National Ballet of Canada / Director of Production

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts; Toronto; On-site; CAD 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading arts institution in Canada seeks a Director of Production responsible for overseeing all aspects of performance production. This role demands a highly experienced individual with a strong leadership presence and an understanding of technical theatre. You will lead budgeting, scheduling, and team management to ensure the artistic vision is effectively executed while promoting an inclusive environment. The position offers competitive compensation and a focus on work-life balance, including additional perks.

Benefits

Complimentary season tickets

Comprehensive Health & Dental Benefits

Counselling services and wellbeing resources

Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan

Summer Fridays off in July

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of senior-level experience directing large-scale productions.
• Proven leadership supervising IATSE union stagehands with complex environments.
• Deep knowledge of stagecraft, production, and ballet repertoire.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations of the Production Department.
• Develops comprehensive budgets for current and future seasons.
• Leads IATSE negotiations and manages compliance with agreements.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Communication

Budgeting

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Post-secondary education in technical theatre or production

Tools

MS Office Suite

Vectorworks

SharePoint

Job description

The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and among the top ballet companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is celebrated for its remarkable dancers and diverse repertoire of traditional full-length classic ballets and cutting-edge contemporary work by world-renowned choreographers and designers. Our Education and Community Engagement programmes are designed to cultivate an interest in the arts and promote dance to youth and broader communities.

Executing world-class, unforgettable performances and challenging our audiences is at the core of what we do, none of which would be possible without a talented and passionate team of employees. We persist to create an environment that encourages our artists and employees to realize the fullest extent of their talents in an inclusive workplace.

About the Position

Reporting to the Executive Director and Artistic Director, the Director of Production is critical to the artistic success of the company and is responsible for all aspects of producing The National Ballet’s performances, programmes and events. The Director of Production works closely with the senior management team and plays a key role in institutional strategic planning, ensuring production development and long-term scheduling align with and fulfill the Artistic Director’s vision.

Responsibilities

• Oversees daily operations of the Production Department, including the costume shop at the Walter Carsen Centre, the Gretchen Ross Production Centre, as well as production activities at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Leads and contributes to annual season planning and touring strategy, offering sound operational insight while serving as a member of the Executive Team
• Develops comprehensive production and touring budgets for current and future seasons, including special projects—covering ongoing operational costs, touring expenses, new production builds, and the maintenance of existing productions and facilities
• Authorizes all Production Department expenditures, including payroll, procurement, and service contracts
• Provides insight and guidance with designers in the development of new works, develops estimates and leads the execution of scenery, props and costumes
• Leads all IATSE negotiations and acts as the principal liaison with union leadership to implement, manage, and uphold compliance with collective bargaining agreements (I.A.T.S.E. Locals 58, 828, 822, and the International)
• Fosters cross-departmental relationships through clear communication, collaborative engagement, transparent information sharing, and alignment with other departments.
• Leads the production team, proactively resolves operational challenges, and oversees hiring, contracting, and management of personnel as needed.
• Other related duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education & Leadership: Post-secondary education in a technical theatre or production, complemented by a minimum of ten (10) years of senior-level experience directing large-scale theatrical or live performing arts productions. Proven leadership supervising IATSE union stagehands and navigating complex union environments.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of all facets of stagecraft and production, including scenic construction, rigging, automation, lighting, and video technologies. Significant experience aligning ballet repertoire with technical production demands considered a strong asset.
• Operational Strength: Demonstrated proficiency in scheduling, budgeting, and personnel management, with a strategic approach to resource planning and workflow optimization.
• Project & Communication Skills: Outstanding project management capabilities, with superior organizational and communication skills to guide teams and stakeholders through high-pressure timelines and evolving priorities.
• Interpersonal Acumen: Exceptional interpersonal skills, fostering respectful and productive relationships across internal teams and external partners
• Strategic Agility & Hands-On Approach: Ability to operate effectively at a strategic leadership level while remaining hands-on and action-oriented when necessary.
• Resilience & Composure: Capable of maintaining calm, focus, and progress under pressure, while managing multiple priorities in dynamic environments.
• Health & Safety Competency: Solid understanding of occupational health and safety legislation and industry best practices.
• Familiarity with orchestral operations, a strong asset.
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite, Outlook, Vectorworks and SharePoint. Experience with performing arts scheduling and calendar software.

Compensation

We strive to offer competitive, market-based compensation. During the interview process, we will work closely with you to determine a salary package that is commensurate with your experience and background. We understand the importance of work-life balance and are committed to supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing and productivity. We offer a range of benefits and perks to assist in maintaining this essential equilibrium, subject to change:

• $170,000 per annum
• Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account
• Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Summer Fridays off in July

Working Conditions

• Evenings and weekends are required beyond standard office hours during performance months. Occasional travel will be required for national and international tours, as needed.
• Primarily work out of the head office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
• Occasional work out of the Gretchen Ross Production Center, 155 Nantucket Blvd, Scarborough and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West, Toronto

Direct Reports:

• Associate Director of Production
• Technical Director
• Lighting Coordinator
• Wardrobe Supervisor
• Road Crew Heads
• CAEA Stage Managers

Application Process

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter in a single PDF document to [e-mail] with the subject heading: “Director of Production” by no later than June 30, 2025. Your cover letter should outline your interest in the role and the date you would be available to start. Please include the contact information of two (2) to three (3) professional references and where you found the position listed. Resumes will be reviewed as soon as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, we reserve the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.

Statement of Intention and Accommodation

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where employees feel valued and respected. The organization is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community, our city, and our country, and strives to ensure its recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The recruiting team will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.