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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

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, third-party rentals 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
• 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

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
• Communicate with representatives of suppliers and of other opera companies to coordinate the shipping and logistics of equipment, sets and costumes
• Communicate with workshop staff to ensure builds, repairs or modifications are completed
• Establish rehearsal hall setup plans and provide support to the Stage Management team and rehearsal hall crew
• Communicate with other members of the company to gather information, identify issues and develop solutions, ensure the show is meeting the wishes of the creative team, and act as a central point for the flow of information
• 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
• Ensure that Health and Safety practices are followed to ensure compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act
• Compile, track and organize theatre facility maintenance
• Participate in forward planning of future production titles which may include some international travel


Administration
• Coordinate arrangements for the shipping of imported shows, contacting international companies, and arranging the logistics for show arrivals and departures
• Communicate and coordinate with outside vendors for equipment and services
• Track production expenses including use of COC purchase order database systems
• Track and schedule required crew training
• Conduct research, analysis and project planning for capital projects and purchases
• Perform any manner of production related research and development
• Populate and maintain internal databases
• Verify crew timesheets
• Reconcile labour for third-party events billing

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Post-secondary education in the technical/production field
• Three to five years of technical theatre experience including experience working alongside and supervising IATSE union stagehands
• Extensive knowledge of stagecraft, theatre production and scenic construction, rigging, automation, lighting and video
• Knowledge of opera repertoire in relation to technical production
• Experience in budgeting and personnel management
• Superior organization and communication skills (verbal and written)
• 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, MS Office, FileMaker Pro, Vectorworks
• Valid Class G driver’s license and a clean driving record

Evening and weekend work is required.

Additional Information

Salary: $40,000 - $45,000

Contact Information

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please send resume with a cover letter no later than October 30, 2019 to:

Lorraine O’Connor
Manager, Human Resources
Canadian Opera Company
227 Front St. E. Toronto, ON M5A 1E8



The COC thanks, in advance, all applicants; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities 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.

Employer Profile

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. The COC enjoys a loyal audience including a dedicated base of subscribers. Under its leadership team of General Director Alexander Neef and Music Director Johannes Debus, the company 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.