Jobs (Edmonton): Production Manager – Freewill Shakespeare Festival

Theatre Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 15,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

A local arts organization in Edmonton seeks a Production Manager / Technical Director to lead production efforts, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards. The role involves hiring and supervising all production staff and coordinating technical elements for several performances throughout the festival. Ideal candidates will have a degree in technical theatre, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to managing production activities while remaining calm under pressure.

Qualifications

• Must have a Class 5 driver's licence and preferably a vehicle.
• Able to lift up to 30 pounds and work on ladders.
• Exceptional attention to detail and planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead all production efforts including hiring and supervising crew.
• Ensure compliance with safety requirements and company policies.
• Create and oversee production schedules.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving under pressure

Knowledge of lighting and audio systems

Physical fitness

Motivation

Education

Diploma or Degree in technical theatre

Job description

Production Manager / Technical Director

Position Summary: The Production Manager leads all production efforts including hiring and supervising production staff and crew with the consultation of the Artistic Director and reports directly to the Managing Director. They are responsible for the supervision and coordination of all production and technical elements for all Free Will Theatre Guild productions; as well as the scheduling, budgeting (in consultation with the Managing Director), hiring and supervision of crew assignments, and execution of all aspects of physical production including establishing technical schedules of deadlines, production goals, and performance calendar. They maintain effective, clear, and appropriate communications with all staff, artistic and production personnel at all times. They are responsible for set‑up, operation, and take‑down of the technical and production elements for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This includes overseeing all crew members, summer students, and participating as a running crew member when needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide logistical support to the Managing Director and Artistic Director as required throughout the year.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, licensing, safety requirements, IATSE agreements, and company policies to ensure a safe work space and encourage the highest of standards.
• Production budget estimates, tracking and enforcing (in consultation with the Managing Director).
• Creating and overseeing the production schedule.
• Organizing, scheduling and running production meetings, and Crew Calls during the festival.
• Communications with the designer(s) and director(s).
• Overseeing all technical drawings required for scenery construction, plan views and section views for the designer(s) and ensure timely completion.
• Supervision of all crew as required.
• Supervision of designer deadlines and follow‑ups as required.
• Supervision and execution of set build in consultation with the Set Designer(s).
• Oversee stage management activities and provide support as required.
• Arrange or direct the procurement of materials, equipment and rentals as required.
• Transportation and Festival Site storage logistics of the scenery, props, and technical equipment.

Job title: Production Manager / Technical Director
Organization name: Freewill Shakespeare Festival
Job location: Edmonton, Alberta (must be based in Edmonton)
Wage: $15,000/ year (Part‑time hours 10‑15 hrs/week, Full‑time hours through the festival 30‑40 / week)
Hours: Full time during the Festival, part‑time hours before production to be negotiated.
Interviews will be held early January. The position can start in mid January, 2026.

How to Apply: Send resume/ CV along with any examples of past work (website link, portfolio, reviews), along with two work references to [e-mail]. Sorry, we will contact only those applicants we are interested in speaking with.

Closing date: January 5th, 2026.

Freewill will also be hiring other technicians and crew positions for the 2026 festival including Sound and Light operators, Designers (set, lights, costume, sound) and many other technical jobs so if the applicant is not a good fit for this position we will consider them for others. Please indicate this interest in your application.

Festival Details

• The 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival will take place in the Heritage Amphitheatre at Edmonton’s Hawrelak Park, a 1,000 seat covered outdoor venue.
• Rehearsals begin May 19th, shows open June 18th and close July 12.

Qualifications

• Diploma or Degree in a technical theatre program from a post‑secondary institution.
• Class 5 driver’s licence. It is strongly suggested this person has a vehicle.
• Knowledge and adherence to safe working practices.
• Motivated: able to see a task that requires attention and completes such tasks without hesitation.
• Ability to remain positive, upbeat, professional and with a calm demeanour under stress.
• Physical fitness: ability to climb, work on ladders and vertical lifts, lift up to 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time.
• Knowledge and understanding of lighting systems, audio systems, scenery installation standards, rigging standards, basic painting techniques, and props handling.
• Calm under pressure and ability to problem‑solve in stressful situations.
• Ability to communicate with patrons and donors as needed.
• Understanding of labour standards as well ability to work with Union Crews (union crews are used to build and install the scenery).
• Exceptional attention to detail and planning.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication.
• Impeccable time management and organizational skills.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to learn quickly.
• Excellent problem solving skills.

Assets

• Knowledge of Canadian theatre agreements (CAEA’s ITAs) and Canadian theatre ecology.
• A passion for theatre, performing arts, and community engaged arts.
• Experience with outdoor productions that travel is an asset.
• Qualifications and experience as a Stage Manager and/ or Production Assistant is an asset.

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