Search CITT/ICTS

Job Description / Duties

Reporting to the Technical Director and under the guidance of the Head of Audio, the BMO Mainstage Stagehand is responsible for the execution of theatrical elements backstage for the run of the season. The Stagehand requires solid foundational knowledge and training in stage carpentry, props, audio and rigging. The Stagehand is also responsible for monitoring and performing basic maintenance on theatre equipment through the season and reporting the need for major repairs or safety concerns to the Technical Director in a timely manner. This position requires a positive and professional attitude while working with respective creative teams, performers and other departments at Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival.

• Apply lavalier microphones to the acting company and troubleshoot with the Venue Technician, any issues that arise with the amplification of the actors’ voices during technical rehearsals and performances. Any troubles not solvable by the Stagehand and Venue Technician will immediately be communicated to the Head of Audio and/or the Technical Director in order to solve problems as quickly and efficiently as possible.
• Assist with the technical needs of additional season events as needed.
• Execute change-overs and reset show set pieces and props with the other technical crew.
• Support the Stage Management and Company with other technical aspects as required. The Stagehand is a key resource for any technical challenges that arise backstage during the season. Anything which needs further technical support will be immediately communicated to the Venue Technician, Technical Director or Production Manager.
• Take responsibility for regular maintenance checks on show equipment, props, rigging and moving set pieces during technical rehearsals and throughout the season.
• Maintains an up to date show report log & tracking notes for on stage and backstage activities.

Qualifications / Required Skills

• University or Technical College Degree/Certificate in Technical Theatre, Theatrical Design or equivalent would be an asset.
• At least 2 years of demonstrated combined professional, amateur or college level Theatre Technician experience.
• Working understanding of technical drawings is required.
• Strong aptitude and passion for researching and absorbing new technical knowledge.
• Basic carpentry skills and a clear understanding of rigging and counterweight systems.
• Working knowledge of lighting systems, grids, and rigging is required.
• Able to handle unexpected, time sensitive and stressful situations, and work well both independently and in a team atmosphere.
• Experience in rigging, climbing and fall arrest are assets. An aptitude for and interest in learning rigging, climbing and fall arrest techniques is required.
• Experience with Aerial lifts an asset.
• Preference will be given to candidates with a LPEC Certification.

Other assets would include:

• WHMIS training
• Level 1 First Aid
• Firearms Safety Level One
• Restricted Firearms Safety PAL license
• Aerial lift certification
• Fall Protection Training

Please be prepared to provide copies of safety, technical, and/or educational certificates and/or degree(s) listed on your Resume.

Additional Information

The position is paid at an hourly rate based on labour standards for regular and overtime hours.The position will start no later than May 14th, 2020, but the preferred starting date is May 4th, 2020.
The position will end no sooner than 11pm September 26th (Closing night) but work beyond that time, on the strike of the season, will be available.
Prior to technical rehearsals, there will be full time regular hours (8:00 – 17:00 or 13:00 – 22:00) available. Once technical rehearsals begin approximate shifts are 11:00 – 11:00, six days per week. During the run of the Festival, there will be up to 8 show calls per week, averaging 30-35 hours per week over the run, with occasional overtime.

Salary: $20.00 per hour is the starting rate of pay. Rate is negotiable for appropriate training and experience.

Contact Information

Please upload your resume and a cover letter together in one PDF named “[First & Last Name] Stagehand,” summarizing your qualifications and experience, to bardonthebeach.org/current-opportunities/apply-now/.

Employer Profile

Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare Festival and offers Shakespeare plays, related dramas and special events from June to September, in two modern theatre tents in a magnificent setting on the waterfront in Vanier Park. The Festival also offers year-round educational programming at the BMO Theatre Centre in Olympic Village, and throughout the Lower Mainland. Bard on the Beach is an A-Category Theatre.