Playhouse Technician

Company Overview

About Vertigo Theatre

Vertigo Theatre is Canada’s National Theatre for Intrigue and Mystery, and Calgary’s second largest professional theatre. Located at the base of the Calgary Tower, and heading into its 49th season, the Vertigo Theatre complex is home to our administration, ticket offices, and two performance venues. Vertigo Theatre aims to thrill, entertain, and challenge by creating theatre that ignites the curiosity of our community. We are dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of arts leaders. 

Job Description

About the Position

Reporting to the Technical Director and the Production & Facility Manager, the individual in this position is a member of the Production Department and works closely with a variety of Theatre Staff at different points in a given production period.

This is a seasonal contract position as defined within the Society’s Personnel Policy and is scheduled according to a production schedule, administered by the Production & Facility Manager.

The Playhouse Technician will work with the production department, as the primary onsite technical contact for the season’s five mainstage productions, liaising with incoming artistic and creative teams, running lights and sound mainstage productions, preparing secondary staff to run Playhouse shows, maintaining the Playhouse Theatre and its equipment, and assisting in developing and upholding safety protocols. 

The Technician will be well versed in theatrical lighting, sound, and projection, and will have exceptional personnel and communication skills. 

Responsibilities 

• Oversee casual crews

• Plan and execute lighting hang and focus

• Run the lighting board for lighting levels, notes, tech and all shows

• Set up remote interfacing, designer tables, and computer networking systems as required on a show by show basis

• Execute physical lighting, sound, and video notes as required

• Assist the Sound Designer with setting up their QLab file and interfacing with the house sound system

• Run sound playback and limited live microphones for all shows 

• Maintain lighting and sound equipment

• Work with the Props and Special Effects teams to create and execute special effects including atmospherics, remote dimming, and electronics

• Analyze technical problems and offer effective solutions 

• Ensure the safety of the workplace by helping to establish and then adhering to all health, security, and safety policies and procedures

• Work with the Technical Director to develop maintenance plans, identify and acquire equipment needs, and plan the long term direction of the lighting, sound, and video departments

Required Skills

• Ability to manage crews, lead calls, take direction, and work independently

• Advanced knowledge of Audio equipment and software including QLab, Dante, Digital Sound Consoles, and Audio networking

• Proficient knowledge of Video equipment and software including QLab, Isadora, setting up projection systems, and Video networking 

• Proficient use of Vectorworks to receive lighting plots and keep house paperwork up to date 

• Advanced programming skills on ETC lighting consoles

• Ability to hang lights, drapery, speakers, lighting pipes, and other theatre equipment as required

• Effective verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to maintain a high quality of workmanship, achieving the attention to detail that the Theatre requires

• Comfortable and able to safely work at heights

• Able to lift 50 lbs

• Basic rigging and scenic carpentry skills

Qualifications

• Degree in Technical Theatre with three (3) years experience working with professional theatre companies OR equivalent combination of training and experience

• Certifications are an asset, including: 

• Standard First Aid 

• Scissor Lift Ticket

• Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)

• Fall Arrest and/or Working at Heights Certification

• Pyrotechnics License

• Hazardous Materials (WHMIS)

• Ability to work well with other technical staff in a team environment

• Working efficiently under stress and tight deadlines while maintaining a positive attitude 

• Enthusiasm about working with and instructing technicians who are newer to the workforce and may be learning on the job

The Playhouse Technician is a key member of the Vertigo team and, as such, will uphold and promote Vertigo’s values of Excellence, Mentorship, Collaboration, Advocacy, Accessibility, and Accountability.

Dates 

This is a 45-week full-time seasonal contract starting August 18, 2025 through June 26, 2026 with the possibility of adding up to 2 additional weeks from August 4 - 15, 2025 for training and seasonal equipment maintenance. 

Hours

Full-time with a minimum of 30 hours per week guaranteed. This position requires evenings and weekends with a standard week running Tuesday through Sunday. The schedule will be variable and will be provided by the Production & Facility Manager. 

During tech the Playhouse technician may be scheduled for up to 12 hours per day. 

Evening show calls typically begin at 6pm.

Compensation 

• $30 per hour 

• 4% Vacation pay paid out on each pay cheque as applicable

• Industry standard overtime rates and break schedules apply in addition to Alberta Labour Standards

• 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

• Professional development opportunities

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