Production Manager

Company Overview

Now in our 52 second year, Theatre Aquarius is a hub for creative conversation that celebrates possibility, engages community, fosters innovation, and ignites future voices. We are a gathering place sharing stories that provoke, delight, inspire, and transform.Recognized as a leader in Canadian Theatre, we are the home of The National Centre for New Musicals, and produce work of the highest quality, premiering new plays, developing the skills of professional artists, and investing in youth, families and community in the Hamilton region and beyond. Theatre Aquarius is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT) and proudly engages artists who are members of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association (CAEA) and stage technicians who are members of IATSE Locals 129 and 828, as well as ADC and AFM.

Job Description

THE POSITION: Theatre Aquarius, one of Canada’s leading professional non-profit theatres, is searching for an experienced Production Manager to join our production team. Reporting to the Artistic Director and Executive Director, the Production Manager is the head of the production department coordinating the flow of information among artistic, administrative and production staff. The Production Manager has direct supervisory responsibility for the technical director, designers and stage management and is responsible for the annual production budget, show budgets and scheduling including the hiring of key production personnel.

STATUS: Full time, permanent

START DATE: Flexible- June/July 2026

BENEFITS: Medical and Dental plan; company cellphone; 3 weeks vacation per year

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Works under the direction of the Artistic Director to plan and supervise the execution of production elements.
• Initiate and coordinate the flow of information within the production department and expedite support requests from the artistic department.
• Ensure that the artistic vision of a production is realized in a healthy and safe working environment.
• Act as a member of the management negotiating team for collective bargaining with IATSE 129 and 828 collective agreements.
• Administer PACT contracts as they relate to the theatre and its stage management teams.
• Administer ADC contracts as they relate to the theatre and its designers.
• Administer AFM contracts as they relate to the theatre and musicians.
• Prepare production budgets, authorize production purchasing, establish methods of maintaining budget control, authorizes inventory purchases and the rental and disposal of production materials and equipment.
• Work closely with the technical director, designers and department heads to make decisions regarding set, costume, lighting and other aspects of a production and ensure these are within the budget of the production. Ensure the necessary licenses are obtained to run a production.
• Direct payroll information for all production department personnel. Approve time sheets/payroll for IATSE members.
• Contributing to the overall success of Theatre Aquarius by accomplishing related results as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

•       Minimum five years’ experience in a variety of aspects of technical theatre

•       Considerable experience working with CAEA, ADC, AFM and IATSE contracts.

•       Extensive knowledge of theatre production and budgeting.

•       Organization and communication skills (verbal and written)

•       Attention to detail, and problem-solving skills

•       Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities

•       Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with staff and artists in a professional, confidential and tactful manner.

•       Knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practices

•       Drivers licence with clean driving record

•       Evening and weekend work is required for this position.