Downstage is a Calgary-based professional theatre company dedicated to producing Canadian plays that create meaningful conversation around social issues. Read more about us at www.downstage.ca.

We are seeking a candidate with strong technical theatre knowledge to fill the part-time position of Production Manager. This contract runs from August 22, 2016 to August 31, 2017 with the potential to renew.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. We will happily provide training and opportunities for growth for the right candidate to be successful in this position. However, this is not a position for someone who doesn’t have past theatre experience – if that describes you, please keep an ear out for internships we’ll be announcing later in the year.

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 28, 2016

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Production Management / Technical Direction of Downstage’s shows and special events, including the World Premiere of Crime Does Not Pay from February-March, 2017, with duties including:

• Planning, management and tracking of production budgets and designs.
• Sourcing, renting and purchasing materials as necessary for the productions.
• Overseeing the implementation of all designs, including technical problem-solving as needed.
• Creating and maintaining production and tech schedules.

Coordinating crew for setup and strike Management of the Motel Theatre in Arts Commons, including:

• Programming the venue with the oversight of the Artistic Director.
• Liaising with renters, including issuing rental contracts and invoices and maintaining a rental calendar.
• Space maintenance including venue checks at the end of each rental period and completing or contracting out minor repairs.
• Overseeing the loan or rental of the technical inventory of Downstage

QUALIFICATIONS:

We need to you to be:

• Able to work both independently and in close collaboration on tasks.
• Able to problem-solve calmly and effectively, including when under pressure.
• A strong communicator, both in person and in writing.

You should definitely be knowledgeable about:

• Theatrical sound and lighting equipment.
• Theatrical production processes, including a working understanding of the roles of designers, stage managers and crew.
• How to create a budget and track expenses.

It would be helpful if you also had:

• A driver’s license.
• First Aid training.
• Excellent computer skills.

Previous experience as a theatre technical director, production manager or running a venue would of course be an asset, but is not required.

CONTRACT DETAILS: The position is for up to 500 hours over the contract period, billable at $18.50/hour for a total fee of $9,250. It is expected that work will be primarily concentrated around our producing activities, with some ongoing administrative work throughout the season. As this is a part-time contract, we fully expect you to be balancing multiple commitments – however, you must have excellent availability in February and March, 2017 for the production of Crime Does Not Pay.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  To apply, please send an email to Artistic Producer Ellen Close at ellen@downstage.ca with your resume and a letter of interest as a .pdf attachment, by end of day July 28.

In your letter, please briefly introduce yourself if we’re not familiar with you, tell us why you’re interested in this position and explain what skills you would bring to the company. Make sure to draw links between your past experience and the requirements of this job.

We will send you a note to let you know we received your application, then get in contact as interviews are scheduled and decisions made. We expect to have made our final decision no later than August 12.

Thanks for your interest in Downstage!