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Equity (CAEA) Stage Manager

About The National Ballet of Canada 

The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and among the top ballet companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is celebrated for its remarkable dancers and diverse repertoire of traditional full-length classic ballets and cutting-edge contemporary work by world-renowned choreographers and designers. Our Education and Community Engagement programmes are designed to cultivate an interest in the arts and promote dance to youth and broader communities.  

Executing world-class, unforgettable performances and challenging our audiences is at the core of what we do, none of which would be possible without a talented and passionate team of employees. We persist to create an environment that encourages our artists and employees to realize the fullest extent of their talents in an inclusive workplace.   

About the Position

Type: Full-Time, Contract, Unionized position with Canadian Actors' Equity Association (CAEA)
Location: Toronto, ON
Start date: July 1, 2024

Key Responsibilities 

The National Ballet of Canada is seeking an experienced full-time (52-week contract) Stage Manager starting in July 2024 to be part of a dedicated and highly skilled production team. Working under the National Ballet of Canada Agreement (NBCA) with the CAEA and reporting to the Director of Production, the Stage Manager’s responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Ensures that the rehearsal studios at the Walter Carsen Centre and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts have the resources required to meet the planned rehearsals in any given week. This includes preparing audio and video files for reference, spiking scenic elements, providing props and other production elements.
• Supports the rehearsal process with video capture and distribution of recorded material (Dropbox/Vimeo/OneDrive).
• Documents all Stage Management-related elements for productions from the rehearsal period through to performances, share and distribute notes and information to all relevant departments.
• Assists Artistic and Production Staff to schedule rehearsal time and tracks rehearsal time and performance time.
• Represents the Production Department’s interests and needs in Artistic Staff meetings, as required.
• Assists Production Staff in creating pack lists for all company equipment used on tours or theatre seasons.
• Shared responsibilities for calling/running performances in Toronto and on tour, as well as shared Assistant Stage Manager responsibilities for some repertoire.
• Additional traditional stage management-related responsibilities, as needed.

Qualifications and Competencies 

• Post-secondary education in a technical/production field or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years of experience working in both unionized (IATSE, TMA, CAEA) and office environments in the performing arts. Previous experience stage managing in a dance company is preferred.
• Proficiency of MS Office suite & SharePoint, plus Audio and Video playback apps.
• Highly organized, detail oriented and capable of juggling multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment under time constraints.
• Strong knowledge of health and safety legislation and best practices in the performing arts industry.
• Ability to follow a musical score and create a Stage Management calling score integrating a musical score for a new production, based on attending rehearsals.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work such as taping floors (spikes), setting props for rehearsals, setting up the production office, and more, as needed.
• Excellent communications skills and thrives in a fast-paced environment. 

Working Conditions

• Evenings and weekends are required. Must be available for rehearsals and performances, travel on company tours (national/international), etc.
• Primarily work out of main office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto, and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen St West, Toronto.
• Performance months: November, December, March, and June. 

Compensation and Benefits 

Pay and benefits as detailed in the NBCA: www.caea.com/Portals/0/Documents/Dance/NBCA.pdf

Application Process 

Qualified candidates are to forward their resume and cover letter, including the contact information for three (3) professional references as a single PDF document to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading: "Equity Stage Manager", by no later than May 1, 2024.  We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received, and we may choose to move forward with interviews before the deadline. Early submission is encouraged.  We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.  

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to taking every reasonable precaution for the protection of health and safety for workers as required by the Occupational Health and Act (OHSA). We are also committed to compliance with all applicable public and occupational health and safety, human rights, privacy and other laws. We recommend that all employees follow the guidance regarding vaccinations and boosters provided by Health Canada.

Statement of Intention and Accommodation 

The National Ballet of Canada is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to reflect the diversity of our community, our city and our country. We strive to ensure our recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. We welcome and encourage submissions from Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, the Deaf and disabled as well as individuals of all genders, cultures, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and abilities. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.