Technical Director

Company Overview

When you work at Symphony Nova Scotia, you’re joining a dedicated and ambitious team that believes passionately in the value orchestral music brings to Nova Scotians.

As Nova Scotia’s only professional orchestra, we’ve been championing symphonic music in the province for 40 years. With a home base in Halifax/K’jipuktuk and performances across the province, Symphony Nova Scotia is proud to be a vibrant, vital part of Nova Scotia’s rich cultural community. From sold-out concerts to free family events, youth and seniors’ activities, and educational partnerships, Symphony Nova Scotia creates unforgettable experiences with truly great music.

As Technical Director, your contribution will significantly impact the wellbeing of the wider community. We place a high priority on community engagement, from our flagship education program – the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra – to programs and activities for over 15,000 elementary, junior, and senior high school students in a typical year. Our partnerships with many diverse communities have been recognized for their innovation and creativity. Our audience comes from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds and lived experiences because it makes our company stronger.

The orchestra of 37 musicians has repeatedly been praised for its versatility and flexibility, performing everything from baroque to pops to jazz with equal finesse. As Technical Director, you’ll be part of a performing arts organization that not only brings joy and inspiration to thousands of audience members, but one that also conducts many accessible community programs, including performances in local public libraries, free community concerts including our popular Family series, and online concerts.

Job Description

About the Role

The Technical Director (TD) is a key leader of the production team and works collaboratively to realize the creative vision of the Music Director and other partners. The TD works with technical and artistic personnel on the timely planning, communication, and execution of stage, logistical, and technical requirements for Symphony Nova Scotia productions and advises as needed on Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra (NSYO) productions. The TD models positive professional behaviour to support a safe, respectful, and productive work environment.

About You

You are a reliable and supportive team member with a “can-do” attitude who believes that music and art build stronger communities. You instill confidence in others and can calmly and capably lead a team to solve problems and produce orchestra events with varying technical requirements including acoustic, audio, video, and livestream.

You are committed to fulfilling the mission and vision of Symphony Nova Scotia and to embracing our core values. You establish and maintain harmonious professional relations, even while under pressure in fast-paced environments. You are sensitive to the needs of professional artists and conduct yourself with integrity and respect to support a safe, professional, productive, and inclusive workplace.

You are a detailed planner and forward thinker, executing production requirements while controlling costs within budget parameters. You can reliably arrange air travel and transfers for guest artists, create detailed itineraries, and hire and lead a crew of casual stagehands, reporting accurate scheduling and pay records.

You are committed to following established health and safety procedures, co-chairing the Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee and leading efforts to maintain a safe workplace.

You have training in theatre production or stage management and experience organizing the technical operations of live performing arts ensembles. You are well-versed or have aptitude for the practical use of technology and computer software including Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Teams, Orchestra Planning & Administration System (OPAS), QLab, and design and drafting applications.

Work Environment & Expectations