Theatre Calgary Head Stage Carpenter
Theatre Calgary is seeking an individual to fulfil the role of head stage carpenter. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing supervision, co-ordination and maintenance of a safe stage for the onstage productions and backstage operations at the Max Bell Theatre.
The head stage carpenter reports directly to the production manager and technical director. The successful candidate will have excellent technical and communication skills and will exhibit a keen interest and ability to work as a part of a dynamic team environment. The successful candidate shall be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends according to the production schedule created by management.
Theatre Calgary operates under a collective agreement with IATSE Local 212. The successful candidate will be a member in good standing or be willing to join as a full member.
Theatre Calgary operates in a fifty-five feet wide by forty feet deep, 51-lineset single purchase counterweight proscenium fly house at the Max Bell Theatre in the Arts Commons building. The stage is typically used for theatre and dance presentations. The seasons are structured with 6 shows spanning from September through May. There may also be rentals from outside groups usually late May – June.
A minimum of three weeks are provided each summer for maintenance and repairs.
Duties and responsibilities
- Overseeing and maintaining all equipment, tools, and stage.
- Managing crews for installs, strikes and operation of shows.
- Mentorship and training of less experienced crew members.
- Assisting the scenic carpenters with set installs.
- Rigging of overhead scenic pieces and other production gear.
- Operation of automation when required for a production.
- Performing annual inspections and repairs of the fly house system, safety gear and other production equipment.
- Running of a show when in performance including flying scenery and performers, moving set pieces, and automation.
- Maintaining a safe, clean, and inclusive backstage environment.
- Troubleshooting carpentry issues arising during performances and show runs.
Experience and Qualifications:
- Detailed knowledge of stage carpentry and automation, stage rigging, performer and scenic flying.
- Extensive knowledge in operation and maintenance of all stage equipment including, but not limited to, fly systems, rigging systems, chain motors, and winches and all other stage equipment owned by the facility.
- Knowledge in basic scenic carpentry.
- Remain composed and calm in fast-paced, challenging, and changing environments.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of stage automation controls and hardware. Theatre Calgary utilizes an extensive Creative Conners automation rig for A Christmas Carol that uses Spikemark software, in addition to various other automation systems.
Ability to:
- Lift and work with weights in excess of 40 pounds.
- Work from various lifts at heights up to 30’.
- Read and work from provided plots for installation of various elements.
- Work comfortably at grid heights up to 70’.
- Lead and manage a crew of varying skillsets.
Working Conditions:
- Theatre Calgary operates under a collective agreement with IATSE Local 212. The successful candidate will be a member in good standing or be willing to join as a full member.
- The job requires work on evening and weekends, as well as lifting weights above 50lbs.
Salary, Benefits, Additional Information
As per the collective agreement, this role is guaranteed 39 weeks of employment at 40 hours per week. The current hourly wage is $33.00. Other terms and conditions are outlined within the collective agreement between Theatre Calgary and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 212, 2022-2026.
Relocation assistance will be provided for a successful candidate that does not live in Calgary.
Start date is flexible.
About Theatre Calgary
Theatre Calgary’s vision is to stand amongst the best theatres globally as a leader in innovative, impactful and diverse programming. Our mission is to stimulate, provoke and delight through ambitious programming created to ignite local, national and international engagement in a sustainable manner. Theatre Calgary reflects the communities, the country, and the world we live in with ambitious programming, passionate community engagement and extraordinary productions. For more than 50 years, we have focused our energy on providing our community with the highest level of classic and contemporary plays, featuring the best artists from Calgary and across the country.
Theatre Calgary encourages applications from our diverse community. Theatre Calgary is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We recognize that increasing the diversity of our staff, on all levels, in integral to accomplishing this objective. We are creating policies, practices, and programs that work toward the goal of dismantling systemic racism. We welcome all applications from women and gender nonconforming people, people of color, indigenous peoples, people with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations, and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of Theatre Calgary.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Theatre Calgary acknowledges that we live, work and create on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. They were the original occupants of this land and continue to be here to this day. Theatre Calgary is grateful to have the opportunity to present in this territory.
To apply please email a letter of interest and resume by email with Head Stage Carpenter in the subject line to Alex Currie, Director of Artistic Operations acurrie@theatrecalgary.com by end of day Monday October 31, 2022. All applications are held in strict confidence.
Thank you to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. For more information about Theatre Calgary please visit our website, theatrecalgary.com.
