HEAD TECHNICIAN

Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT); Port Dover; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Lighthouse Festival in Port Dover, Ontario seeks a Head Technician to support rental events and the summer season. The role covers lighting, sound, and tech direction for multiple shows, with duties ranging from setup to active operation during performances.

The temporary contract (Sept 8, 2026 to Sept 30, 2027) includes varied hours, evenings and weekends, with wage rate of $26/hr plus 4% vacation pay. On-site work and strong safety awareness are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in theatrical lighting and sound operations.
• Familiarity with ETC Ion and Sennheiser X32 equipment.
• Ability to operate Qlab for cues and playback.
• Strong communication and time-management skills.
• Able to work safely at heights and perform basic maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Rentals: assist guest load-in, setup, teardown and system prep.
• Lead lighting or sound duties during main season depending on skillset.
• Design and operate lighting or sound for Young Company productions.
• Coordinate tech transfer, setup and teardown with the team.
• Attend production and crew meetings; support TD/ATD as needed.
• Maintain theatre spaces, props, and back-of-house areas.

Skills

Theatre Lighting

Theatre Sound

ETC Ion lighting board

Sennheiser X32

Qlab

Communication skills

Time management

Working at heights

First Aid (training)

Driver's license

Education

One Year Postsecondary education in Technical Production

Tools

ETC Ion lighting board

Sennheiser X32

Qlab

Job description

Company Overview

Devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays, Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in our communities. Operating in two port towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate under a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Company Overview

Devoted to the development and production of new and existing Canadian plays, Lighthouse Festival strives to be artistically excellent, support and encourage local and regional artists, and be a source of enjoyment and pride in our communities. Operating in two port towns on Lake Erie, our theatres operate under a central policy of hospitality, accessibility, and affordability for all.

Mission

Rooted in humour and empathy, Lighthouse Festival delivers high-calibre live theatre with an emphasis on distinctly Canadian stories. On mainstages in Port Dover, Port Colborne and at Simcoe community theatre, we showcase the talents of established and emerging artists. Through play development, we contribute creative comedic and dramatic content scripted by Canadian playwrights to the Canadian cultural landscape. With our arts and youth programs we reach into the community to inspire the next generation of artists, technicians, donors and patrons. Our enduring promise is an exceptional immersive theatre experience from beginning-to-end. Lighthouse is a place to be and to be part of.

Vision

As a registered charity incorporated in 1980, Lighthouse Festival will be a catalyst and community leader for theatre arts and culture, creating opportunities for artists, professional and amateur, and a place for audiences to experience Canadian stories that entertain and matter.

Land Acknowledgement Message

Lighthouse Festival acknowledges that Lighthouse is established on land that has been inhabited by Indigenous peoples for millennia. We are grateful to be able to live, work and create on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation as well as the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples. Recognizing the important contributions of Indigenous peoples is consistent with our commitment to making the promise of Truth and Reconciliation real in our communities.

Job Description

Head Technician

Reporting to the Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director for all technical matters, the Head Technician will primarily be assisting with the smooth operation of technical aspects for all rental events (concerts and theatre) and summer theatre productions mounted or presented at Lighthouse Theatre.

What To Expect

This is a Temporary Contract position (with possibility of extension) based on site in Port Dover, Ontario to start September 8, 2026 (or as soon as possible), with an end date of September 30, 2027. Based on an average of 25 hours per week until March 31, 2027, increasing to an average 35 hours per week between April 1, 2027 and September 30, 2027. Majority of work hours until March 31 based on Lighthouse rental event schedule which includes evenings and weekends. Regular work hours after April 1 are Monday to Friday, but will require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as per the production turnover schedule. Wage rate: $26/hr +4% vacation pay

Job Duties

October – March - Rentals

• Assist rental guest load in, set up and tear down for each show when required
• Assist sound personnel with set up and introduce renters to our theatre equipment and capabilities.
• Responsible for the lx hang, focus, and board programming
• Responsible when needed for the programming and operation of sound needs
• Main technician for our theatre rentals

March – September – Main Season

• Take on the role of Head of Lighting or Head of Sound in our main summer season, depending on primary skillset.
• Take on the role of Lighting or Sound Designer for our Young Company production, depending on primary skillset.
• Assist the TD and ATD with the Lighthouse Theatre team with the transfer, set up, and tear down of tech elements on the Lighthouse stage.
• Assist the Port Colborne Head Technician with any assigned tech needs when required
• Show operator for up to 7 main season productions.
• Attend all meetings, production and crew meetings, as scheduled by the Technical Director/Production Manager.

Other Duties Through The Whole Contract

• Help maintain the Theatre space, backstage, booth and dressing room areas.
• Responsible for preshow checks when required.
• Responsible for closing the theatre and building down when required.
• Help with basic building maintenance tasks
• Other duties as may be assigned

Education, Skills And Abilities

• Minimum One Year Postsecondary education in Technical Production
• Effective technical skills primarily in theatrical lighting and sound systems
• Knowledgeable on the ETC Ion lighting board
• Knowledgeable on the Sennheiser X32 Sound Board
• Knowledgeable with Qlab
• Strong communication skills
• Demonstrated time management skills
• Able to work safely from ladders and scaffolding
• Working at Heights & First Aid (training can be provided by the theatre)
• Valid Drivers License and reliable means of transportation
• Ability to remain calm and poised in urgent situations
• Work cooperatively with other members of your team and be able to work independently.