Theatre Technical Director

Interested in a career at Langara College?

Our employees exemplify Langara's values of excellence, collegiality, innovation and integrity. If you think this position fits your qualifications, we encourage you to apply!

Langara College is located in Vancouver, B.C.: applicants to postings must be located in BC or willing to move to BC to accept work with Langara College. Exceptions to this will be clearly outlined in the event Langara College requires  work (or positions to be based) to be performed outside BC or Canada.

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Job Title:

Employee Group:

Employee Type:

Start Date:

End Date (if applicable):

Job Summary:

Job Description:

Duties & Responsibilities:

1. Provides instructional support services to faculty and students in the Theatre Workshop:

• Demonstrates a variety of technical processes and operational procedures including basics of set, prop design and construction, and lighting/sound design and set up.
• Supervises workshop activity and behaviour to provide for established standards of safety. Ensures that all safety practices are understood, observed and practiced by each student.
• Responds to general inquiries regarding the Theatre Arts Workshop from students, faculty, staff and the general public by communicating in an accurate and informed manner.
• Provides information on available learning resources to students; advises students regarding learning materials available.
• Sets up technical equipment as required by faculty.
• Assists in class and program activities.
• Assists/assesses Acting Option students in crew work and Production Option students in projects and crew work.
• Assists students in the use of set pieces and other technical equipment when required for class projects or performance labs.

2. Responsible for technical needs for Studio 58 productions including lighting design and sound setup, and other stage equipment:

• Manages and directs the student crew including: coordinates the lighting technicians, sound technicians, and set builders to keep everyone working together to meet deadlines.
• In conjunction with the Production Manager, estimates costing for the technical needs of the show including materials for the set, lights, sound, equipment rentals, and special sound effects needs.
• Oversees the construction and set-up of sets for Studio 58 productions.
• Oversees the hanging and focusing of lighting plots for productions.
• Operates and maintains correct and safe rigging of all movable scenery and flying scenery.
• Plans, builds, and tests special effects.
• Coordinates the construction of props as required.
• Transports sets and props as required.
• Participates in the choreography of scene changes.
• Coordinates scenery with the necessities of lighting design.
• Oversees the strike of sets and lighting at the end of each production.

3. Performs general maintenance of the Theatre Arts facilities and work shops:

• Maintains and operates the Studio 58 scene shop including power tools and storage areas.
• Maintains and organizes the Theatre Arts technical facilities and equipment including lighting and sound equipment.
• Borrows/rents items required for the technical aspect of the production and to coordinate return of such items.
• Loans out lighting, set, and sound equipment to other theatre companies and records/tracks loans of equipment and materials.
• Ensures and maintains an adequate supply of all workshop equipment, supplies and materials. Records inventory in the computer database and ensures that it is accurate and current.
• Coordinates and maintains a sign in/out log of supplies, materials, workshop tools and equipment used by students and faculty.
• Performs standard maintenance and repair tasks for tools and equipment utilized in the instructional process as required.
• Makes recommendations with respect to capital expenditures for tools and equipment.
• Maintains the Workshop in a clean, safe and orderly fashion.
• Establishes and maintains liaison with the various groups utilizing the services of the Workshop in order to coordinate workshop space, time, materials and related resources to meet the diverse requirements presented.
• Picks up various theatre materials, props, tools, and equipment, using Studio 58 vehicle, as required.

4. Provides instruction to work-study students, as required:

• In conjunction with the Production Manager, Office Manager, and Theatre Arts Artistic Director/Department Chair, assigns students to crew work and coordinates/directs their work.
• Prepares time sheets for signature.
• Oversees technical rehearsals including giving work direction to students in backstage jobs.

5. Performs other related duties and projects as required.

Qualifications Required:

Education

• Completion of Theatre Arts Diploma plus specialized training in carpentry, electrical and audio production.
• 4 years recent related experience as a technical director or other related technical theatre experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Experience in carpentry, rigging, and welding.
• Experience as a scenic, lighting, prop or sound designer.
• Experience in building large scale scenery, working with mobile scenery, counterweight systems, turn tables, wagons, drops, and special effects.
• Knowledge in the following areas: stage lighting, drapery, audio-visual equipment, theatre maintenance procedures, etc.
• Knowledge and experience of Health & Safety operations and requirements, including WHMIS safety standards and practices.
• Knowledge of the maintenance and repair trades involved in the servicing of equipment.

Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize and schedule work to ensure timelines are met.
• Effective supervisory and leadership skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with others within the College and particularly external theatre communities.
• Ability to operate lighting and sound equipment, carpentry tools, welding equipment, power tools, etc.
• Ability to provide clear instructions to students, and other technical crew members.
• Ability to read and build from working drawings; i.e. ground plans, side elevations, rear elevations, etc.
• Ability to build in a safe, quick, and economical manner.

Additional Info:

• Ability to move around heavy equipment, props, and other stage materials.
• Ability to climb stairs, ladders, and scaffolding, and use a personnel lift when necessary.
• Lighting and sound design responsibilities require sight and auditory perception.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule and long hours during peak periods leading up to theatre performances.
• Valid Class 5 BC driver's license required. Ability to travel within the College region and will require the use of Studio 58 truck.

Why Join Langara? 

At Langara College, we support the College’s vision of promoting wellness and fostering personal and professional growth for our employees. We are dedicated to embracing, honouring, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, while offering a competitive and inclusive benefits package that reflects our commitment to overall health, financial security, and work-life balance. 

** Eligibility and entitlements may vary based on the employment group, and if the position is temporary, part-time, or casual ** 

We offer the following benefits: 

• Extensive medical, dental, and vision coverage  

• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions 

• Generous vacation package plus paid time off during college winter closure (1 week in December) 

• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan 

• Potential eligibility for educational, training, and developmental programs  

• Access to on-site daycare subject to availability  

• Tuition waivers for courses at Langara College, subject to space availability  

• Course/program tuition reimbursements   

• Wellness classes and campus engagement events 

Salary Range:

Pay Grade:

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Hours may vary according to the needs of the department. 

Compressed Workweek (Fortnight):

Closing Date:

People and Culture is committed to embracing, honoring, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace. We remain dedicated to focusing our efforts on creating an inclusive employee community that fosters a sense of safety and belonging for everyone. We humbly acknowledge that we are just beginning our journey, which includes engaging in our own internal learning and creating a data-driven action plan that supports the integration of EDI practice into the work of People and Culture and the work we do with employees and leaders. Langara College welcomes applications from everyone including people from groups that are experiencing inequity including, but not limited to, Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If there are any barriers that you are experiencing or an accommodation that we can provide to support you through the application process, please contact us.

If you were a temporary employee with CUPE Local 15 at Langara College who has worked within the last five (5) months of the closing date on this posting, please contact our recruitment team if you meet the criteria for internal status (850 hours worked) as per Article III.7.g in the CUPE Collective Agreement. Please quote the job requisition title and number with your previous employee ID and last day worked at the College. Please do not email if you worked at the College more than 5 months ago or if you worked in a different union.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of educational and professional credentials noted on their resume.  In addition, those shortlisted with international credentials must have their education credentials evaluated through WES (World Education Services) and provide Langara College, People & Culture document evaluation access for employment purposes.

We thank you for your interest in Langara College and for taking the time to complete an application. Only complete applications will be reviewed. Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the number of applications received.

Langara is committed to enhancing our diverse workforce.