Jobs (Calgary): Assistant Playhouse Technician – Vertigo Theatre, Theater News

Assistant Playhouse Technician
Contract Position

About Vertigo Theatre
Vertigo Theatre is Canada’s National Theatre for Intrigue and Mystery, and Calgary’s second largest professional theatre. Located at the base of the Calgary Tower, and heading into its 50th season, the Vertigo Theatre complex is home to our administration, ticket offices, and two performance venues. Vertigo Theatre aims to thrill, entertain, and challenge by creating theatre that ignites the curiosity of our community. We are dedicated to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of arts leaders.

About the Position
Reporting to the Playhouse Technician and the Technical Director, the individual in this position is a member of the Production Department and works closely with a variety of Theatre Staff at different points in a given production period.

This is a contract position as defined within the Society’s Personnel Policy and is scheduled according to a production schedule, administered by the Production & Facility Manager.

The Assistant Playhouse Technician will work with the production department, alongside the Playhouse Technician as the onsite technical contact for the season’s five mainstage productions, liaising with incoming artistic and creative teams, working closely with designers during the tech period of each show and running lights and sound on mainstage productions in alteration with the Playhouse Technician.

The Assistant Playhouse Technician will be well versed in theatrical lighting, sound, and projection, and will have exceptional personnel and communication skills.

Responsibilities
– Oversee casual crews both with the Playhouse Technician and independently
– With the Playhouse Technician, plan and execute lighting hang and focus
– Run the lighting board for lighting levels, notes, tech and shows and run sound playback and limited live microphones for shows
– Set up remote interfacing, designer tables, and computer networking systems as required on a show by show basis
– Execute physical lighting, sound, and/or video notes as required
– Assist the Sound Designer with setting up their QLab file and interfacing with the house sound system
– Work with the Props and Special Effects teams to create and execute special effects including atmospherics, remote dimming, and electronics
– Analyze technical problems and offer effective solutions

Required Skills
– Ability to manage crews, lead calls, take direction, and work independently
– Advanced knowledge of audio equipment and software including QLab, Dante, Digital Sound Consoles, and Audio networking
– Advanced programming skills on ETC lighting consoles
– Ability to hang lights, drapery, speakers, lighting pipes, and other theatre equipment
– Effective verbal and written communication skills
– Ability to maintain a high quality of workmanship, achieving the attention to detail that the Theatre requires
– Comfortable and able to safely work at heights
– Able to lift 50 lbs

Qualifications
– Degree in Technical Theatre with two (2) years experience working with professional theatre companies OR equivalent combination of training and experience
– Certifications are required, including:
– Standard First Aid
– Aerial Platform (Scissor Lift) Ticket and Fall Arrest and/or Working at Heights Certification
– It is also an asset to have:
– Possession and Acquisition License (PAL)
– Pyrotechnics License
– Hazardous Materials (WHMIS)
– Ability to work well with other technical staff in a team environment
– Enthusiasm about working with and instructing technicians who are newer to the workforce and may be learning on the job
– Must be a member of IATSE 212 or apply for a Permit upon acceptance of the position

The Assistant Playhouse Technician is a key member of the Vertigo team and, as such, will uphold and promote Vertigo’s values of Excellence, Mentorship, Collaboration, Advocacy, Accessibility, and Accountability.

Dates and Hours
– This is a contract position with full time hours during tech of each production and a minimum of 2 shifts per week during the runs of each show. – This position requires evenings and weekends with a standard week running Tuesday through Sunday. The schedule will be provided by the Production & Facility Manager.

This position is for the full season and applicants are required to be available for all shows. Individual show calls may have flexibility in consultation with the Playhouse Technician.

The Lodger
Full Time September 15 – October 1, 2026
All Show Calls the week of October 12 – 18, 2026
Sunday Show Calls through October 25, 2026
Saturday/Tuesday-Wednesday Alternating Show Calls through October 25, 2026

Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty
Full Time November 3 – 19, 2026
Sunday Show Calls through December 19, 2026
Saturday/Tuesday-Wednesday Alternating Show Calls through December 19, 2026

The Veil
Full Time January 5 – 21, 2027
Sunday Show calls through February 14, 2027
Saturday/Tuesday-Wednesday Alternating Show Calls through February 14, 2027

The 39 Steps
Full Time March 2 – 18, 2027
Sunday Show calls through April 17, 2027
Saturday/Tuesday-Wednesday Alternating Show Calls through April 17, 2027

The Midnight Torch
Full Time May 4 – 20, 2027
Sunday Show calls through June 13, 2027
Saturday/Tuesday-Wednesday Alternating Show Calls through June 13, 2027

Compensation
– $30.74 per hour
– 4% Vacation Pay paid out on each pay cheque as applicable
– This is a position with IATSE 212 and the Vertigo Theatre IATSE 212 Collective agreement will apply
– Access to building amenities, including Fitness Centre and Secure Bike Lock-Up

Please note parking expenses are the employee’s responsibility and no designated parking is available onsite.

Deadline to submit
Applications will be accepted until July 26, 2026.
Interviews will commence as applications are received.

Please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to Jessie Paynter, Production & Facility Manager, at [email protected] with the subject line “Assistant Playhouse Technician Application”

At Vertigo Theatre we are committed to a respectful work environment and a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals including visible minorities and people with disabilities.

Thank you to all applicants. If you need assistance to apply for this position, please call 403-221-3716 or email [email protected].
For more information about Vertigo Theatre, please visit our website, www.vertigotheatre.com.