Search CITT/ICTS

Job Description / Duties

Position Summary
The Production Manager/ Technical Director supervises and coordinates all production and technical elements for all Freewill productions; responsible for the scheduling, budgeting (in consultation with the Managing Director), contracting crew heads, and execution of all aspects of physical production, establishes technical schedule of deadlines, production goals, and performance calendar; and hires and supervises crew assignments. Responsible for set-up, operation and take-down of the technical & production elements for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This includes overseeing all non-union crew heads, non-union crew members, and summer students.

Maintains effective, clear and appropriate communications with all staff, artistic and production personnel and crews at all times. Cultivates and maintains a positive and inviting environment. Maintains on-the-ground oversight of technical aspects of the productions. The Production consults with the Artistic Director and reports to the Managing Director. Requires frequent evening and weekend hours during the run of the festival.

Responsible for set-up, operation and take-down of the technical & production elements for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This includes overseeing all non-union crew heads, non-union crew members, summer students and participating as a running crew member.

Position Specifics
The Production Manager will be responsible for the scheduling, budgeting, contracting, and execution of all aspects of physical production, including scenery, lights, costumes, props, paint, and sound for all Freewill productions. In conjunction with the Managing Director and the Artistic Director, the PM will lead all production efforts, including hiring and supervising all production staff and crew.

The 2023 Freewill Shakespeare Festival will be producing outside of its usual venue (The Heritage Amphitheatre in Hawrelak Park) and a Production Manager will be required to help with locating the new venue(s), designing and help with budgeting this new and exciting version of the festival.
​
Detailed Duties of the Role
Duties required, and not limited to:
- Creating and overseeing production schedules.
- Organizing, scheduling and running production meetings.
- Organizing and scheduling Crew Calls.
- Overseeing all technical drawings required for scenery construction, plan views and section views for designers and ensure timely completion.
- Production budget estimates, tracking and enforcing (in consultation with the Managing Director).
- Supervision and execution of set build in consultation with the Set Designer(s).
- Supervision of the Site Technical Director.
- Supervision of all crew heads as required.
- Communications with designers and directors.
- Supervision of designer deadlines and follow-ups as so required.
- Ensuring a safe work space.
- Encouraging the highest standards.
- Being available for consultation through the entirety of the festival.
- Transportation / storage logistics of the scenery, props and technical equipment.
- Arrange or direct the procurement of materials, equipment & rentals as so required.
- Provide logistical support to the Managing Director and Artistic Director as they so require.
- Oversee stage management activities and provide support as they so require.
- Willing to help achieve the best success for the festival.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications
- Diploma or Degree in a technical theatre program from a post-secondary institution.
- Class 5 driver’s licence. It is strongly suggested this person has a vehicle.
- Knowledge and adherence to safe working practices.
- Motivated: able to see a task that requires attention and completes such tasks without hesitation.
- Ability to remain positive, upbeat, professional and with a calm demeanour under stress.
- Physical fitness: ability to climb, work on ladders and vertical lifts, lift up to 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
- Knowledge and understanding of lighting systems, audio systems, scenery installation standards, rigging standards, basic painting techniques, and props handling.
- Calm under pressure and ability to problem-solve in stressful situations.
- Ability to communicate with patrons and donors as needed.
- Understanding of labour standards as well ability to work with Union Crews (union crews are used to build and install the scenery).
- Exceptional attention to detail and planning.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication.
- Impeccable time management and organizational skills.
- Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
- Ability to learn quickly.
- Excellent problem solving skills.

Assets
- Knowledge of Canadian theatre agreements (CAEA's ITAs) and Canadian theatre ecology.
- A passion for theatre, performing arts, and community engaged arts.
- Experience with outdoor productions that travel is an asset.
- Qualifications and experience as a Stage Manager or Production Assistant is an asset.

Additional Information

Application Deadline: November 13, 2022 11:59PM MST. Or until filled.
Start Date: Part-time hours to begin in January 2023, Full-time hours to begin in May 2023
End Date: This position may continue part-time through 2023 after the festival ends in August 2023. This is negotiable.
Hours: Full time during the Festival, part-time hours before production to be negotiated.

Salary: $19,000-$21,000 depending on experience

Contact Information

To apply for this position please email your cover letter and resume along with any other pertinent information to Freewill Shakespeare Festival: Attn: Cassie Duval. E-mail to: md@freewillshakespeare.com

Applications must include a list of three references with contact information. Applications that do not include references will be considered incomplete. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.

Employer Profile

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild was formed in 1989 by a group of theatre artists in a truly co-operative spirit with the mandate to make the works of William Shakespeare accessible. The company runs the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage two productions each summer outdoors in Edmonton’s river valley, and host many special events during the festival. FWP endeavours to make the productions accessible to all audiences, regardless of age, ability, education or income levels, while also developing new audiences and mentoring theatre professionals of the future. In the spirit of the original artists’ ‘pass the hat’ philosophy FWP continues encouraging audiences with Pay What you Will and special pricing for students and seniors.