Interim Technical Director

Company Overview

About the Chemainus Theatre Festival: Founded in 1993, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is a not-for-profit professional theatre company located on Vancouver Island. The Chemainus Theatre Festival is dedicated to building a just, equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace and community. We encourage all interested applicants to apply and will consider all submissions inclusive of all ages, ability, gender, race, ethnocultural identity, or any other basis. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Puneluxutth (Penelakut) Tribe and the hul’qumi’num speaking peoples, on whose traditional territory we work and play. 

Job Description

Interim Technical Director   

Job Title: Interim Technical Director (MAY-SEPTEMBER 2026) 

Job Category: TERM for IATSE 168 Continuing Employee on leave 

Position Overview:  

Reporting to the Production Manager, the Interim Technical Director is a hands-on and supervisory position represented by IATSE 168 and works closely with members of the production and design teams focusing on the daily operations of the Chemainus Theatre Festival (CTF) technical departments.The Interim Technical Director shall supervise, assist and support the production staff as directed by CTF Management, through all stages of production and technical rehearsals.  

The Interim Technical Director will work to ensure the artistic vision of the director and design team is realized on stage while maintaining safe work practices for all production staff and guest artists, in accordance with Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and Theatrical Industry standards. We encourage applicants of all skill levels to apply and are willing to work with the right candidate to continue their training and develop their craft over time. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Fulfilling all responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s mission statement, respectful workplace policy and communication credo. 

• Upholding the professional image and name of the theatre during all dealings with staff, guest artists and the public. 

• Supervising and working hands on with an IATSE 168 crew through the production processes including builds, load-ins, tech periods, and performances and interacting in a friendly and supportive manner. 

• Supporting the Production Department, particularly the Production Manager, in the efficient supervision and operation of the department. 

• Producing and maintaining CAD drawings (AutoCAD and Vectorworks), rigging plans, production schedules, and other production paperwork as assigned. 

• Creating, modifying and/or interpreting various technical and shop drawings. 

• Assisting in scheduling crew as required. 

• Maintaining production-based inventories and asset tracking in collaboration with department heads. 

• Consulting in labour requirements for lighting, sound, properties, wardrobe and set elements for productions as assigned. 

• Researching, planning, and implementing production elements. 

• Providing support and co-ordination for production rentals and activities as required. 

• Serving as an operator or technician on productions or events as required. 

• Maintaining production equipment in good repair. 

• Providing a safe, tidy, clean and well-maintained work environment which adheres to company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe, IATSE 168 and industry best practices. 

• Setting up, operating and dismantling theatrical equipment including lights, sound, projection, sets, props, scenery, costumes, counterweight fly systems and stage rigging. 

• Serving as the first aid attendant on crew calls and executing, coordinating and reporting emergency procedures as required. 

• Training and orienting casual and seasonal staff as required. 

• Supervising, supporting, or assisting any of the CTF production departments as required. The Technical Director may fill a department head position as required.  

• Creating and adhering to budgets and schedules as required. 

• Responding to post-opening show notes as required.  

• Consulting with rental clients, event programmers and event personnel on their technical production needs, company policies and best practices. 

• Attending departmental and company meetings as requested. 

• Analyzing, organizing, advancing and executing designs and projects. 

• Other production tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.  

Required Qualifications & Skills: 

• Post-secondary education in a technical theatre program and/or prior service in a similar position. 

• A collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking individual with experience in theatre production and technical equipment. 

• Self-directed, able to identify and undertake a task with limited direction or information when required. 

• Strong organizational, and project management skills. 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 

• Ability to switch focus and effectively prioritize tasks. 

• Willingness to learn and develop skills. 

• Comfortable working in dynamic and deadline-based environment. 

• Experience working in a team-based collaborative environment with a positive attitude towards delivering high-quality presentations in an environment of mutual respect. 

• Holds safety in high esteem and familiar with guidelines and regulations from Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and Theatrical Industry standards  

• Ability to work with diplomacy and tact with a wide range of relevant people and groups. 

• Knowledge of and experience in theatrical rigging, lighting, sound, video, scenic/props construction, costume construction, scenic paint, and/or special effects (an ideal candidate will specialize in multiple production areas with a willingness to advance their skillset in other areas) 

• Experience drafting with CAD (AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks). 

• Experience working alongside and supervising a unionized crew. 

• Strong knowledge of office software (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint). 

• Class 5 BC driver’s license with a clean abstract. 

• Basic First Aid Certification (or ability to obtain prior to start date) 

• Available to work evenings and weekends when required. 

Working Conditions 

• Working independently with safety protocols in place 

• Frequently working at heights in the Chemainus Theatre grid or using an extension ladder 

• Working around and with power tools and power equipment 

• Frequent lifting of up to 50lbs: including lighting instruments, ladders, cabling.  

• Frequent use of stairs and ladders 

• Occasional long workdays (over 10 hours in length) 

• Occasional driving of company vehicles (owned and rented) 

• Frequent working in low-light and varying-light environments 

• Frequent driving of company vehicles (owned and rented): minivan & cube trucks. 

• Very occasional travel may be required. 

Compensation & Benefits: 

• $27.30 per hour in accordance with the CTF & IATSE 168 pending collective bargaining agreement as currently drafted with benefits as follows: 

• 4% Vacation Pay  

• 5 paid sick days per year for term  

• Eligible for the CTF health & dental benefits package after completion of a 3-month probationary period 

• 2 Complimentary Theater tickets to each CTF mainstage production.  

• Staff discounts for the Playbill Dining Room, Gallery Gift Shop, CTF Cabaret Series Tickets and applicable local Chemainus businesses 

Hours of Work:  

DATES MAY 10, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2026, WITH POSSIBILITY TO EXTEND 

This interim position covers leave for a continuing, full-time position with an average of 32 hours per week. Work includes some evenings, weekends and extended days expected in the weeks leading up to the opening of each mainstage production. Standard overtime and time bank provisions apply in accordance with provincial overtime regulations. 

Install & Tech Weeks 

May 19 – June 12, 2026, are the install and tech weeks for the summer musical. Long hours are expected during this time. (50 – 60 hours per week).