Production Manager in Toronto, Ontario at Canada's National Ballet School

Are you an experienced production professional who thrives in a dynamic, collaborative environment and is passionate about bringing performances and events to life? Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is excited to invite applications for the position of Production Manager. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the production and technical operations for NBS performances, events, and the Betty Oliphant Theatre daily operations while working closely with artistic, administrative, and program teams across the organization.

About Us:

Canada's National Ballet School (NBS) is a leading arts and education institution dedicated to excellence in dance training, community programming, and health initiatives. NBS has 300+ employees supporting programs ranging from professional ballet training and community engagement to groundbreaking health initiatives. NBS fosters a collaborative, creative environment rooted in inclusion and continuous growth.

The Role:

Reporting to the Artistic Director, with support from the Artistic Manager, the Production Manager provides leadership and oversight for the production and technical delivery of NBS productions, performances, events, and theatre operations. This role is responsible for planning and coordinating production requirements, managing the Betty Oliphant Theatre, overseeing rental operations, developing and managing budgets, and leading production and wardrobe staff.

The Production Manager works collaboratively with artistic leadership and internal stakeholders to ensure productions and events are delivered safely, effectively, and to a high professional standard. This role also contributes to building a supportive team culture that reflects NBS' commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.

Work Arrangement:

• Full-time, permanent position
• On-site position at NBS, located at 400 Jarvis Street, Toronto, ON, Canada, M4Y 2G6
• Regular work takes place in both office and theatre environments
• Long hours may be required during certain production and performance periods
• Periodic heavy lifting and bending are required
• Potential exposure to high sound pressure levels during work periods

Why You'll Love This Role:

• You bring performances, events, and artistic experiences to life from concept through delivery
• You work closely with artistic leaders, faculty, staff, artists, technicians, and other creative professionals
• You have the opportunity to lead both production operations and the Betty Oliphant Theatre
• You play a key role in delivering a diverse range of NBS productions, performances, events, and rentals
• You lead and develop a production team while fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
• You contribute your technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to an organization dedicated to dance, education, and community impact

What You'll Do:

• Lead Production Planning: Plan and oversee all production and technical aspects of NBS' annual productions and events, both on- and off-site, in collaboration with the Artistic Director and Artistic Manager. Identify production requirements and engage stage managers and other specialized personnel as needed
• Oversee Productions and Events: Manage and coordinate production, company management, wardrobe, technical, and front-of-house elements for NBS productions and events, including Spring Showcase, Supporters/Parents' Night, galas, Year End Presentations, Company Life Program performances, and other organizational events
• Support Artistic Programming: Collaborate with the Artistic team in rehearsals and preparation of students participating in National Ballet of Canada productions and occasional student performances abroad
• Manage Theatre and Event Operations: Oversee the technical and production requirements for NBS receptions, meetings, and events, as well as box office and front-of-house operations for the Betty Oliphant Theatre
• Ensure Safe Theatre Operations: Oversee the safe operation of the Betty Oliphant Theatre and NBS Studios. Develop preventative maintenance and repair plans for theatre equipment in collaboration with the Technical Director and establish safe work practices for theatre staff, front-of-house staff, crew, and performers in accordance with health and safety standards and applicable legislation
• Oversee Rental Operations: Collaborate with the Manager of Venue Operations to oversee rentals across NBS facilities, including the Betty Oliphant Theatre, studios, Academic Building, and event spaces such as Mona Campbell Square, Currie Hall, and Studio 6D
• Manage Budgets and Financial Objectives: Develop and manage annual operating budgets for the Production Department and Rental Operations, as well as the capital budget for the Betty Oliphant Theatre. Ensure financial objectives are met while maintaining high-quality production and facility operations
• Lead and Develop Staff: Hire, supervise, motivate, and support production and wardrobe department staff in consultation with the Artistic Manager, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment
• Manage Contracts and External Relationships: Negotiate contracts for artistic and production personnel required for performances, including stage managers, lighting and costume designers, composers and musicians, choreographers, and stagers
• Provide Technical Leadership: Provide technical expertise and direction for NBS productions and events, working collaboratively with artistic leadership and other key stakeholders to anticipate challenges and identify effective solutions
• Exercise Judgement & Problem-Solving: Judgement and problem-solving skills are required in anticipating and proactively dealing with challenges relating to production elements that comprise a dance performance – costumes, scenery, lighting, music, absence of performers, etc., both on-site and off-site
• Accountability: The position is responsible for all aspects of the management and delivery of productions of dance programs by NBS – this includes planning, budgeting, staffing, overseeing and controlling departmental operations. Responsibilities include providing technical expertise and direction for NBS productions in consultation with the Artistic Director, Artistic Manager, and other key stakeholders; developing and adhering to an annual budget; ensuring the proper working condition of all physical assets in the theatre; and capital expenditures such as audio-visual equipment, etc. Decision-making is relatively autonomous, with input from both the Artistic & Executive Directors for decisions that significantly affect operations and theatre functionality
• All other duties as assigned

What You Bring:

First and foremost, we value experienced production professionals who bring strong technical knowledge, sound judgement, collaborative leadership, and a commitment to creating exceptional experiences for artists, students, audiences, and colleagues. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed.

• College diploma or degree in Theatre Production, Technical Theatre, or a related field
• Minimum of eight years of production and administrative experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience supervising, motivating, and developing staff
• First-hand knowledge of theatre and dance production, including rigging, lighting, and/or sound
• Strong technical knowledge and production management skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and Outlook Calendar
• Knowledge of VectorWorks 10
• Knowledge of Ontario Ministry of Labour health and safety regulations is considered an asset
• Strong communication, planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent supervisory skills with the ability to provide clear direction, support, and mentorship
• Strong budget and financial management skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
• Sound judgement and the ability to anticipate and proactively address production and operational challenges
• Personal and professional commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, with an understanding of how these principles apply to theatre production and creating cultures of belonging
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage competing priorities during periods of intense production activity
• Knowledge of facilities management is an asset

Compensation:

$75,000-$95,000 annually commensurate with experience and aligned with internal equity.

Total Rewards:

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Dental, Health, Paramedical, Short & Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• Standard 35-hour work week
• Employer-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
• Paid vacation time starting at 4 weeks
• Commitment to work-life balance
• Professional development opportunities
• Discounted rates for NBS Adult Ballet Classes
• Employee discount at The Shoe Room, our dance retail store
• Subsidized lunch, beverages and snacks at our onsite café
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment: Join our EDI Committee or Social Committee and participate in monthly employee events!

Our Commitment to Equity & Accessibility:

NBS is committed to addressing systemic inequities in every facet of our organization, including programs, policies, and practices. It is NBS' top priority to build a remarkable and talented workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially welcoming those with diverse intersectional identities who bring unique perspectives and contribute to the diversification of ideas.

If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please inform us.

Successful candidates must supply Canada's National Ballet School with a Vulnerable Sector Check in accordance with the School's Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse Prevention Policy; this will be coordinated through the Human Resources Department at NBS.

Please note: This role is for an existing vacancy.