Posting Date: September 20, 2021
Company: Rapid Fire Theatre
Work Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Start Date: October 18, 2021
Compensation: $800/month
Hours: Part-Time | 30-40 hours/month

Rapid Fire Theatre seeks an enthusiastic, proven team leader in theatre tech to join our organization as the next Technical Director.

ABOUT RAPID FIRE THEATRE

Rapid Fire Theatre (RFT) is Edmonton’s longest‐running improv comedy company; producing a minimum of four weekly shows in Edmonton, as well as corporate and festival touring abroad. We produce a number of annual festivals, including Improvaganza, one of the most sought-after improv festivals in the world, and the Wildfire Teen Improv Festival. RFT welcomes an audience of over 30,000 people each season, with an annual operating budget of $1M. We currently have 10 staff members, 11 board members, a performing ensemble of ~50, a technician roster of 7, and a volunteer roster of ~50.

The RFT mission states that: We are a community of improv leaders that provide frickin’ great experiences through engaging performances and transformative education. Our vision is to inspire laughter and positivity for everyone.

Rapid Fire Theatre strives to reflect the diversity of our community on our stages, in our classrooms, in our staff and on our board. We encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, bodies, and abilities who will contribute to the further diversification of ideas and perspectives on our team.

RFT is an organization in strong financial standing, and as a testament to the innovation and tenacity of its members, is well-poised to resume in-person events and operations as we recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic.

We are currently engaged in a project to secure a long-term theatre home for our programming. The technical director will play a key role in advising the development of this space.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Technical Director (TD) is a directorial position that functions with authority from the Artistic Director. In the short-term, the TD will assist leadership in the development of RFT’s future venue, especially in the development of the performance spaces. On an ongoing basis, the TD is responsible for all things related to the operations and maintenance of the theatre’s technical resources. Responsibilities include ensuring that the lighting, sound, video and other technical aspects of various performances and events run safely, smoothly, and on time. Flexibility and the ability to adapt and work in varying production capacities is integral to the position. Effective communication skills and time management are also requisite traits. This job demands methodical attention to detail, the ongoing maintenance of a performance space, and an ability to improvise and solve unique technical problems as they arise. The TD is responsible for the coordination, training, hiring and scheduling of Rapid Fire Theatre’s roster of improvising technicians. The TD will have the authority and freedom to hire themselves for technician shifts as they like, within reason.

This is a new role at RFT during an exciting time. As RFT returns to pre-pandemic programming levels, there may be an increase in hours and compensation for the Technical Director, depending on the work required.

SHORT-TERM RESPONSIBILITIES (Prior to venue opening)

• Liaise with temporary venue managers on behalf of RFT for all technical requirements for duration of residency in the venue (approx 1 year)
• Hire, train and manage a roster of improvising technicians (operators)
• Work with building committee to design, budget, and source all technical elements of the future performance venue
• Ensure that all show cues are up-to-date for each performance
• Coordinate technical requirements for visiting festival acts

ONGOING RESPONSIBILITIES

Productions

• Liaise with the Artistic Director and other producers, when necessary, to establish the technical needs of each show presented in the venue
• Ensure that all show cues are up-to-date
• Coordinate technical requirements for all visiting festival acts
• Coordinate all set construction as necessary
• Coordinate all installs and strikes as necessary
• Order technical supplies and coordinate additional rented equipment when necessary

Leadership

• Hire, train and manage a roster of improvising technicians (operators)
• Development and Implementation of safety and emergency procedures

Scheduling

• In collaboration with the Artistic Director and General Manager, build all necessary production schedules for the season
• Schedule all operators for all performances and events

Financial

• Coordinate payroll with Finance Director for all scheduled operators

Maintenance

• Assessment and general up-keep of all production areas and equipment in the facility
• Ensure that equipment and inventory are maintained and controlled in an organized manner including supplies, tools and special maintenance requirements
• Maintain accurate files and reports

JOB REQUIREMENTS

5+ years relevant technical theatre experience
5+ years of experience with managing a team
Experience with teching improvised theatre
Experience in scheduling
Experience in budget development

VACCINATION INFORMATION

Due to the nature of our business (live events), Rapid Fire Theatre operates under the province of Alberta’s Restriction Exemption Program, which means that all of our staff are required to provide proof of vaccination from COVID-19 or provide proof of medical exemption.

DO YOU HAVE?

• A “Yes, and” leadership style that empowers team members
• Strong, proven ability to manage, mentor and foster growth in stakeholders
• An understanding and appreciation of improvised theatre
• A sense of humour
• An appreciation for fostering improv values in the workplace including Collaboration, Listening, Acceptance, Positivity, Risk-taking and Happy Failure
• A passion for fostering an equitable work environment and an empathetic attitude to stakeholders from all walks of life.
• Patience, compassion and objectivity in stressful situations
• Very strong organizational skills, including balancing multiple responsibilities and effectively meeting deadlines
• Excellent technical skills with advanced proficiency in Light and Sound board software, QLab, Microsoft Office products, Google Suite, Slack, and a willingness to learn new approaches and tools
• Proven ability to work independently as well as within a team environment
• Very strong customer service orientation
• Adaptability to a changing work environment
• Excellent time management skills
• Adaptability to changing work hours throughout the year

HOW TO APPLY

Email your cover letter and resume, as well as any questions to ad@rapidfiretheatre.com.