Armourer/Stitcher
The deadline for this opportunity has passed.
Heading into its 27th year, The Badlands Passion Play (situated in scenic Drumheller, Alberta) is a large scale outdoor, musically charged production depicting the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The production has over 120 actors and animals onstage, playing to up to 2,000 people a night over nine performances from July 3 to 19, 2020. The cast and band are made up of paid performers and a multitude of volunteer performers.
The performances take place in the spectacular Badlands Amphitheatre, a 2500 seat outdoor theatre, nestled in the hills of the Canadian Badlands. The performance takes place on over six acres of playing space making this Canada’s largest outdoor stage.
Position Description
The armourer is in charge of designing, maintaining, and modifying armour, helmets, and weapons. During the run of the show, they work backstage with other wardrobe assistants and stage management to organize and execute quick changes, wardrobe maintenance, and laundry.
Most staff members live together on-site, so we are looking for positive team members who understand how to live cooperatively in community with mutual respect, refined stress management skills, and healthy boundaries.
Contract Dates: The contract runs from May 4 to July 24, 2020.
Contractor Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Maintaining, repairing, or renovating armour as required.
- Pulling or storing costumes as required.
- Sewing new costumes or assembling costumes from general stock, under the direction of head of wardrobe.
- Attending team meetings as needed.
- Helping to input actor and costume data (with photographs) during costume fittings, and instructing actors on the proper wearing of armour/weapons and removal of modern accessories (sunglasses, Fitbits, wedding rings, etc.).
- Assisting with construction, alteration, and repair of costume stock (including gluing, sewing, and repairing shoes) under the direction of the head of wardrobe.
- Assisting with armour pre-sets, dressing, and quick-changes during dress rehearsals and performances (in collaboration with head of wardrobe and stage management).
- Liaising with performers to resolve any difficulties or issues that arise during rehearsals or performances.
- Assisting with show laundry each night as required.
- Assisting with end-of-season strike and winter storage of costumes.
Qualifications and Required Skills:
- Ability to work under pressure, and balance tight deadlines with personal care and stress management.
- Experience and education in theatre and/or management.
- Previous experience in theatres which are comprised mainly of volunteer actors.
- Experience in outdoor theatre and/or events.
- Must enjoy working in a challenging creative environment. With 200 hundred volunteer actors, animals, extreme heat, cold, rain, mud, and a tight schedule, it’s important that staff have a positive attitude and a good sense of humour.
- Willing and able to walk the challenging outdoor, 60-acre set.
Please note that a vulnerable sector check will be a required step for the successful candidate.
For more information or to apply email Vance Neudorf, Executive Director, at exec@badlandsamp.com.
