Design Assistants

Company Overview

As one of the world’s leading theatre companies and Niagara’s 20 largest employers, The Shaw is dedicated to an ongoing process of increasing diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs, and in all our hiring for staff, artists, and in the recruiting of board members. The Shaw is committed to a future when our theatres joyously draw on and include all peoples, fully reflective of the world around us. As such, the Shaw Festival is an equal opportunity employer committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We encourage and invite applications from applicants who identify as Indigenous, Black or as persons of colour (IBPOC), the LGBTQ2+ communities and those identifying as gender fluid. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and in keeping with our wish to ensure a fully inclusive environment, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process. We will be happy to assist.

We acknowledge and honour the land upon which we gather as the historic and traditional territory of First Nations peoples. In particular, we recognize and thank the Neutral Nation, the Mississauga and the Haudenosaunee for their stewardship of these lands over millennia.

Job Description

Design Assistants (multiple)

Full-time Seasonal
Salary: $900 weekly 

Positions available include:
– Set/Props Design Assistants
– Costume Design Assistants
– Set/Props & Costume Design Assistants

Job Description/Duties
The Shaw Festival is seeking applications for seasonal, full-time Set and Costume Design Assistants. These positions are part of the Design Team and report to the Production Director, Design Coordinator, and Mentors. Design Assistants work on regular season productions with professional designers and are offered mutually agreed upon opportunities to further their own art and craft through mentorship, artistic incubation, and the fostering of creative relationships.

Design Assistants will take direction from the Designer(s) of the production(s) they are assigned to, and work in collaboration with Shaw’s Production departments. Assistants will have regular check-ins with the Design Coordinator and Design Mentors who will offer orientation and support throughout the term.  Assistants will also attend Design Team meetings and may work collaboratively with other Assistants on design projects for the Shaw Festival. Throughout their contracts, Assistants will have opportunities to participate in salons, skill development, and workshops with other artists.

Design Assistant positions have varying contract lengths depending on show assignments, ranging from 16 weeks to 36 weeks of full-time residency in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Multiple positions are available for the 2024 season starting in January and February, with contracts ending in June, July or August.  Weekly commitment is based on a 40-hour work week. It is understood that the weekly workload will vary related to the nature of the job responsibilities.  Candidates may be assigned to one or multiple shows within the season based on availability and interests. Production scheduling details will be discussed with candidates selected for interviews. 

Successful candidates may have the opportunity to return for additional seasons within the Design Assistant program. These seasons may or may not be consecutive. 

Set/Props Design Assistants

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·        Research and visual reference collection and distribution to appropriate departments related to the set and prop designs of a production

·        Interpreting and updating drafting/drawings throughout the production process

·        Building set models

·        Attending design meetings, production meetings, shop visits, props pulls and all technical rehearsals with the Designer to support the design process

·        Attending rehearsal when possible

·        Compiling documentation of the production for remount/archival purposes

Costume Design Assistants

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

·        Collection and distribution of research and visual references to appropriate departments and crafts people related to costume designs of a production

·        Creating paperwork as part of the design package

·        Assisting on fabric and garment shopping trips/internet shopping, and record keeping related to those activities with Wardrobe Coordinators and Designers.

·        Attending design meetings, production meetings, shop visits, costume pulls and all technical rehearsals with the Designer to support the design process

·        Attending wig and wardrobe fittings with the Designer

·        Attending cutter/crafts person discussions with the Designer

Qualifications / Required Skills include:

·        Self-motivated

·        Problem-solving skills

·        Willingness to learn and collaborate

·        Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written

·        Strong organizational and time management skills with an ability to multi-task and be flexible

·        Experience and/or training in design/production on a professional level with an interest in set and costume design for performance

·        Basic model making skills and materials knowledge

·        Basic sketching/rendering skills

·        Skill and comfort in visual communication

·        Research skills

·        Computer skills - Microsoft Office and Photoshop skills considered an asset

·        Basic period knowledge and interest

·        Ontario Class G or equivalent driver’s license with a clean driving record

·        For Set/Props Assistants: Basic drafting skills in CAD or VECTORWORKS

·        For Costume Assistants: Basic fabric knowledge and understanding

Please note: The Shaw Festival includes multiple locations – the Design Studio is located in the main Festival building in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and the Prop Shop, Set Construction Shop, Scenic Art Shop and Warehouses are located a short drive away in nearby towns.  A vehicle is required to access these buildings.  Design Assistants will have shared access to a Shaw vehicle which can be signed out as needed.

All new hires must provide proof of full Covid-19 Vaccination (2 doses) + booster prior to their start date.