Assistant Technical Director

Company Overview

Soulpepper’s purpose is to share vital stories that connect us all by producing a year-round season of events, including plays, concerts, musicals, festivals and presentations. We play a vital civic role in our community through education and community programs, artist training, and environmental sustainability initiatives. We strive to ensure theatre is accessible to all by offering ASL interpretation, relaxed performances, and a variety of affordable ticket options.
Soulpepper, like other performing arts companies, continues to adapt to the realities of producing theatre in the midst of enormous social change and a global pandemic. We work in a convivial environment that truly allows you to be who you want to be. The Soulpepper team is hardworking, creative, and, with the arrival of many new staff in recent years, forming a new working culture that is at once ambitious and sustainable.

Led by Executive Director Gideon Arthurs, and Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha, Soulpepper’s home is the Young Centre for the Performing Arts situated in the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto. Soulpepper’s annual budget is approximately $8 million and engages roughly 60 employees and 250+ artists annually. The Young Centre’s annual budget is approximately $3 million and engages roughly 150+ employees annually. 

Soulpepper is an organization committed to pursuing Radical Inclusion, working to build an organization where everyone’s experience is both valued and reflected.  We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, Trans, and Disabled persons.

Job Description

FULL-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE FOR

ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

START DATE: NOV 2022

THE POSITION
Reporting to the Technical Director, the Assistant Technical Director is responsible for aiding in the planning, management and supervision of all technical elements of productions, presentations, and related activities assigned, for the daily operations of Soulpepper Theatre Company and its joint venture the Young Centre for the Performing Arts. They will maintain a high level of artistic integrity, safety and an appropriate working environment for artistic and production personnel.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume the lead technical responsibility for assigned productions in consultation with the Technical Director; ensure that all technical elements on assigned projects are delivered on schedule and on budget, liaising with designers and Department Heads and troubleshooting technical challenges as required;
• Produce any AutoCAD plans and/or construction drawings and other production paperwork as directed; aid the Technical Director in supervising the building and painting of scenery and decor in the Soulpepper carpentry, paint and prop shops as directed;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date accounting records for purchases, including the maintenance and reconciliation of petty cash floats;
• Assist in establishing the labour requirements for lighting, sound, video and scenic elements for all productions as assigned; act as a supervisor for the Young Centre for the Performing Arts’ union House and Casual technicians as directed;
• Maintain, in cooperation with other Soulpepper departments, an accurate inventory and organization of Soulpepper’s storage facility;
• Arrange and perform the pick-up of production supplies when needed;
• Assist the Assistant Production Manager with Young Centre’s facilities and events, Soulpepper Academy, and workshop events, as assigned by the Technical Director; facilitate technical support when required for users who may require technical assistance in the Baillie Centre or Young Centre as assigned;
• Participates in the creation, and ongoing implementation of Soulpepper and Young Centre Health and Safety policies;
• Contribute to the achievement of Soulpepper’s goal to become a leader in environmental sustainable practices when considering show production, to include creative thinking around what materials are used, where materials are sourced from, and their destination after the run of the show
• Contributes to the overall success of Soulpepper by accomplishing related results as needed.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience working in a professional or independent theatre context.
• Understanding of contemporary theatrical construction techniques and materials
• Awareness of safe and efficient theatrical labour standards
• Theatrical rigging knowledge
• Understanding of typical schedules and timelines for mounting a theatrical production
• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound and video
• Valid G class driver’s license
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with multiple deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Excellent time management, organizational and administrative skills
• A passion for theatre and live performance

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EFFORT

• Performs most duties at the Young Centre, both in a regular office, backstage and shop environment.  Must be available to work regular office hours however, due to the nature of the performing arts environment, some work will occur outside of regular office hours on evenings and weekends.
• Position requires concentration and focus in creating CAD drawings, analysing designs, costing production projects.  Occasional physical effort is required lifting and moving scenery, climbing ladders, loading and unloading trucks, and other typical theatre functions.

 
COMPENSATION

• Salary $50,000 - $55,000
• 15 annual vacation days plus 5 paid sick days and 5 personal days
• Health and dental benefits