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Job Description / Duties

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is currently seeking a full-time Assistant Technical Director who will be responsible for directing and overseeing the technical elements of productions and other events as well as managing everyday operations of the COC’s technical department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Element Coordination
• Create, maintain and distribute all manner of production drawings including ground plans, sections, elevations, overlays, truck packs, warehouse layouts, offstage storage plots, etc.
• Estimate, forecast and track expenses related to shows and events, including labour, equipment, and materials and ensure budgets are met
• Attend rehearsals, performances, events, and work calls to coordinate and oversee technical elements and notes
• Communicate with other members of the company to gather information, identify issues and develop solutions. Ensure the Production Department is meeting the wishes of the creative team
• Act as a central point for the flow of information between creatives, Stage Management, shops, crew, and Music/Artistic Admin/Community Partnership staff
• Communicate with workshop staff to ensure builds, repairs or modifications are completed
• Research and coordinate rentals from local suppliers
• Establish rehearsal hall setup plans and provide support to the Stage Management team and rehearsal hall crew
• Discuss design concepts with clients, event planners, or designers to gather information and facilitate their vision within defined budgets and timelines
• Participate in production meetings regarding shows and events to review plans, identify issues and plan corrective actions
• Assist in the coordination of internal events including: assessing production requirements, costing, drawing, advancing, overseeing and reconciling
• Assist in coordination of third party events or major tenancies and provide supervision on site as needed
• Schedule and oversee production driver ensuring daily departmental priorities are met
• Regularly liaise with Scheduling Manager to ensure proper scheduling for cast, crew, and locations
• Ensure that Health and Safety practices are followed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act
• Create risk assessments for each production and coordinate all necessary safety precautions
• Participate in forward planning of future production titles which may include some international travel

Supervision
• Schedule the work of the technical crew and determine the size of crews
• Coordinate the work of technical crews which includes assigning and supervising work to ensure the smooth operation of setting up operas, rehearsal halls, and special events
• Supervise work, maintenance and show calls for all manner of COC and Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (FSCPA) production activities
• Oversee shop builds of new productions and rebuilds or refurbishments of revival or rental set elements
• Compile, prioritize and distribute notes, tasks and priorities to crew
• Ensure all work is being performed in a safe manner and according to Health and Safety requirements and best practices

Administration
• Coordinate arrangements for the shipping of imported shows, contacting international companies, and arranging the logistics for show arrivals and departures
• Coordinate local shipping for the department between suppliers, shops, theatres, warehouses and rehearsal halls
• Communicate and coordinate with outside vendors for equipment and services
• Perform any manner of production related research and development
• Track production expenses including use of COC purchase order database systems (MS Business Central)
• Prepare reimbursements as needed for crew and part time staff
• Ensure each production is correctly archived, with as-played drawings, load in/load out notes and timings, and relevant information for future revivals and outgoing rentals
• Assist with the tracking of maintenance budget, researching & purchasing maintenance materials
• Assist with tracking lifecycles of house equipment, and conducting research, analysis and project planning for capital projects and purchases
• Populate and maintain internal databases (ArtsVision, MS Business Central, MS Outlook)
• Verify crew timesheets in a timely manner
• Reconcile labour for billing of clients when required
• Communicate with Facilities and Security staff for inter-departmental matters, including dock usage, parking, hazardous waste removal, TPS duty staff, etc

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Post-secondary education or experience in the technical/production field
• Three to five years of technical theatre experience
• Experience working alongside and supervising IATSE union stagehands an asset
• Ability to interpret and follow terms of various Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Extensive knowledge of stagecraft, theatre production and scenic construction, rigging, automation, lighting and video, and experience in proscenium theatre and repertory setting
• Knowledge of recording/broadcasting process and equipment an asset
• Experience working with orchestras and musicians an asset
• Experience in budgeting and personnel management
• Superior organization and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines and exercise good judgment and initiative
• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities successfully
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with all staff in a professional, confidential and tactful manner
• Sound knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practices
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and MS Office (specifically Excel and Word) is essential
• Knowledge of FileMaker Pro, Vectorworks, PRG MBox Studio, D3, and QLab an asset
• Certification in or willingness to receive training in Working at Heights, Elevated Work Platforms, First Aid or any other competencies deemed necessary
• Valid Class G driver’s licence and a clean driving record
• Evening and weekend work is required.

Additional Information

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants
from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.

Salary: $55,000.00 to $60,000.00

Contact Information

APPLICATION PROCESS
Cover letters should be addressed to: Applications@coc.ca

Only applications received by Friday October 4th, 2024 will be considered.

Employer Profile

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team with Music Director Johannes Debus and Deputy General Director Christie Darville. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The COC Academy is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera creators with customized training and support. The COC performs in its own opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. For more information, visit coc.ca.