Apprentice Production Manager

Company Overview

The Grand Theatre is World Curious and London Proud.  We bring the world to London with diverse, relevant, and original stories from London, and around the globe.  The company has a commitment to developing, producing, and premiering new works through COMPASS, our new play development program.

As a non-profit regional theatre, the Grand is a leading cultural hub, proudly located in the heart of downtown London, Ontario. We are a place for all to gather, discuss, challenge, debate, celebrate, and be inspired and entertained by exceptional theatre experiences.

Our staff teams embrace and participate in an environment that encourages respect, inclusion, open communication, a proactive approach to problem solving and reflects organizational values.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ANTI-OPPRESSION

The theatre sector is in a period of much-needed change and tremendous opportunity.  At the Grand, we are committed to creating and practicing a company culture that ensures an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming space for artists, audiences, donors, boards, and staff. 

We encourage all applicants to review the Grand’s Anti-Oppression Mission Statement on our website to confirm that your personal and professional values are aligned with this vision.  The Grand sincerely thanks all applicants for their time in applying.

Job Description

The Apprenticeship will be an introduction to the workings of a production department at a regional theatre. 

Under the supervision of the Director of Production and Operations, the apprentice will immerse themselves in the production management of a large regional theatre. With a strong focus on skills and career development, this position is intended to provide the opportunity to a well qualified candidate to gain valuable hands-on experience with the tactical and strategic planning and operations of a production department in a large producing theatre.

The apprentice will have the opportunity to shadow in all production departments to better learn the process and needs of the craftspeople and technicians. They will participate in short-term scheduling, learn and practice communications methods, strategies, and supervision skills.

The apprentice will also participate in season planning, including budgeting and scheduling productions, spaces, and departments. They will participate in philosophical discussions around hiring, management, discipline, and scheduling, and learn how to apply those philosophies to the operation of the department.

Throughout the season, the apprentice will learn how the production department works with every other department, and will help with the continual improvement in communication and collaboration with front and back of house areas.

The apprentice will also practice many of these skills by helping with various administrative activities, and by collaborating to develop systems and processes that streamline or improve communication with all production stakeholders.

The apprentice will learn the process around the selection, negotiating contracts, and hiring of designers and stage managers, as well as casual crew and craftspeople.

Dependant on interest and capacity, the apprentice will be given the opportunity to act as production manager on a smaller show. 

THE CANDIDATE

The candidate will be a graduate of a post-secondary technical theatre or have equivalent work experience, and will have at least 1 year of professional work experience.  The successful candidate will be creative, curious and passionate about theatre and have the ability to work in a team environment.

In order to best serve the needs of the industry at a time where there is a desperate need for technical managers, the candidate must be seriously considering, or already working in production management or technical direction in the live performing arts to be considered for this role.

Desired attributes:

·         Highly self-motivated

·         High degree of professionalism

·         Highly ethical, professionally responsible

·         Strong organizational skills

·         Good abstract and logical reasoning

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills

·         Strong understanding of the process of theatre

·         Friendly and approachable

·         Eager, life-long learner

·         Excellent collaborator

·         Strong problem-solving skills

·         Able to manage high levels of stress

·         Excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills

Position Details

·         This full-time, temporary role reports to the Director of Production and works closely with nearly every department.

·         The dates for the 2023-24 Season are:

o   September 5 2023 to April 19 2024

o   Dates are flexible

·         Our work environment is in-person at 471 Richmond Street in downtown London, Ontario. Work hours are highly variable, but are generally based on 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, with significant evening and weekend work around productions. We work hard to balance and work among the production team members, to ensure everyone gets adequate rest and time off.

·         The position pays $900 per week, plus 4% vacation pay.

·         New hires must be legally able to work in Canada and must sign on to the theatre’s employee handbook and health & safety policies, which form part of the employment agreement.