Production Manager

Company Overview

About The Foster Festival: The Foster Festival is a professional theatre company located in St. Catharines, Ontario and is inspired by the work of internationally renowned Canadian playwright Norm Foster. The Foster Festival is an annual theatre Festival which fosters the development of new Canadian work. We do this through our play development program, through workshops, public readings, and, ultimately, productions of Canadian plays. The Foster Festival recognizes the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee, Wendat peoples, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations on whose territory we work and play, and we thank them for sharing their land. 

The Foster Festival encourages submissions from arts workers of all backgrounds regardless of race, colour, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. It is important to The Foster Festival that we continue our efforts and dedication to welcome representation from a wide range of backgrounds. The Foster Festival is committed to creating an inviting workspace which promotes a sustainable career in the arts for BIPOC and marginalized arts workers in our administrative offices, our design team, and our backstage/technical positions.

Job Description

PRODUCTION MANAGER
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: Open until the position is filled

The Foster Festival is seeking a Production Manager for our 2025 Season. The successful candidate will work closely with The Foster Festival’s Artistic Director, Artistic Associate, Designers, Stage Managers, Junior Crew, and the Mandeville Theatre Technical Team.

The ideal candidate will be available for the full time period as outlined below. The total time commitment is 24 weeks with an 8 week hiatus from September 1 - October 26, 2025.

Shows take place at Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College (St. Catharines)

2025 SCHEDULE

• Start Date May 5, 2025
• Bedtime Stories Rehearsals in progress since March 12
• Build: May 12-25
• Tech: May 26-27
• Run: May 28-June 1
• Strike: June 1
• Mainstage Summer Season June 3 - Aug 31
• Prep/Build Weeks: June 9- 21; July 4th-14th, July 25th- Aug 8th.
• On a First Name Basis (OAFNB) Rehearsals begin: June 9
• Travel to open in Collingwood: June 22
• Load in Collingwood and Tech: June 23-24
• Run: June 24-June 28
• OAFNB Return to St. Catharines: June 29 (Mandeville Theatre, Ridley College)
• Load in/Focus: June 30
• Tech: July 1-2
• Run: July 3- 17
• Strike: July 17
• Screwball Comedy Rehearsals begin: July 7
• Load in/Focus July 18
• Tech: July 19-22
• Run: July 23- Aug 3
• Strike: Aug 3
• Mechanically Inclined Rehearsals begin: July 29
• Load in/Focus: Aug 8
• Tech: Aug 9-13
• Run: Aug 14-24
• Strike: Aug 24
• Postmortem/ Clean-up/ Reconcile Aug 25-31
• A Niagara Christmas Carol October 27- December 20, 2025
• Rehearsals begin: Nov 11
• Load In/Focus: Nov 22
• Tech: Nov 23-26
• Run: Nov 26- Dec 7
• Strike: Dec 7
• TBC - Possible Extension or Local Tour
• Travel Day: Dec 8
• Tour Run: Dec 10-13
• Burlington PAC
• Travel Day Dec 14
• Burlington Run: Dec 16-20
• Strike Dec 21

JOB DUTIES/DESCRIPTION:

• Implement all technical aspects of production, within planned budgets and schedules, while maintaining high production standards.
• Advise Administrative Staff, Directors, and Designers on feasibility, cost, and equipment capabilities.
• Maintain the safety of the workplace by helping establish and ensure all health and safety policies are adhered to (copies of these policies are available to all staff).
• Complete all AODA & Health and Safety training (available through The Foster Festival’s HR portal).
• Coordinate with Designers to create and update construction drawings for each of the production set/props designs.
• Cost, source, and order all scenic materials including soft goods, rigging etc.
• Schedule all crew calls and supervise weekly production meetings.
• Schedule and supervise construction of all scenic elements.
• Schedule load-ins, set-ups, and strikes in partnership with the Mandeville technical staff.
• Oversee load-ins, levels, onstage rehearsals, previews, and strikes.
• Arrange transfer of materials to and from The Foster Festival’s storage facility (a company truck is available) and report on storage inventory status at season end.
• Coordinate with departments throughout and assist where needed.
• Responsible for the coordination of the transfer of production elements to presenting houses as negotiated by the administration.
• Contribute to the overall success of The Foster Festival by accomplishing related tasks as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of a recognized theatre program in theatre production.
• Knowledge in working with related Unions and Associations.
• Strong Drafting skills are an asset.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and to complete work in a timely manner.
• Ability to supervise, delegate and manage technicians and crew.
• Flexibility to adjust work schedule as required.
• A valid G Driver’s license.
• Creative thinking to adapt to unique theatre set ups (theatrical and non-theatrical spaces, transferring).
• Comfortable Driving large vehicles (rental trucks for set transport).

COMPENSATION

• This contract is for a total of 24, non-consecutive weeks (May 5 - Dec 20)
• Possibility of extension of contract beyond final production of the season
• Commensurate with qualifications and experience