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Technical Director - Buddies In Bad Times Theatre

This is a Permanent, Full-time position.

Category: Technical
Province: Toronto, Ontario
Position: Technical Director
Deadline: October 5, 2026
Posted: August 26, 2026

Job Description / Duties

Job Title: Technical Director
Reports To: Production Manager
Hours: 40 hours/week
Location: Primarily on-site at 12 Alexander Street (some remote work possible)
Schedule: variable to meet production needs

Role Overview:
The Technical Director works closely with the Production Manager to guide the production department in addressing technical and operational challenges for shows, rentals, and events. This position centers on managing the technical elements, including the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of equipment, as well as providing detailed and hands-on oversight during rehearsals and performances. A key responsibility is ensuring the department upholds health and safety standards, and technical proficiency.

Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Department Management
Support the Production Manager in budgeting, tracking, and reconciling production expenses
Assist in hiring, training, and providing feedback to production personnel
Participate in department, management, and production meetings
Ensure all production crew are trained, in and compliant with, current safety practices
Identify professional development opportunities for technical staff
Collaborate with Joint Heath and Safety Committee on building safety practices
Maintain communication with other departments regarding production needs

Production Planning and Execution:
Plan and oversee the installation and strike of productions and annual equipment maintenance
Establish consistent and safe practices with venue technicians for procedures, equipment use, and storage
Maintain organized and tidy work areas and technical offices
Assist in booking and supervising appropriate crew for each production
Orient renters and visiting productions to safety, technical characteristics, and other relevant areas of facility operations

Equipment Management and Technical Oversight:
Track technical equipment assets, manage maintenance, depreciation, and in-house rentals
Maintain and distribute accurate venue documentation including building drawings and inventories
Determine technical specifications, cost, risk assessment, and support required for events and performances
Execute, manage, and track all technical expenses in accordance with approved budgets and costings
Monitor equipment condition and perform preventative maintenance
Lead troubleshooting efforts for technical equipment
Arrange for external repair and replacement within budgetary constraints
Acquire and transport rental equipment and specialized supplies as needed
Transport rental equipment and specialized supplies as needed
Develop capital equipment upgrade proposals for leadership consideration

Artistic Support:
Create technical drafts from designers' scenic plans
Supervise installs and notes for all departments to ensure completion and safety (e.g., set, lighting, sound, rigging, video)
Assess departmental needs (e.g., props, costume, sound); reallocate or find resources and personnel as needed
Facilitate technical tests and proof-of-concept demonstrations between designers and/or Heads of Departments (e.g., lighting, paint, and SFX tests)
Attend technical setups and rehearsals to oversee production mounting and provide technical advice

Qualifications / Required Skills

Qualifications:
Experience in technical direction or production management in theatre or live events
Strong understanding of theatrical systems (lighting, sound, rigging, set construction)
Proficiency with Vectorworks/CAD software
Working at heights certification or willingness to obtain
Valid First Aid certification
Knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to theatrical settings
Ability to troubleshoot technical problems under time constraints

Additional Information

JOB POSTING: Technical Director

Position Type: Full-time (40 hours/week), primarily on-site (remote work possible)
Positions Available: 1
Hourly Wage or Salary Range: $52,000 – $56,000, commensurate with experience, plus extended health benefits

Posting Date: August 18, 2026
Closing Date: September 18, 2026
Start Date: No later than October 5, 2026
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

ABOUT US
Buddies in Bad Times Theatre is the world's longest-running queer theatre, and a nightlife institution too. Under one roof at 12 Alexander Street, we run a full theatre season and nightlife programming all year round. Queerness has always been both our politics and our aesthetic here; we make work and throw parties that don't ask permission.

ROLE
The Technical Director keeps the gear and the rooms running across both worlds: mainstage productions in the Chamber and nightlife programming in Tallulah’s Cabaret. Reporting to the Production Manager, you'll manage equipment, installs, and hands-on support during rehearsals, performances, and events, from a full tech week to a Friday night set change. It's a role for someone who's as comfortable troubleshooting a rig mid-show as they are prepping a stage for a DJ set a few hours later.

HOW TO APPLY:
We prioritize applications from folks from equity-deserving groups, including those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, Trans, Nonbinary, Queer, Disabled, Neurodiverse, MAD and intersections of those identities.

We are committed to accessible, barrier-free recruitment. If you require accommodations, please contact hiring@buddiesinbadtimes.com.

To apply, send a resume and cover letter in one PDF file via https://airtable.com/appcFwu4Cm7O57xQV/pag8d5I0HN1lHmnaB/form by 1:00pm on October 5, 2026.

We are committed to inclusive, low barrier recruitment and selection processes and work environments – if you require accommodations at any point in the application or recruitment process please submit them in confidence to hiring@buddiesinbadtimes.com - Gregory Doplaga monitors this email.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:
Leadership & Department Management: Support the Production Manager with budgeting and expense tracking, hire and train production personnel, ensure crew training and safety compliance, and collaborate with the Joint Health and Safety Committee.
Production Planning and Execution: Plan and oversee installs, strikes, and annual equipment maintenance; set safe, consistent practices with venue technicians; book and supervise crew; orient renters and visiting productions to the space.
Equipment Management and Technical Oversight: Track equipment assets, maintenance, depreciation, and rentals; determine technical specs, cost, and risk for events; lead troubleshooting and preventative maintenance; develop capital equipment upgrade proposals.
Artistic Support: Create technical drafts from designers' scenic plans, supervise installs across departments (set, lighting, sound, rigging, video), facilitate technical tests, attend rehearsals and technical setups, and work with the Nightlife team on events and full-facility needs.

ABOUT YOU:
experience in technical direction or production management in theatre or live events
strong understanding of theatrical systems (lighting, sound, rigging, set construction)
proficient with Vectorworks/CAD software
has a valid First Aid & CPR certification
has working at heights certification, or is willing to obtain one
knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to theatrical settings
comfortable troubleshooting technical problems under time constraints
A valid driver’s license will be considered an asset

Salary: $52,000-$56,000

Contact Information

Laura Coleman
Production Manager
laura@buddiesinbadtimes.com 

Employer Profile

Our Values

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre has identified three core values that serve as guiding pillars for all our activities and operations.

LIBERATION – We aim to transcend traditional freedoms by committing to a continuous, collective process of liberation. This involves acknowledging and working through the inherent impossibilities and contradictions in the quest for true liberation, both on an individual and communal level.

AUDACITY – We foster an environment that encourages boldness and transgression. Buddies seeks to push boundaries, challenge norms, and invite both artists and audiences to explore expansive, provocative, and oppositional forms of expression.

ARTISTIC RIGOUR – We are dedicated to a path of integrity and deep questioning in our artistic endeavours. This involves a rigorous process of creation that ensures thoughtful, intentional, and impactful work, balancing discipline with creativity.


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