About the Position
The National Ballet of Canada seeks an experienced, collaborative professional for the role of Head Electrician. Reporting to the Director of Production and working closely with the Lighting Director, Technical Director, and Associate Director of Production, the Head Electrician is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and maintenance of lighting systems and equipment for the company's performances in Toronto and on domestic and international tours.
The successful candidate will have extensive experience in modern theatrical lighting systems and practices, ideally specific to dance production. They will possess the capacity to meet the demands and challenges of the creative process for both remounted productions and new works, with the flexibility to work on multiple programs simultaneously and adjust priorities to meet strict deadlines. The candidate will also demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellent communication skills, the ability to work independently and supervise teams, and critically exhibit empathetic leadership skills and contribute to a collaborative and positive environment.
Work Periods:
Under IATSE Local 58 Contract: Maintenance and preparation at the Gretchen Ross Production Centre or rental shops: minimum guarantee of 28 weeks per year.
Under IATSE Canadian Pink Contract: Set-up and performance weeks at the Four Seasons Centre in Toronto and at venues while on tour: varies annually, typically 18 to 20 weeks per year.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee the use and implementation of all lighting, video, pyrotechnic and special effects equipment for NBC engagements.
- Prepare production-specific lighting packages and equipment for each unique production and tour.
- Ensure all NBC lighting and special effects equipment, expendables, tools, and supplies are inventoried, properly maintained, and well organized.
- Oversee packing, loading, unloading, shipping and receiving of equipment.
- Arrange rentals and/or purchase additional equipment, supplies, and expendables as needed.
- Coordinate with other Road Crew department heads and resident house electricians to ensure efficient load-ins and performance operations.
- Supervise NBC Assistant Electricians and local crews during prep, load-ins, rehearsals, performances, and load outs.
- Supervise electricians at the GRPC in the maintenance and building of electrics equipment.
- Assess and specify additional staffing needs for the Electrics department.
- When required, program and operate lighting consoles.
- Maintain archival documentation, show files, maintenance logs, and other records.
- Attend production meetings and studio runs as required.
- Attend and participate in all technical rehearsals, crew calls, technical notes, and performances.
- Maintain storage and operation of pyrotechnic supplies and explosives according to all governing laws and best practices.
- Supervise the safe rigging and installation of all lighting equipment
- Continually improve policies, procedures, and infrastructure of the Electrics department.
- Maintain lighting equipment and systems specific to individual productions, including practicals, LED tape, wireless DMX, batteries, and other show-specific electrical elements.
- Assist in specifying set electrics equipment and construction of custom lighting fixtures and elements for new
Qualifications and Competencies
- Minimum 5 years' experience as Head Electrician, Production Electrician, or similar senior role within a theatrical Electrics Department.
- Undergraduate degree, equivalent training from an institution specializing in stage lighting, or equivalent practical experience.
- Expert skill in use and maintenance of contemporary theatrical lighting fixtures (conventional, LED, and moving lights), dimmers, wireless control, power distribution, DMX/data distribution and computer networking.
- Expert experience programming ETC EOS family lighting consoles, including the programming of moving lights, use of presets, pallets and macros for efficient workflows.
- Advanced knowledge of theatrical and electrical safety standards and best practices.
- Experience installing and operating touring lighting packages, including consoles, dimmers, cabling, lighting towers/booms, pre-rig truss, and fog/smoke machines.
- Experience specifying, installing, and maintaining practical lighting, LED tape, DC power distribution, wireless DMX, and batteries.
- Proficient in theatrical rigging practices and equipment.
Experience in the safe use and deployment of pyrotechnic effects.
- Training in the use of fall arrest and work positioning systems.
Ability to work co-operatively with local stagehands under stressful conditions.
- Strong written and oral communication skills and exceptional attention to detail
- Ability to meet strict deadlines and work under pressure with fluctuating priorities
- Positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to lead teams through positive motivation and proactive delegation.
- Proficiency in Vectorworks Spotlight and Lightwright 6
- Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel)
- Passion for the performing arts
- Must hold a valid Canadian passport
Assets
- NRCan Senior Pyrotechnician certification
- Touring experience (canadian & international)
- Proficiency in Moving Light Assistant
- Working knowledge of theatrical video projection and distribution equipment
Working Conditions
- Primary work locations: Gretchen Ross Production Centre (155 Nantucket Boulevard, Scarborough) and Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts (145 Queen Street West, Toronto). Occasional meetings at the Walter Carson Centre (470 Queens Quay W, Toronto).
- Domestic and international travel to performance venues.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds in the normal course of daily work.
- Prolonged periods of walking and standing.
- Work at height utilizing fall restraint systems, including on elevated platforms and lifts.
- Night and weekend work during theatre performance periods and on tour.
Compensation and Benefits
Wages and benefits are set forth by IATSE collective bargaining agreements. Additional benefits include:
- Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Counselling services and wellbeing resources through company provided Employee Assistance Program
- Access to fitness room at the Walter Carson Centre
- Discount on In Studio fitness classes
Application Process
Please submit one PDF document that includes a brief cover letter and current resume to HR@national.ballet.ca with the subject heading “Head Electrician” by no later than January 15, 2026. Submissions will be considered on an ongoing basis and may be interviewed before the deadline for applications, so 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 Safety 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.
All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Please ensure your contact information is current, as we will communicate primarily by phone and email. Candidates should check messages regularly for time-sensitive correspondence."
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. The organization is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community, our city, and our country, and strives to ensure its recruitment and selection processes are bias-free. As such, we welcome and encourage applications from qualified candidates of all cultures, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. The recruiting team will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
