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Technical Director - Vancouver Opera

This is a Permanent, Full-time position.

Category: Technical
Province: Vancouver, British Columbia
Position: Technical Director
Deadline: July 3, 2023
Posted: June 7, 2023

Job Description / Duties

The Person

The ideal candidate should be a self-starter and an adept problem solver. The candidate should have a high drive and capacity to manage a busy workload. Experience working in unionized environments and leading teams of diverse individuals is a must. The candidate should be able to maintain a positive attitude in high-stress scenarios and have knowledge of industry best practices. The individual should foster a culture of continuous improvement and foster a strong team ethic.

Position Summary

Vancouver Opera’s core season runs from September until May, with some programming in the summer. The Technical Director is responsible for the supervision and logistics of Production, in partnership with the Director of Artistic and Production. The Technical Director will oversee the Scenic, Props, Wardrobe, Lighting, Video and Sound departments. The Technical Director will work alongside the Creative and Stage Management teams to ensure smooth rehearsal and production processes. This position is also responsible for contributing to the planning of capital projects and the record-keeping and upkeep of production assets.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Liaise between designers, the creative team and production departments.
• Cost and detail preliminary designs and/or rentals
• Anticipate and budget crew requirements.
• Schedule technical crew for builds, load-ins, show calls and strikes.
• Submit payroll for technical and shop crews.
• Maintain/coordinate up-to-date technical drawings throughout production processes.
• Prepare/coordinate ground plans, stage management minis and miscellaneous rehearsal hall requests for rehearsal periods.
• Maintain daily communication during the rehearsal period with the creative and stage management teams.
• Oversee completion of all technical show notes.
• Coordinate equipment rentals and purchases as needed per production.
• Manage transport logistics for rental sets and costumes including carnets, commercial invoices, and transportation.
• Adhere to budget goals and maintain an up-to-date track of estimates verse actuals.
• Facilitate one-off events in partnership with the Production Assistant.
• Support the Young Artist Program when technical needs arise.
• Oversee the launch of Vancouver Opera’s new “digital” rehearsal hall.
• Sit on the bargaining committee for the IATSE 118 Collective Agreements.
• Sit on the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
• Understand and work to support the Artistic aims and objectives of the company.
• Maintain flexibility to work varied hours to meet service needs.
• Consistently perform under pressure and have effective troubleshooting and problem-solving ability.

Qualifications / Required Skills

Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre, or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale, complex operations and in leading multiple teams.
• Excellent technical skills with a thorough understanding of current equipment and systems across all the main areas of technical theatre (carpentry, flies, rigging, lighting, sound) and familiarity with industry standards.
• Highly developed management skills and use of systems/procedures to support the delivery to objectives, including:
• Project management
• Resource and budget management
• Collective terms and agreements
• Compliance with Health & Safety.
• Proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience in managing trade union relations; negotiations, a plus.
• A collaborator with staff, professional colleagues, and supporters, contributing in a substantive and positive way.
• Detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects, with strong organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in Vectorworks or CAD software, QLab, EOS lighting software. Experience with video editing software, Digico, Pro Tools a plus.
• Assets: OFA Level II First Aid, Firearms Possession and Acquisition License.

Additional Information

Schedule

Regular office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. A flexible work schedule, including some long hours, is required during production times and for special events and activities including evenings and weekends.

Vancouver Opera Offers

A dynamic team environment in an exciting cultural hub, a strong partnership network, we deliver amazing main-stage productions, and exceptional education and community programming. Additionally, VO offers a competitive salary, group benefits, a group RRSP matching program, and paid annual vacation.

Salary: $60,000 to $65,000

Contact Information

To apply, please email your cover letter and résumé to tdsearch@vancouveropera.ca with the subject line “Technical Director Application – [your name].”

Employer Profile

Vancouver Opera creates extraordinary experiences that engage, inspire, and entertain our community through voice, music, and theatre. Vancouver Opera is the second-largest opera company in Canada. It is regarded worldwide for its fine main stage productions; for its country-leading education programs, which have reached more than 1.6 million children and their families in more than 60 years; for its innovative and award-winning community programs; and for forging ground-breaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to new generations of Canadians in recent history.


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