collaborative model, with the two Technical Directors working as a team to share the workload across the two-week period. This approach aims to ensure an equitable distribution of responsibilities and prevent either TD from being required to perform both early and late hours on consecutive days. All Out Arts provides two Technical/Logistical Stage Managers (TSMs) to assist the TDs during tech rehearsals and opening/closing calls. Shows are expected to provide their own production Stage Manager, and are responsible for running their own booth video/or/projections, and sound, unless the sound requirements are extremely basic.
The festival schedule is designed to minimize disruption, with no early morning calls and only five nights running until 10 PM. The technical setup is streamlined, as there is no dedicated “lighting hang” call. Instead, TDs will check the pre-installed fixed rep-plot, adjust focus as needed, and add up to two stage practical lines if they are not already present, potentially including gel adjustments for two to three banks of lights.
About All Out Arts and the Fresh Fruit Festival
The Fresh Fruit Festival is an ongoing program of All Out Arts, a New York City-based organization dedicated to showcasing LGBTQ+ arts, and culture. The festival’s website details its history and mission, highlighting its commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices and artistic expression. All Out Arts was founded with the goal of supporting and promoting LGBTQ+ artists and has grown into a significant force in the New York City arts community. The organization’s work extends beyond the festival, encompassing multimedia exhibitions, play development programs, and radio play series.
According to a press release from January 30, 2025, All Out Arts announced the winners of the 2024 Fresh Fruit Festival Awards at The Wild Project in December. The festival, now in its 23rd year, recognized outstanding productions in drama and comedy, as well as individual performances and technical achievements. This demonstrates the festival’s continued commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence in LGBTQ+ arts.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a brief note of interest via email. The application email address is available through the Playbill job posting. The deadline for applications is not explicitly stated, but interested individuals are encouraged to apply promptly to be considered for this exciting opportunity.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a vibrant and inclusive arts festival, working alongside a dedicated team and supporting the creative endeavors of LGBTQ+ artists. The Fresh Fruit Festival continues to be a vital platform for showcasing diverse voices and fostering a thriving arts community in New York City.
The next step for interested applicants is to submit their application materials. Keep an eye on the All Out Arts website and Playbill for any updates regarding the application process. We encourage those with the requisite skills and experience to apply and grow a part of this exciting event.