Technical Director

Company Overview

Soulpepper’s purpose is to share vital stories that connect us all by producing a year-round season of events, including plays, concerts, musicals, festivals and presentations. We play a vital civic role in our community through education and community programs, artist training, and environmental sustainability initiatives. We strive to ensure theatre is accessible to all by offering ASL interpretation, relaxed performances, and a variety of affordable ticket options.

Soulpepper, like other performing arts companies, continues to adapt to the realities of producing theatre in the midst of enormous social change and a global pandemic. We work in a convivial environment that truly allows you to be who you want to be. The Soulpepper team is hardworking, creative, and, with the arrival of many new staff in recent years, forming a new working culture that is at once ambitious and sustainable.

Led by Executive Director Gideon Arthurs, and Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha, Soulpepper’s home is the Young Centre for the Performing Arts situated in the Distillery Historic District in downtown Toronto. Soulpepper’s annual budget is approximately $8 million and engages roughly 60 employees and 250+ artists annually. The Young Centre’s annual budget is approximately $3 million and engages roughly 150+ employees annually. 

Soulpepper is an organization committed to pursuing Radical Inclusion, working to build an organization where everyone’s experience is both valued and reflected.  We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour, Trans, and Disabled persons.

Job Description

THE POSITION
Reporting to the Senior Production Manager, Soulpepper’s Technical Director works as an integral part of the creative process in collaboration with productions’ designers and the staff with the responsibility for the technical implementation of Soulpepper’s production values. The Technical Director also provides technical support to the Young Centre for the Performing Arts under the terms of a management agreement between Soulpepper Theatre and the Young Centre for the Performing Arts.

KEY RESULTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervises a team that includes Assistant Technical Directors, Department Heads, unionized technical crew, Interns, and seasonal technical staff as needed.
• Assume the lead technical responsibility for all Soulpepper Productions
• Establish both material and labour costing for all production elements; technical and scenic.
• Communicates with designers to realize production’s designs while keeping within budgetary constraints.
• Produces all CAD drawings and other production paperwork.
• Manages budgets for all scenic areas in consultation with the Senior Production Manager
• Ensure all production elements are delivered on schedule and on budget; and reports to the Senior Production Manager and Executive Producer as to the status of production budgets at weekly meetings.
• Engages crew in consultation with the Senior Production Manager.
• Manages the installation of all technical and scenic elements in the theatres.
• Assist the Manager of Building Ops with Young Centre activities and related logistics as required.
• Consults with the GBC Production Manager on performance activities and related logistics as required.
• Manages the build process in the carpentry, paint and prop shops, including scheduling, timely supply of required materials, and safe operations consistent with health and safety policies
• Develop strategies for how Soulpepper production can be best in class in its commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With the Senior PM, contribute to the ongoing conversation about capital maintenance and development of theatre spaces, with a particular focus on equipment replacements and upgrades.
• Contribute to the overall success of Soulpepper and the Young Centre by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
• Demonstrate a commitment to Radical Inclusion, working to ensure that Soulpepper’s values manifest themselves in the department’s work.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the Senior Production Manager;
• Direct manager of Production Department staff;
• Works in conjunction with the Assistant Production Manager and the Young Centre Manager of Building Ops.
• Indirect manager of Department Heads – Carpentry, Scenic & Properties; direct manager of Stagehands
• Consults, advises, and works collaboratively with Producing department.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• 5 Years’ experience as a Technical Director in theatre or live events
• Professional experience managing Union Stagehands
• High Proficiency in AutoCAD
• Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction techniques and materials
• Awareness of safe and efficient theatrical labour standards
• Theatrical rigging knowledge
• Understanding of typical schedules and timelines for mounting a theatrical production
• Advanced knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound and projection
• Valid G class driver’s license
• Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment with multiple deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Excellent time management, organizational and administrative skills
• A passion for theatre and live performance

WORKING CONDITIONS AND EFFORT

• Performs most duties at the Young Centre, both in a regular office, backstage and shop environment. Must be available to work regular office hours however, due to the nature of the performing arts environment, often work will occur outside of regular office hours on evenings and weekends.
• Position requires concentration and focus in creating CAD drawings, analysing designs, costing production projects. Occasional physical effort is required lifting and moving scenery, climbing ladders, loading and unloading trucks, and other typical theatre functions.

COMPENSATION
Salary $67,000-$72,000
15 annual vacation days plus 5 paid sick days and 5 personal days
Health and dental benefits