Technical Director

Company Overview

About us:

The Grand Theatre is a leading arts organization in London, Ontario. We’re nationally recognized for our outstanding productions, production values, world-class facilities, and talented staff. In a typical year we produce somewhere between six and ten shows a year, and present between two and four, divided between our two stages, the 839-seat Spriet Stage, and 147-seat Auburn Stage. 

The theatre is located in the heart of downtown London, was built in 1901, and underwent a major renovation and expansion in 1977-78. During the pandemic, we undertook a $9 million renovation, including substantial back-of-house updates and upgrades. We’re emerging in a better position than ever to produce inspiring, high-quality theatre. 

Our Props and Scenic Art departments fall under the jurisdiction of IATSE 828, and the Spriet Stage and Scenic Carpentry are staffed by members of IATSE 105.  

We work hard to provide a good work-life balance for the technical management team and are excited to hear your ideas for how to make things even better. Evening, weekend, and occasional holiday work will be required. The technical management team is comprised of the Director of Production, TD, ATD, Apprentice TD or PM, and Production Driver. 

We like to consider ourselves a teaching theatre, and you’ll play a key role in mentoring the Apprentice Technical Director, who is typically hired on a full-season basis, with the ultimate goal of having them TD a show by the end of their apprenticeship. Beyond that, you’ll help facilitate apprenticeships in several production departments, including stage management, work on the High School Project, and periodically with secondary and post-secondary Co-op students. 

About London:

London is a growing city of about 400,000, located centrally in Southwestern Ontario. It’s hot and sunny in the summer, cold and lots of snow in the winter, and a short drive to lots of cool places. London was recently designated a UNESCO City of Music and has a thriving music scene. London is a centre for education, medicine, and finance, with a strong and growing manufacturing sector.  

With a growing network of multi-use pathways and bike lanes, as well as recent major investments in public transit, it’s easier than ever to get around. The Grand is centrally located, which means it’s about a 20-minute drive from anywhere in the city, and is located right on a number of major bus routes. Cost of living, while rising, is considerably lower than larger cities like Toronto, while still offering many of the same amenities. 

 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.  

Job Description

About you: 

You are a passionate person who loves to work as part of a team. You have excellent multi-tasking skills and thrive when juggling multiple projects on strict timelines. You’re both able to delegate effectively, and pitch in and get your hands dirty yourself when needed. You enjoy working on the fine details, but always keep the big picture in focus. 

You have experience managing teams of people, preferably as a technical director, on projects of varying scales. A broad knowledge base is a huge asset, as you’ll be managing teams working in all departments, with a focus on the ‘hard tech’ areas. Carpentry experience and an understanding and appreciation of scenic art is essential, as you will be working closely and extensively with scenic carpenters, scenic artists, and set designers to realize designs. 

A big part of the job is drafting, so you’re very comfortable with reading, reviewing, revising, and creating drawings. You’ll have strong CAD skills and ideally are comfortable with Vectorworks, or are willing to make the switch. Our stage gets crowded quickly on the big shows, so you’ve got a strong spatial sense, and are easily able to create and maintain ground plans and sections that clearly communicate information to all the design and production teams about how the production fits in the space. 

You are a voracious learner who is curious about everything, passionate about theatre, and wants to work with a team that makes great art.  

About the Job: 

Key responsibilities: 

• Cost set designs 

• Prepare drawing packages for scenic carpenters, scenic artists, props, and stage crew 

• Technical research and design of special effects 

• Ensure safety of designs, obtaining engineering reviews where required 

• Supervise production departments, and tech week activities 

• Facilitate communication on all aspects of designs between all departments and creative teams 

• Co-ordinate inter-departmental projects (lights in set pieces, etc) 

• Arrange set transportation and storage 

• Facilitate equipment maintenance 

• Assist with capital planning 

• Supervise and mentor ATD and Apprentice TD 

• Collaborate in building show and season budgets and schedules 

• Advance technical elements of rental shows 

• Lead development of new processes and workflows 

• Maintain updated venue drawings and specifications 

 While most of the work of the Technical Director must be done onsite, we endeavor to offer flexibility in work arrangements where possible. 

Position Details: 

• The Grand offers a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous extended health & dental coverage after 3-months, retirement benefits after 1-year, and complimentary tickets; 

• Prospective employees must be legally able to work in Canada or be eligible for a work permit, provide an up-to-date and clear police information check, and agree to the theatre’s employee handbook and health & safety policies, as part of the employment agreement; 

• Start date: Flexible from Mid-February 2024