Technical Director

Company Overview

Great Canadian Theatre Company has successfully produced professional contemporary theatre in Ottawa since 1975 with a commitment to the advancement of Canadian theatre and the creation of Canadian plays. We produce compassionate, yet provocative, theatre that does not prescribe a point of view, but encourages audience
members to engage in debate and discussion.

GCTC’s facility includes a 262 seat, modern Mainstage theatre and a black box, flexible studio space. We own and operate the Irving Greenberg Theatre Centre and take our role of mentoring, supporting and sharing our resources with the artistic community seriously. In fact, this is an integral part of our identity as an arts organization. Our mandate is to produce theatre that "provokes examination of Canadian life and our place in the world”

Job Description

Reporting to the Production Manager, the technical director is a valued leader and an integral member of staff for the Great Canadian Theatre Company. The ideal candidate is an individual who shares, supports and contributes to the values of the organization and works hard to promote these efforts in their day-to-day work.

The Technical Director is a member of and leads GCTC’s 5-person, full-time IATSEunion production crew. This individual is a primary technical resource for the team and works collaboratively with Management to execute the production requirements of all activities for the company.

In addition to being the lead technician on staff, the Technical Director is also a primary department head and the default minimum crew member required for all activities on the GCTC Mainstage. As such, the Technical Director must have extensive working knowledge of one (or both) areas of expertise: lighting/electrics or sound. This expertise must include knowledge of standard design practices, equipment maintenance, and operation in one or both fields.

All staff and contractors employed by the GCTC are expected to work collaboratively, cooperatively and respectfully to resolve conflict, to facilitate timely decision-making and to ensure a healthy work environment for all.

The Technical Director is employed full-time on a guaranteed minimum of thirty-eight work weeks (40-hrs each) each year and is paid overtime hours (1.5 X Regular Hourly Rate) in addition to set minimum hours.

The candidate for this position must be, or be willing to become, a member in good standing of IATSE Local 471 in Ottawa. The IATSE Union’s Collective Agreement with GCTC sets terms for vacation weeks, minimum hours, work breaks, and other regulations for scheduling and pay.

Regular Hourly Rate: $32.99 / hr, subject to the Collective Agreement.
The candidate should expect to work evenings and weekends in this position. 
A competitive insurance package is offered.

Key Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Production Manager, direct all technical activities and expenditures for the Company
• Operate lighting and/or sound equipment for all GCTC Mainstage productions
• Work with Production Department staff and members of the creative team (Directors, Stage Management, Designers) to ensure that all productions are realized to the highest artistic standard
• In conjunction with the Production Manager, create technical budgets and schedules
• Meet with Designers to discuss preliminary and final set construction plans, and assist in analysing and interpreting plans to determine materials and labor estimates
• Assist and support the Production Crew in set construction duties and technical work to meet budgetary expectations
• Analyze and fulfill technical riders for shows presented by the Company
• Liaise and work with Rental and Partner companies to fulfill their technical needs
• Track the inventory of all technical equipment and maintain it in good working order
• Supervise all regular and casual Production Crew
• Support individual crew members in their professional development, and provide guidance and encouragement on special projects
• Act as a leader for the Production Department by championing the company’s Health and Safety Guidelines and Healthy Workplace Policy
• Foster an inclusive, accessible and healthy working environment
• Other related duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in the technical/production field, or equivalent work experience
• Proven theatre supervisory experience, ideally including scheduling and supervising IATSE union crew members
• Extensive knowledge of stagecraft, theatre production and scenic construction, rigging, lighting, sound and video, with a specialization in lighting and/or sound
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and exercise good judgment and initiative
• Ability to manage multiple, competing priorities successfully in a fast-paced work environment
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with all staff and artists in a professional, confidential and tactful manner (both verbal and written)
• Skilled in personal time management, with an awareness and respect for a healthy work-life balance for yourself and the Production crew
• Proven knowledge of health and safety legislation and healthy workplace practices Proficiency in Excel, Gmail, Calendars, etc. 
• Creation and modification of CAD drawings is considered an asset for this position