The Badlands Amphitheatre is looking for a Lead & Supporting Percussionist for our 2026 production of The Canadian Badlands Passion Play in Drumheller, AB.
The Canadian Badlands Passion Play tells an epic story of faith, hope & love based on the life of Christ. It is performed on Canada’s largest outdoor stage, with a company formed of professional and semi-professional actors (supplemented by volunteer actors), working with a professional crew.
Job Description:
The Badlands Passion Play features a six-person band that provides a live, interactive score integral to the performance. Band members work closely with the Musical Director to rehearse and synchronize the music with the onstage action. The score includes underscoring, fanfares, and accompaniment for large choral ensemble pieces.
The percussionists play a key role, performing primarily on the timpani. The timpani’s deep, resonant sound draws the audience’s attention and often functions as a lead character in its own right, shaping the mood, driving the tempo, and heightening the emotional impact throughout the show. The Lead Percussionist begins rehearsing earlier than the rest of the band, joining the process from the start alongside the rehearsal pianist. The Supporting Percussionist joins the rehearsal process starting on Wednesday June 24.
Duties:
– Attend rehearsals and performances as required (see schedule below).
– Prepare for rehearsals and performances by practicing and reviewing music.
– Work with the Music Director to coordinate the music with the action onstage.
– Timpanis are provided.
Qualifications:
– Should be comfortable playing their instrument at an intermediate level.
– Able to read sheet music is required.
– Previous experience playing in a group setting is an asset.
– Able to listen and blend with other musicians in an ensemble.
– Rehearsal and performance experience is an asset.
Percussion Schedule:
(Lead Percussionist starts – 40 services in total)
Saturday May 30: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Sunday May 31: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Wednesday June 3: Afternoon – 1 Service
Thursday June 4: Afternoon – 1 Service
Friday June 5: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday June 6: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Sunday June 7: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Wednesday June 10: Afternoon – 1 Service
Thursday June 11: Afternoon – 1 Service
Friday June 12: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday June 13: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Sunday June 14: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Wednesday June 17: Afternoon – 1 Service
Thursday June 18: Afternoon – 1 Service
Friday June 19: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday June 20: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Sunday June 21: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
(Supporting Percussionist starts – 21 services in total)
Wednesday June 24: Evening – 1 Service
Thursday June 25: Afternoon – 1 Service
Friday June 26: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday June 27: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Sunday June 28: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Wednesday July 1: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Thursday July 2: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Friday July 3: Afternoon & Evening – 2 Services
Saturday July 4: Evening – 1 Service
Sunday July 5: Evening – 1 Service
Friday July 10: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday July 11: Evening – 1 Service
Sunday July 12: Evening – 1 Service
Friday July 17: Evening – 1 Service
Saturday July 18: Evening – 1 Service
Sunday July 19: Evening – 1 Service
Important Information:
– Compensation starts at $100.00 a service.
– The Badlands Amphitheatre is an outdoor venue. We rehearse and perform in all kinds of weather, and on all kinds of terrain. The band performs most of the show in a sheltered area.
– There is a lockable storage area available for band members to use. We can also discuss alternative storage methods if needed.
– Band members wear costumes during the final rehearsals as well as the performances and need to provide their own sandals..
– There is a campsite available to all band, cast, and crew members to stay at for free if needed. You do need to provide your own camping supplies.
To Apply:
– Please send your resume and the position you are interested in to the Production Coordinator: production@badlandsamp.com.
– Deadline to apply: March 15, 2026
– We will request a short video audition to showcase your playing level that will include playing a section of music we provide, as well as a piece of your choice. Audition instructions will be sent out after receiving your resume.
More About The Badlands Amphitheater:
The Badlands Amphitheatre is a non-profit arts and culture venue located in the Canadian Badlands. Home to Canada’s largest outdoor stage, our 2,500-seat outdoor amphitheatre and indoor Badlands Arts Centre hosts the renowned Badlands Passion Play; the Canadian Icons Concert Series; Roots, Blues, & Barbecue; Lightfest: Winter in the Badlands; outdoor opera and much more.
With our spectacular natural setting, unique in the world, we create sustainable community through performance events (with economic, cultural, social, and environmental outcomes), increase awareness and skill in the arts, and encourage tourism by creating significant cultural attractions. The Badlands Amphitheatre has a mandate to produce, create, and host events; enable arts education, and promote tourism – all based on our values of community, creation and celebration.