Technical Director

About Crow's Theatre

For more than 40 years, Crow’s Theatre has been a leading force in the Canadian theatre landscape, recognized for provocative and award-winning new theatre work that premiere in Toronto often followed by national and international tours. Crow’s Theatre is distinguished as a preeminent cultural destination for its far-reaching imagination, ideas, exchange, diversity, and grassroots belief that the arts are essential to healthy and thriving communities. 
 
Led by Artistic and General Director, Chris Abraham and Executive Director Sherrie Johnson, Crow’s Theatre is located at the corner of Carlaw Avenue and Dundas Street East in Toronto’s east end. Our home at Streetcar Crowsnest is comprised of four venues for dynamic cultural and community programming: the Guloien Theatre (225 seats); Studio Theatre (90); the Nada Ristich Studio Gallery (80); the full-service Lobby Bar; as well as an onsite restaurant leased to Piano Piano, which can accommodate 60 seated indoors and 75 on the outdoor patio.  

Crow’s Theatre is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non- discrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion or national origin.  Crow’s Theatre is committed to building a more diverse workplace and encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

About The Position

The Technical Director is a managerial role responsible for the successful realization of all technical elements across productions, presentations, and events at Crow’s Theatre. Reporting to the Director of Production, the Technical Director collaborates closely with the Production Department, Artistic Director, Executive Director, General Manager/Producers, creative teams, and external partners to ensure that each project is delivered safely, on time, on budget, and to the highest artistic standard. This role oversees technical staff across venues, supervises contractors and suppliers, and helps to lead the planning and execution of load-ins, technical rehearsals, and load-outs. The Technical Director also serves as a key liaison between designers, directors, and stage management, ensuring smooth communication, thorough documentation (including CAD drawings and technical records), and effective troubleshooting throughout the production process.

Responsibilities

• Oversees completion of all technical elements of productions to Crow’s Theatre’s and designer’s satisfaction.
• Manages staff in all technical areas and venues, with House Technicians as direct reports.
• Oversees the work of outside contractors, shops, and suppliers.
• Manages budgets for technical areas in consultation with the Director of Production.
• Manages season’s scenic bid processes in consultation with the Director of Production.
• Expedites productions within scheduled deadlines.
• Hires production crew in consultation with the Director of Production.
• Communicates with designers, directors, and stage management as necessary for troubleshooting and production continuity.
• Acts as a liaison with stage management for production notes, and for the smooth transition of set from shops to technical rehearsals.
• Analyses and fulfills technical riders for shows presented by Crow’s Theatre, in consultation with the Director of Production.  
• Executes the successful and timely load in and out of productions and presentations at Crow’s Theatre’s venues.
• Creates and maintains technical documentation, CAD drawings, and other records as necessary for each production or presentation.
• Ensures compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations within areas under the supervision of the Production Department.
• Maintains a production quality of the highest standard
• Organizes training opportunities as determined with the Directof of Production for technical staff.
• Works with cross-functional departments to determine adequate staffing and technical needs for all events.
• Assesses and determines the technical requirements for various events and performances, including technical staffing, equipment, seating and cost estimates.
• Assists with the interpretation of technical riders and supports, in advance of production and/or event dates.
• Consults on scheduling of all use of theatres and rehearsal studios and spaces.
• In consultation with the Director of Production, develops systems and policies to improve efficiencies and processes, as needed.
• Assists with show and event production settlements in a timely manner.
• Provides manager-on-duty support during festivals, events and shows, as required.
• Other duties, as required.
• Maintains a functional and effective venue (including backstage and storage spaces), equipped with functioning and certified gear.

Other Responsibilites

• Evening and weekend work is often required for this position.
• Liaises and work with the Partner Companies and Rental clients to fulfill their technical needs.
• Creates and modifies CAD drawings.
• Analyzes scripts for all technical elements.
• May require occasional travel to supervise technical install of tours.

Qualifications

• Minimum of four years professional experience as a Technical Director
• Minimum of three years professional experience supervising in a venue
  •    Extensive knowledge of structural and mechanical construction for the stage, both materials and techniques, including welding, rigging and painting
  •    Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems
  •    Thorough knowledge of lighting, sound, including digital audio consoles, and video
  •    Knowledge and practical experience using Vectorworks and AutoCAD.
  •    Knowledge and practical experience using QLAB
  •    Working knowledge of current safety standards and the implementation of same
  •    Product, material, pricing, and logistics research skills
  •    Experience fulfilling technical and touring riders and/or touring of productions
  •    Experience with a variety of types of live performance including theatre, dance, and music
  •    Ability to read and produce technical drawings and schematics, including scenic construction designs
  •    Knowledge and practical experience using Microsoft Office
  •    Strong personnel, scheduling, and budgetary management skills
  •    Excellent written and verbal communication skills’
  •    Excellent organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines and a positive attitude while working under pressure
  •    Strong interpersonal skills, integrity, high energy, creativity, a collaborative spirit, and the cultural sensitivity needed to work effectively in a diverse environment of artists, producers, creative, and management teams
  •    Experience with Dante and system networks
  •    Ability to take technical/production leadership of productions as needed to support the Director of Production.  
  •    Collaborative and flexible working style to adapt to team/production needs

Compensation

This is a full-time permanent position.   A competitive package will be provided with salary commensurate with experience in the range of $70,000 to $80,000 per annum. The position includes participation in Crow’s extended health benefits and pension plan. 

Application

To apply, please email your detailed resume and a cover letter in PDF form to hiring@crowstheatre.com Please refer to “Technical Director” in the subject line.

Crow’s Theatre thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Crow’s Theatre is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, selection processes, and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation during the hiring process, please email us confidentially at sherrie@crowstheatre.com

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