Studio Technician, Theatre

at  Macewan University

ABOUT US

MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.
Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 59 programs to more than 18,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.

OPPORTUNITY

MacEwan University is seeking a Studio Technician, Theatre for a full-time continuing opportunity with the Faculty of Fine Arts and Communications.
Reporting to the Supervisor, Theatre Operations with functional supervision by the Chair and the Coordinator of Theatre, you will be responsible for the coordination of designated facilities, equipment, materials, software, and procedures in wardrobe, props, and/or paint. You will also maintain a working knowledge of lighting, audio, and/or video practices for use in theatre spaces as well as providing training to faculty and students to ensure effective and safe practices are followed and supports faculty, staff and students as needed.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing mentorship, direction, and expertise to students during their practicum in various technical areas, including but not limited to, props construction, set painting, costume construction, technical rehearsals, performances, and production strikes;
• Assisting student leads with production preplanning, costing, and scheduling and facilitating open communication among technicians, faculty, students, and designers;
• Providing hands-on technical assistance during and outside of class time (within the technician’s regular working day);
• Responding to requests and solving problems, often without requiring consultation or approval from the Chair or Coordinator;
• Serving as a Theatre Technician for Theatre Operations on external rentals in Allard Hall performance spaces, including the operation of lighting, sound, and/or video equipment; operation of fly lines; backstage supervision; and customer relations;
• In consultation with the Chair, Theatre faculty, and the Supervisor, Theatre Operations, ensuring theatre shops and studios, as well as storage areas, are safe, clean, organized, and equipped. This responsibility includes shopping for shows and restocking labs and other spaces as required; and
• Performing periodic safety checks on space and equipment and addressing safety issues directly or involving necessary supports (i.e., facilities staff).

SKILLS

You will have:

• Excellent practical knowledge using shop equipment and/or technology;
• Enthusiasm and the ability to identify and learn new equipment and/or technology anticipating needs for student and faculty in the department;
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organizational and planning abilities with a proven track record of managing projects, delegating tasks, supervising a small team, prioritizing effectively, and meeting competing deadlines;
• The ability to be flexible and adapt to dynamic, organic, and creative environments; and
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, making informed decisions on sensitive, time-sensitive, and confidential issues as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of a diploma in Theatre Production.
• A minimum of 2 years of experience working as a theatre technician, designer, or equivalent.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise working with equipment and materials in two or more of the following technical areas: Wardrobe, Props, or Paint.
• Experience in Lighting, Audio, and/or Video would be considered an asset.
• Experience providing instruction or training would be considered an asset.
• Current Standard First Aid certification with CPR and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS 2015) training would be considered an asset.
• Experience using common business software (word processor, spreadsheet, presentation software, etc.).
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Given the nature of this position, you will be required to work evenings and weekends as part of your regular 35-hour work week on an occasional basis throughout the year.

• Providing mentorship, direction, and expertise to students during their practicum in various technical areas, including but not limited to, props construction, set painting, costume construction, technical rehearsals, performances, and production strikes;
• Assisting student leads with production preplanning, costing, and scheduling and facilitating open communication among technicians, faculty, students, and designers;
• Providing hands-on technical assistance during and outside of class time (within the technician’s regular working day);
• Responding to requests and solving problems, often without requiring consultation or approval from the Chair or Coordinator;
• Serving as a Theatre Technician for Theatre Operations on external rentals in Allard Hall performance spaces, including the operation of lighting, sound, and/or video equipment; operation of fly lines; backstage supervision; and customer relations;
• In consultation with the Chair, Theatre faculty, and the Supervisor, Theatre Operations, ensuring theatre shops and studios, as well as storage areas, are safe, clean, organized, and equipped. This responsibility includes shopping for shows and restocking labs and other spaces as required; and
• Performing periodic safety checks on space and equipment and addressing safety issues directly or involving necessary supports (i.e., facilities staff)