Technical Director

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts; Northeastern Ontario; Hybrid; CAD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

YES Theatre in Sudbury is seeking a Technical Director to oversee planning, execution, and safe delivery of all technical aspects across YES Theatre productions, programming, rentals, and events at both venues.

Working with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, designers, and guest artists, you will provide leadership, manage budgets, ensure on-schedule delivery, and maintain equipment, systems, and safety standards throughout the production cycle.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in technical theatre, production, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound, rigging, scenery, and stage equipment.
• Ability to lead and coordinate technical crews and production teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, execution, and safe delivery of technical aspects of productions.
• Lead technical staff, hire crews, mentors, and coordinate volunteers.
• Develop and manage production budgets and staffing requirements.
• Ensure health and safety compliance across venues.
• Maintain inventories and documentation for equipment and assets.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Team coordination

Education

Post-secondary theatre production program

Tools

Lighting systems

Sound equipment

Rigging

Scenery

Stage equipment

Job description

Main Location of Work: Sudbury Theatre Centre – 170 Shaughnessy St. Sudbury ON
First day of work: January 4 2027
Position Type: Full – Time
Salary: $55,000 to $65,000/year

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This position reports directly to the Artistic Director.

Position Summary

The intention of the YES Theatre Technical Director is to oversee the planning, execution, and safe delivery of all technical aspects of YES Theatre productions, programming, rentals, and ancillary events across both venues.

Working closely with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, designers, production staff, and guest artists, the Technical Director ensures that the artistic vision is realized safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget. The Technical Director provides leadership for the technical production department, oversees technical operations and facilities, and maintains the equipment, systems, and personnel required to support all programming.

The Technical Director is a key collaborator throughout the creative process and contributes technical expertise from concept through strike.

*YES Theatre is a collaborative producing organization. While each position has primary areas of responsibility, all members of the production team are expected to contribute to the successful delivery of productions and organizational initiatives. This may include providing practical assistance outside of their primary portfolio during periods of peak activity*

The Technical Director is accountable for:

• Technical Production Planning & Execution


• Technical Staff Leadership & Collaboration


• Production Budgeting & Resource Management


• Health & Safety


• Technical Operations & Facilities


• Technical Systems & Asset Management

Duties

Technical Production Planning & Execution

• Ensure all technical elements of assigned productions and events are delivered safely, on schedule, and within budget.


• Collaborate with the Production Manager to establish production schedules, technical labour requirements, and installation timelines.


• Review scenic, lighting, sound, video, and projection designs for feasibility, budget, scheduling, and safe execution.


• Collaborate with directors, designers, and department heads throughout the design process to identify solutions to technical challenges.


• Produce AutoCAD drawings, construction drawings, technical plans, rigging documentation, and other production paperwork as required.


• Lead the planning, construction, installation, technical rehearsal, strike, and restoration processes for all productions.


• Participate in the procurement and transportation of production materials and equipment as required.


• Maximize the efficient use, reuse, and sustainable sourcing of production materials and technical resources.


• Coordinate outsourced fabrication, rentals, and specialty technical services as required.


• Ensure production documentation remains accurate and current throughout each production process.


• Maintain consistent communication with the Artistic Director, Production Manager, and senior leadership regarding production progress, scheduling, risks, and technical needs.

Technical Staff Leadership & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Production Manager to determine staffing requirements for productions and events.


• Supervise, mentor, and support technical staff, hire crews, apprentices, volunteers, and contractors as assigned.


• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and solutions-focused work environment.


• Coordinate the work of technical personnel to ensure efficient and high-quality execution of production work.


• Liaise with designers, department heads, guest artists, and external vendors throughout each production.


• Provide technical leadership and troubleshooting support during rehearsals, performances, and production periods.


• Maintain and strengthen professional relationships within the theatre industry to support recruitment, staffing, and artist engagement.

Production Budgeting & Resource Management

• Collaborate with the Production Manager in developing and monitoring production budgets related to technical departments.


• Forecast labour, equipment, rental, and material costs.


• Identify opportunities for cost savings while maintaining artistic quality and production standards.


• Recommend purchases, rentals, and capital equipment investments that support organizational needs.


• Monitor expenditures and ensure technical resources are used efficiently and responsibly.

Health & Safety

• Ensure technical spaces, shops, backstage areas, and performance venues are maintained in a safe and organized condition.


• Ensure all technical work complies with applicable workplace health and safety legislation, industry standards, and organizational policies.


• Schedule preventative maintenance and inspections for production equipment and technical systems.


• Ensure technical personnel receive appropriate safety training, use required personal protective equipment (PPE), and adhere to established safety procedures.


• Participate in the ongoing development, implementation, and evaluation of YES Theatre’s health and safety policies, procedures, and hazard assessments.


• Promote a proactive culture of safety throughout all technical operations.

Technical Operations & Facilities

• Oversee the day-to-day operation of technical facilities across both venues.


• Maintain production shops, backstage areas, storage spaces, and technical work areas in an organized and functional condition.


• Assist in assessing the technical requirements for facility rentals and third-party events.


• Consult with the sales and administrative teams regarding technical requirements, staffing, and feasibility for external users.


• Provide technical support for third-party events when operationally appropriate.


• Assist in long‑term planning for facility improvements and technical infrastructure.

Technical Systems & Asset Management

• Maintain accurate inventories of lighting, sound, video, scenic, rigging, shop equipment, and technical assets.


• Develop and maintain preventative maintenance schedules for technical equipment and production infrastructure.


• Coordinate repairs, servicing, and replacement of technical equipment as required.


• Recommend lifecycle replacement and capital improvement priorities for technical equipment.


• Maintain technical documentation, equipment records, and operational procedures.


• Ensure technical personnel are trained in the safe operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of production systems and equipment.

Additional Expectations

• Contribute to a collaborative, team‑oriented production environment where all members of the organization support one another in achieving artistic and operational goals.


• Participate in scenic construction, load‑ins, strikes, backstage operations, event support, and other production activities as operational needs require.


• Be prepared to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, during production periods.


• Support productions and events outside the normal scope of the position when required, provided such duties are safe, reasonable, and aligned with the employee’s skills and training.


• Represent YES Theatre in a professional, respectful, and collaborative manner with artists, patrons, volunteers, and community partners.


• Contribute to maintaining clean, organized, and safe production spaces.


• Participate in organizational initiatives, special events, fundraising activities, and community engagement opportunities as appropriate.


• Undertake other duties reasonably assigned that support the successful operation of the organization.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in technical theatre, production, or a related field.


• Strong knowledge of theatrical lighting, sound, rigging, scenery, and stage equipment.


• Ability to lead and coordinate technical crews and production teams.


• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.


• Knowledge of workplace health and safety practices and theatrical safety procedures.


• Ability to manage production schedules, budgets, equipment, and technical requirements.


• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet production deadlines.


• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours as required.


• Relevant education or training from a post‑secondary theatre production program would be considered an asset