Jobs (Drumheller): Percussionists – Badlands Amphitheatre

Theatre Alberta; Drumheller; On-site; CAD 16,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Campsite provided

Outdoor venue experience

Job summary

The Badlands Amphitheatre is seeking lead and supporting percussionists for the 2026 Canadian Badlands Passion Play in Drumheller, AB. You will join a six‑piece band providing live music that supports the action on stage and works with the Musical Director to sync with performances.

Lead starts earlier; Supporting joins from June 24. Compensation begins at $100.00 per service; outdoor venue with rain or shine conditions, and camping storage is available if needed.

Qualifications

• Should be comfortable playing their instrument at an intermediate level.
• Able to read sheet music is required.
• Previous experience playing in a group setting is an asset.
• Able to listen and blend with other musicians in an ensemble.

Responsibilities

• Attend rehearsals and performances as required (see schedule below).
• Prepare for rehearsals and performances by practicing and reviewing music.
• Work with the Music Director to coordinate the music with the action onstage.
• Timpanis are provided.

Skills

Intermediate percussion

Read sheet music

Ensemble listening

Job description

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The Virgin Trial – Alberta Theatre Projects The Virgin Trial Alberta Theatre Projects Directed by Glynis Leyshon Written by Kate Hennig Actors Pictured Nigel Shawn Williams, Jamie Konchak, Emma Houghton, Conrad Belau & Sarah Orenstein Set Design Scott Reid. Lighting Design David Fraser Costume Design Heather Moore Photo Benjamin Laird Photo Credits Directed by Glynis Leyshon Written by Kate Hennig Actors Pictured Nigel Shawn Williams, Jamie Konchak, Emma Houghton, Conrad Belau & Sarah Orenstein Set Design Scott Reid. Lighting Design David Fraser Costume Design Heather Moore Photo Benjamin Laird

Jobs (Drumheller): Percussionists – Badlands Amphitheatre

The Badlands Amphitheatre is looking for a Lead & Supporting Percussionist for our 2026 production of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play in Drumheller, AB.

The Canadian Badlands Passion Play tells an epic story of faith, hope & love based on the life of Christ. It is performed on Canada’s largest outdoor stage, with a company formed of professional and semi-professional actors (supplemented by volunteer actors), working with a professional crew.

Job Description:

The Badlands Passion Play features a six-person band that provides a live, interactive score integral to the performance. Band members work closely with the Musical Director to rehearse and synchronize the music with the onstage action. The score includes underscoring, fanfares, and accompaniment for large choral ensemble pieces. The percussionists play a key role, performing primarily on the timpani. The timpani’s deep, resonant sound draws the audience’s attention and often functions as a lead character in its own right, shaping the mood, driving the tempo, and heightening the emotional impact throughout the show. The Lead Percussionist begins rehearsing earlier than the rest of the band, joining the process from the start alongside the rehearsal pianist. The Supporting Percussionist joins the rehearsal process starting on Wednesday June 24.

Duties:

• Attend rehearsals and performances as required (see schedule below).
• Prepare for rehearsals and performances by practicing and reviewing music.
• Work with the Music Director to coordinate the music with the action onstage.
• Timpanis are provided.

Qualifications:

• Should be comfortable playing their instrument at an intermediate level.
• Able to read sheet music is required.
• Previous experience playing in a group setting is an asset.
• Able to listen and blend with other musicians in an ensemble.
• Rehearsal and performance experience is an asset.

Percussion Schedule:

(Lead Percussionist starts – 40 services in total)

Saturday May 30: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Sunday May 31: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Wednesday June 3: Afternoon – 1 Service

Thursday June 4: Afternoon – 1 Service

Friday June 5: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday June 6: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Sunday June 7: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Wednesday June 10: Afternoon – 1 Service

Thursday June 11: Afternoon – 1 Service

Friday June 12: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday June 13: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Sunday June 14: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Wednesday June 17: Afternoon – 1 Service

Thursday June 18: Afternoon – 1 Service

Friday June 19: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday June 20: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Sunday June 21: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

(Supporting Percussionist starts – 21 services in total)

Wednesday June 24: Evening – 1 Service

Thursday June 25: Afternoon – 1 Service

Friday June 26: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday June 27: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Sunday June 28: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Wednesday July 1: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Thursday July 2: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Friday July 3: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services

Saturday July 4: Evening – 1 Service

Sunday July 5: Evening – 1 Service

Friday July 10: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday July 11: Evening – 1 Service

Sunday July 12: Evening – 1 Service

Friday July 17: Evening – 1 Service

Saturday July 18: Evening – 1 Service

Sunday July 19: Evening – 1 Service

Important Information:

• Compensation starts at $100.00 a service.
• The Badlands Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue. We rehearse and perform in all kinds of weather, and on all kinds of terrain. The band performs most of the show in a sheltered area.
• There is a lockable storage area available for band members to use. We can also discuss alternative storage methods if needed.
• Band members wear costumes during the final rehearsals as well as the performances and need to provide their own sandals.
• There is a campsite available to all band, cast, and crew members to stay at for free if needed. You do need to provide your own camping supplies.

To Apply

Deadline to apply: March 15, 2026

More About The Badlands Amphitheater:

The Badlands Amphitheatre is a non-profit arts and culture venue located in the Canadian Badlands. Home to Canada’s largest outdoor stage, our 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre and indoor Badlands Arts Centre hosts the renowned Badlands Passion Play; the Canadian Icons Concert Series; Roots, Blues, & Barbecue; Lightfest: Winter in the Badlands; outdoor opera and much more.

With our spectacular natural setting, unique in the world, we create sustainable community through performance events (with economic, cultural, social, and environmental outcomes), increase awareness and skill in the arts, and encourage tourism by creating significant cultural attractions. The Badlands Amphitheatre has a mandate to produce, create, and host events; enable arts education, and promote tourism – all based on our values of community, creation and celebration.

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