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 millennial.

Job Description

Design Assistants (multiple)

Full Time, Seasonal Position

The Shaw Festival is seeking applications for a seasonal, full time Set and Costume Design Assistants. These positions report to the Production Director, Design Coordinator, and Mentors where assigned, and are part of the design team. Bi-weekly salons/workshops and check-ins will be required with Mentors and Design Coordinator to offer orientation and support throughout the term.

These are seasonal positions with varying contract lengths depending on show assignments, ranging from 8 weeks to 36 weeks of full-time residency in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Positions are available starting mid-January through to mid-November 2023. 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 and production scheduling details will be discussed with candidates selected for interviews.

Candidates can expect to assist on regular season productions with professional designers and be offered mutually agreed upon opportunities to further their own art and craft through mentorship, artistic incubation, and the fostering of creative relationships.
There may be opportunity for Assistants to return in the 2024 season as part of a multi-year Design Assistant program.

SET/PROPS DESIGN ASSISTANT:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• research/visual reference collection and distribution to appropriate departments related to set and props designs of a production
  interpreting and updating drafting/drawings throughout the production process
• assist in the building of the set model
• attend design meetings/production meetings/shop visits/ props pulls and all technical rehearsals with the designer to support the design process.
• attend rehearsal when possible.
• compile documentation of the production for remount/archival purposes.

COSTUME DESIGN ASSISTANT:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• collection and distribution of research and visual references and distribution to appropriate departments and crafts people related to costume designs of a production.
• assist in completion of paperwork as part of the design package.
• assist on fabric and garment shopping trips/internet shopping and record keeping related to those activities with wardrobe coordinators and designers.
• attend design meetings/production meetings/shop visits/ costume pulls and all technical rehearsals with the designer to support the design process.
• attend wig and wardrobe fittings with the designer.
• attend cutter/crafts person discussions with the designer.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications include:

• Self-motivated
• Problem-solving
• A 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 with Microsoft Office, Photoshop skills would be considered an asset
• For set/props specifically: Basic drafting skills in CAD or VECTORWORKS
• Basic fabric knowledge and understanding
• Basic period knowledge and interest
• Ontario Class G or equivalent driver’s license with a clean driving record

Additional Information

PLEASE NOTE

The Shaw Festival has production shops, props, set construction and scenic art that are not located in Niagara on the Lake and are a short drive from the main theatre and rehearsal spaces. A vehicle is required to access these shops. Design assistants will have shared access to a vehicle that is available to schedule and sign out.

Please Note* All new hires must provide Proof of Full Covid -19 Vaccination Status + booster prior to their start date.

Salary: $875 weekly