Scenic Construction Head

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     
• Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
• Group Insurance Benefits
• Employer matched RRSP
• 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

The Scenic Construction Head is responsible for overseeing the build and delivery of all scenic elements for assigned shows. This role involves interpreting and costing designs, construction build drafting, overseeing construction, communication with the theatres regarding notes and delivery, ensuring builds come in on budget, and in accordance with the artistic vision.  
 
Reporting to the Director – Scenic Construction, the Scenic Construction Head collaborates with designers, Theatre Technical Directors, the Scene Shop Manager and other production departments to deliver scenery in a cost effective and timely manner. This position provides technical leadership throughout the construction process, supports touring productions, and works with department heads to ensure ease of scenery movement for scene changes, changeovers and builds which allow for streamlined installation of set electrics.  The Scenic Construction Head will work with the Head Scenic Carpenter to ensure thorough communication to the shop floor in order to support builds.   

Responsibilities:

• Production Planning & Creative Collaboration 
  • Interpret and cost designs, and work with designers to realize creative visions at the highest standard in a manner consistent with the artistic intention 
  • Manage assigned scenic construction budgets, monitor expenditures throughout the build process, identify variances, and implement or recommend corrective action where required 
  • Coordinate communication with all pertinent departments through the costing process through to finals 
  • Prepare/draft build drawings for carpenters and welders, properly reflecting the design intentions 
  • Identify construction challenges and develop practical solutions in consultation with designers and Technical Directors while maintaining artistic intent 
• Planning and Technical Integration 
  • Provide structural weight estimates including for all scenic elements, working collaboratively with Lighting Department Heads regarding additional weight associated with electrical equipment. 
  • Work with the Technical Director to support rigging requirements 
  • Prepare CNC-compatible drafting files for fabrication 
  • Work with the theatre Technical Director to ensure ease of scenery movement during the show and for changeovers, including use of automation  
  • Ensure completed scenic elements meet quality, safety and design specifications prior to installation 
• Production Coordination and Delivery 
  • Deliver scenery according to schedules determined in conjunction with the Scene Shop Manager and Technical Director 
  • Ensure timely ordering of materials, and maintenance of tools and equipment 
  • Ensure scenic art needs regarding schedule are facilitated and work with the Department Head to ensure the needs of that department are incorporated into the build 
• Touring and Logistics Management 
  • Complete final drawing sets and accompanying documentation required for touring productions 
  • Coordinate and oversee transportation, installation and technical support for touring productions 
  • Plan freighting, and information required for carnets for touring productions  
• Leadership and Team Management 
  • Manage and provide direction and support to Unionized employees of the scene shop 
  • Foster professional development, effectively managing performance and maintain a caring and inclusive work environment. 
  • Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post-secondary diploma program, typically a two year program, or equivalent, (i.e. Community college, Technical Institute or Trade School, etc.) in Theatre Production, Scenic Construction, Carpentry, Engineering Technology or related discipline; ; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. 
• 6 to 8 years of related experience 
• Experience in current theatre practices and the production process 
• Experience managing scenic builds, including knowledge and experience with build techniques, materials, carpentry, welding 
• Experience with the construction of flying pieces and rigging 
• Experience managing and delivering full scenic builds from budget to completion 
• Expert level AutoCAD 2D and proficient level AutoCAD 3D 

Behavioural Competencies:

• Communication: actively listen and effectively transmit and receive information 
• Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions 
• Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance 
• Organization skills: create structure and optimally use resources to achieve results and ensure productivity 
• Leadership: successfully guide others to maximize their capabilities to achieve a collective goal; help them to succeed and thrive 
• Problem-Solving: able to identify challenges, analyze root causes, and develop practical solutions. 

This full-time posting is for an newly created position located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin as soon as possible. This position requires the candidate to work onsite. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled

Job Type: Full-Time

Annual Salary: $70,000 - $82,000

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled