Assistant Technical Director

Alliance for Arts and Culture; Outside Beach; On-site; CAD 58,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks an Assistant Technical Director to support the planning and management of technical elements for various productions. This role involves supervising technical staff, managing production schedules, and ensuring high production standards. You'll work closely with department heads and the production manager to create an inspiring environment for artists and audiences alike. If you have a passion for the performing arts and a strong background in technical theatre, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to vibrant cultural events in a stunning location.

Benefits

Transitional staff housing options

Professional development

Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts

Employee Assistance Plan

Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate

Qualifications

• 5+ years in technical performing arts roles with a Bachelor's in Technical Theatre.
• Experience in live performances including music, dance, opera, and theatre.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing production department and supervise technical staff.
• Ensure superior production standards and manage scheduling for productions.

Skills

Technical Theatre

Stage Carpentry

Rigging

Drafting

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Organizational Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre

Equivalent Experience

Tools

CAD (Vectorworks)

Microsoft Office

Job description

Founded in 1933, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is a learning organization built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become the global organization leading in arts, culture, and creativity across dozens of disciplines. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.

Assistant Technical Director

This is a termed position from June 23 - October 18, 2025.

The Assistant Technical Director is responsible for assisting in the planning, management and supervision of all technical and production elements of Banff Centre productions, programs and presentations. The Performing Arts Production team consists of a variety of roles including Department heads, facilitators, and specialised technicians in lighting, sound, carpentry and more. We are looking for someone who is passionate and experienced in stage carpentry, rigging, drafting and working collaboratively with builder shops, to support this year's Summer Arts Festival.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Production Manager, Performing Arts, some key responsibilities include:

1. Assist the Production Manager, Performing Arts 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.
2. 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. Meet regularly with the TD to discuss progress and challenges.
3. Work closely with the Technical Director, Department Heads and other show or program related staff to ensure superior production standards for all artists.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Analyze, cost, schedule, implement and manage production projects and technical riders, including maintaining all technical documentation, CAD drawings and other records as necessary for all Performing Arts activities and day-to-day operations.
8. 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.
9. Attend all tech and dress rehearsals, and assist in taking specific and detailed notes during the rehearsals.
10. Oversee and manage set and stage construction.
11. Responsible for creating and updating venue and show related CAD drawings.
12. 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.

Qualifications:

Qualification and Educational Requirements:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Theatre or related field / equivalent experience.
2. Minimum 5 years’ experience in technical performing arts roles.
3. Experience with a variety of types of live performance including music, dance, opera, and theatre.
4. Maintain a positive attitude, especially while working under pressure.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
6. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
7. Ability to lead and supervise a crew.
8. Ability to read and analyze a budget.
9. Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics in CAD (Vectorworks).
10. Technical skills in scenic carpentry, stage carpentry, rigging, scenic carpentry, lighting, sound, projections.
11. Knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, both materials and techniques, welding, and rigging.
12. Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems.
13. Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office.
14. Confident in troubleshooting, creative problem solving, and research.
15. Self-motivated and able to work effectively independently, and takes direction well.

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. This position may drive Banff Centre trucks on occasion - a valid class 5 driver's license is required.

Employment Terms & Benefits:

In accordance with the terms of employment governing Management/PSP employees, this is a salaried, term position, subject to a 6 month probationary period. This is a termed position from June 23, 2025 until October 18, 2025. The annual salary range for this position is between $58,328 and $86,614 based on experience. The successful candidate will enjoy twenty paid vacation days and four personal days annually, pro-rated for this team.

Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:

1. Transitional staff housing options (based on availability).
2. Professional development.
3. Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts.
4. Employee Assistance Plan.
5. Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!

How to Apply:

Application Process:
We are accepting applications for the Assistant Technical Director position until a suitable candidate is found. 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.

Remuneration:

$58,328 and $86,614 based on experience.