Production Director

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 of 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 female. 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

Position: Production Director
Salary Range: $140 - $ 165K per year plus benefits

Reporting to the Executive and Artistic Directors, this position efficiently manages the Production Departments in the mounting and operating of all Shaw Festival productions while upholding the Festival’s policies, values and principals. The Production departments make up the largest areas of seasonal labour for the Festival’s 500+ staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Direct: Production Administrator, Technical Directors, Designers, Design Coordinator, Head of Scenic Construction, Head of Scenic Art, Head of Props, Head Stage Carpenter, Head of Audio, Head of Electrics, Head of Automation & Construction Electrics, Head of Wardrobe, Head of Wigs and Make-Up, Head of Wardrobe Running, Assistant Technical Director-Logistics

Indirect:  Production Departmental Associates, Assistants and Staff, Assistant Designers.

Liaise with IATSE business agent and other CBA representatives.

Duties and responsibilities shall include but not be limited to the following:

1. Work under the direction of the Artistic Director to plan and supervise the execution of production requirements to facilitate the realization of the Artistic Director's programme. 

2. Initiate and coordinate the flow of information within the Production Department and expedite support requests from the artistic departments through consultation with the Artistic Director and Production department heads. 

3. Oversee the implementation of the production schedule including design deadlines, workshop schedules, construction and technical schedules.

4. Prepare operating and capital budgets for production departments in consultation with the Executive Director and Finance Director. 

5. Authorize production purchasing. Establish methods of maintaining budget control on designated accounts. Maintain records of and authorize, through department heads, inventory purchase, rental and disposal of production material and equipment. 

6. Assess, define and organize Production Department personnel requirements in consultation with the Executive Director and the Artistic Director. 

7. Engage Designers and design staff as directed by the Artistic Director in Engage or authorize the engagement of Production personnel as required to facilitate the realization of the Artistic Director’s programme. 

8. Act as chair of the Festival's negotiating committee for collective bargaining of IATSE 461 Production and 828 Scenic Art contracts. Administer and implement the collective agreements, by finding appropriate resolution for issues that may arise. 

9. Advise and assist the Artistic Director and Executive Director in the organization of special production activities, ie: touring, displays, etc. and in long-range planning and development. 

10. Contribute to planning and future direction of the organization, in tandem with the senior staff team. 

11. Advise and assist the Artistic Director and Executive Director in the organization of special production activities, ie: television, film, touring, displays, etc. and in long-range planning and development. 

12. Act as Employer Chair on the Health and Safety Committee.

Qualifications/Required Skills

The successful incumbent will have a 10+ years experience in the directorship of theatre production with strong demonstrated leadership skills, an education in theatre production, theatre management or equivalent professional experience.

Experience in a repertory theatre is an asset. 

Strong understanding of the Ontario Ministry of Labour Guidelines for the Live Performance Industry

Experience working in a multi-union environment and in interpreting/ managing collective agreements, specifically IATSE.

Excellent communication and negotiating skills, 

A collaborative, results-oriented and proactive mindset, ability to juggle multiple priorities.

The Shaw Festival is committed to becoming a place where everyone, no matter who they are, can make and take part in excellent art.

Essential Considerations:

This full-time position is based at the Shaw Festival theatre offices in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario Canada.  The incumbent will be expected to work on site and some evenings and weekends as required especially during the performance season.  She/He/They must possess a valid Driver’s License.

Please Note: At this time, all new hires must provide proof of Full COVID-19 vaccination plus booster status or a current COVID vaccination (after October 2023) prior to start date.