Assistant Sound Designer

Company Overview

Who We Are:

Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment     
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

Job Description

In preparation for an exciting 2027 season at the Stratford Festival, we are seeking applications for several contracts for Assistant Sound Designers. Assistant Designers report to the Head of Design and Design Coordinator and are part of the design team. Assistant Designers work collaboratively with designers, creative teams, Festival staff and craftspeople to see the design process of one or more shows through from the assistant’s arrival to Opening. 

All positions require full-time residency for the contract period in Stratford, ON, or surrounding area. Applicants must be legally allowed to work in Canada. Due to the seasonal and production-based nature of the Festival’s operations, contract lengths vary and are approximately 16-20 weeks in length and begin as early as January 4, 2027. Assistant Designers are typically paid a weekly rate, that covers up to 44 hours per week. Overtime, when approved by the Head of Design, should be expected during the busiest periods, and is paid at 1.5x the base hourly rate. The maximum number of hours per week with overtime is 60, in accordance with the Ontario Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA).

Interviews with short-listed candidates would take place over the summer, with offers as soon as possible after interviews are complete.

Assistant Sound Designer responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assist the sound design process during the creation and execution of all sound for the production
• Prepare cue sheets, tracking sheets, plots, and other forms for the documentation of the sound design
• Attend production and design meetings with the designer to support the creative team in the design process
• Record a detailed description of the function, content and operation of all cues created for the production
• Help coordinate and manage microphone placement and tracking (Musicals)
• Coordinate with stage management to confirm placement of all called cues
• Compile all paperwork for archiving of production
• Other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Design
• 2 to 4 years working as a Designer and/or Assistant Designer in a professional theatre environment
• Knowledge of sound system design, and Digital Audio Workstations (QLab)
• Knowledge of live performance sound and Digico Consoles 

Behavioural Competencies:

• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information
• Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity
• Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary.
• Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance

This contract full-time posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin in 2027. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Candidates are required to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Job Type:  Contract Full-Time

Hourly Rate: $27.45 - $28.54

Application Deadline: July 10, 2026.