Assistant Technical Director
The Opportunity
Each year, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity attracts thousands of artists, faculty, and community leaders from around the world by offering unique and specialized professional development programs. Banff Centre is deeply committed to, and has a globally respected track record of, advancing artists and leaders of all kinds and at all stages of their careers, showcasing their work to audiences, and inspiring them to make unique contributions which enrich the world.
Reporting to the technical director of performing arts (TD), the assistant technical director (ATD) is responsible for assisting in the planning, management and supervision of all technical and production elements of Performing Arts productions, Banff Centre programs, presentations, and related activities across Banff Centre.
We are looking for someone who is passionate and experienced in stage carpentry, rigging, drafting and working collaboratively with builder shops, to support Banff Centre productions, programs and events.
Roles and Responsibilities
The Assistant Technical Director will work to achieve a high production value for all Banff Centre activities. High production value in Performing Arts at Banff Centre is equally based in process as well as traditionally defined technical quality.
The Assistant Technical Director assists in planning the staffing, scheduling, and budget development of Banff Centre productions and presentations, and is responsible for the following direct reports: Wardrobe Shops Facilitator, Seasonal Shop team members, Theatre Practitioner hourly team members.
Some of the key accountabilities include:
- Assist the Technical Director with the day-to-day management of the production department including management of personnel, general organization and administration, scheduling, team leading/crew management, and expense management.
- Supervise all elements of technical production for all Banff Centre programs, performances and activities including planning, preparation, rehearsals, shows, strike, and restore, as well as organizing technical staff.
- Act as crew leader, working closely with the Technical Director, Department Heads and other show or program related personnel to achieve a high production value for all Banff Centre activities. Meets regularly with the TD to discuss progress and challenges.
- Manage the day-to-day scheduling/booking of technical and production teams, and production activities. Prepare and oversee the schedule for venue activities, and supervise the successful and timely load in and out of productions and presentations.
Technical
- Assist in operating, maintaining, and safeguarding the technical assets of the theatre, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, projection, communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of shops and stage facilities.
- Initiate and attend regular project/program production meetings with appropriate staff and project teams. Monitor project progress so that activity stays on budget and on time. In collaboration with the team, problem solve potential challenges associated with program and show support.
- Analyze, cost, schedule, implement and manage production projects and technical riders. This includes maintaining all technical documentation, CAD drawings and other records as necessary for all Performing Arts activities and day-to-day operations.
- Advance productions and answer questions pertaining to technical capabilities or usage of equipment in the building and the facility itself. Effectively implement approved technical designs for touring shows or in-house productions.
- Attend all tech and dress rehearsals, and assist in taking specific and detailed notes during the rehearsals.
- Oversee and manage set and stage construction.
- Responsible for creating and updating venue and show related CAD drawings.
- Responsible for analyzing designs, costing production projects, maintaining technical documentation, CAD drawings, and other records as necessary for productions/presentations. Read and interpret blueprints, drawings and plots.
Financial Responsibilities
- Assist in development of capital requirements and capital purchase plans of equipment and systems for the Performing Arts venues, and provide an annual technical inventory of all equipment with recommendations for replacement, or refurbishment.
- Manage administration tasks undertaken by staff including but not limited to, contracts, billings, collections and tracking, purchase orders, and rentals. Prepare and process/approve billing, purchase orders, cheque requisitions, petty cash vouchers, reimbursement, and expense claims as required.
Health and Safety and General Maintenance
- Ensure the safety of the workplace by helping to establish and enforce all health, security, and safety policies and procedures and maintain a safe working environment in all production areas.
- Monitor and evaluate safety performance within the areas of responsibility and recommend and implement measures to bring about continuous improvement.
- Ensure individuals in their areas of assignment be given adequate direction, training, and instruction in the safe performance of their work, and that it is performed without undue risk.
- Conduct regular reviews of equipment set-up, and work with staff to ensure safe practices are followed.
- Monitor the condition of departmental equipment including ladders and lifts, vehicles, lighting, sound, rigging, and shop equipment. Keep a detailed log for the repair and replacement for the Technical Director to review. Perform preventative maintenance on equipment and arranges for the repair and replacement as approved.
- Support the set-up, maintenance and safe operation of the stage, Scenic, Props, Paint and Wardrobe shops, the – Design Studio, other studios and huts, and associated facilities.
- Maintain current knowledge of all equipment and supervise training on all equipment.
General Assistance
- Drive the Production truck and other Banff Centre vehicles in compliance with Banff Centre policies.
- Create and maintain organizational systems, as well as completing general administrative tasks.
Qualification and Educational Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre or related field / equivalent experience.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in technical performing arts roles.
- The ideal candidate will fit in with the Performing Arts department by exemplifying strong team leadership within an inspiring team environment with a culture of open communication. This person will be a positive team player, self-motivated, organized and well versed in theatrical health and safety.
- Experience with a variety of types of live performance including music, dance, opera, and theatre.
- Maintain a positive attitude, especially while working under pressure.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
- Ability to lead and supervise a crew.
- Ability to read and analyze a budget.
- Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics in CAD (Vectorworks).
- Technical skills in scenic carpentry, stage carpentry, rigging, scenic carpentry, lighting, sound, projections.
- Knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, both materials and techniques, welding, and rigging.
- Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
- Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office.
- Confident in troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and research.
- Self-motivated and able to work effectively independently, and takes direction well.
- Holds a valid class 5 driver’s license.
Special Requirements
Due to the nature of the job, this position requires the candidate to be available to work a flexible, irregular schedule and weekends.
Employment Terms & Benefits
- In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, full-time position, subject to a 6 month probationary period.
- This is a termed position from May 2023 until March 31, 2024.
Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
- Staff housing options (based on availability).
- Professional Development.
- Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts.
- Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff! (Fitness centre, climbing wall and pool.).
- Free or reduced admission to selected Banff Centre performance and events.
Application Process
We are accepting applications for the Assistant Technical Director position until 11:59 pm MST April 12, 2023.
Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record prior to an extension of a final employment offer.
Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.
