Head of Stage

Company Overview

About Vertigo Theatre

Vertigo Theatre is a premiere cultural institution in Calgary and has entertained audiences for over 45 years with high-quality programming. It is the only theatre in North America programming a season based entirely in the intrigue and mystery genre. Located at the base of the Calgary Tower, the Vertigo complex is home to our administration, ticket offices, and two performance venues. Vertigo aims to thrill, entertain, and challenge by creating theatre that ignites the curiosity of our community. We are dedicated to the revitalization of the mystery theatre genre and to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of arts leaders.

Job Description

Head of Stage

42 Week Full Time Contract

About the Position

Vertigo Theatre is seeking an individual for the position of Head of Stage for the 2023-2024 season. Reporting to the Technical Director and the Production and Facility Manager, the Head of Stage will be primarily responsible for onstage scenery, rigging, carpentry, and maintenance.  

The successful candidate will be a highly-motivated individual who enjoys being involved in all aspects of productions, while taking ownership over the on-stage aspects.

The ideal candidate has a passion for theatre and is a team member who works with designers, technicians, and management to realize the vision for the production. 

Responsibilities

      Delivering materials to the carpenter and picking up the set, as required.

      Loading in the set and running the set install.

      Working on productions during tech week.

      Completing show notes during the run of productions, as required.

      Booking and supervising casual crews as required.

      Assisting the Technical Director and Head of Props with the build of any special effects and electrical devices including but not limited to blood, gunshots, appearing/disappearing, rigging, atmospheric effects, flame, and pyrotechnics.

      Assisting the Playhouse Technician with show duties such as preshow checks and sweeping and mopping the stage.

      Running show tracks as required.

      Additional duties may include assisting with lighting, sound, and projection.

      Ensuring the safety of the workplace by helping to establish and enforce all health, security, and safety policies and procedures.

      Keeping the Vertigo shop in good order, including maintenance of the tools and keeping the space clean and tidy.

      Ordering materials for the shop and sets as required.

      Assisting with maintenance in the theatre.

      Assisting with other maintenance tasks in the Vertigo Theater facility as required.

Skills and Requirements

      Scenic Carpentry skills

      Knowledge of all departments of theatre production

      Technical skills in stage carpentry, rigging, lighting, sound, projections, and special effects

      Experience leading and supervising a crew

      Experience working with Designers and Directors

      Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written

      Troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and research

      A high quality of workmanship, achieving the attention to detail that the Theatre requires

      Self-motivated and able to work effectively independently, and also take direction well

      Ability to draft in Vectorworks is an asset

      Ability to program and use Q-Lab, Isadora, and ETC lighting consoles is an asset

Qualifications

      Degree in Technical Theatre OR equivalent combination of training and experience

      Comfortable working at heights and capable of climbing ladders and working in catwalks

      Familiar with & comfortable using power tools

      Able to lift 50 lbs.

      Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and Clean Driver’s Abstract an asset

      Certifications are an asset, including:

   Standard First Aid

   Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)

   Pyrotechnics License

      Fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (except in cases of a medical exemption)

Vertigo Theatre encourages a team-oriented environment.  All personnel are required to participate in a wide range of activities or take on additional responsibilities from time to time that may be outside of the Core Responsibilities & Duties for each position.

Hours

Average of 40 hours per week with an averaging arrangement. Typical hours of work will be Tuesday to Sunday, with the hours adjusted to accommodate for show schedules as required. 

Dates

August 28, 2023 - June 21, 2024.

Compensation and Benefits

      $960 - $1080 per week based on experience, paid semi-monthly.

      4% vacation paid out on each cheque.

      Extended Health and Dental plan after 3 months with cost shared 50/50 between employee and employer.

      Access to building amenities, including Fitness Centre, Tenant Lounge, and secure bike lock-up.

Please note parking expenses are the employee’s responsibility and no designated parking is available onsite.