ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is currently seeking an ambitious, energetic, and highly-collaborative, full-time Assistant Technical Director. The successful candidate will  help lead our exceptionally talented and highly experienced Production team in the bringing to life of our full-scale, mainstage operas and other high-profile events, as well as managing everyday operations of the COC’s technical department.

The Canadian Opera Company works collaboratively with some of the biggest opera companies around the globe to bring the best opera productions and talent to our stunning performance home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Joining the COC means becoming part of an internationally respected company where your expertise will help bring world-class opera to life, making this an exceptional opportunity for a technical production leader ready to take the next step in their career.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Element Coordination

• Working closely with the Technical Director, second Assistant Technical Director (ATD), and Lighting and Video Coordinator, to realize all technical elements and documentation for opera productions
• Communicate with the production staff of other opera companies for inbound and outbound rentals or co-production related details
• Estimate, forecast, and track expenses related to shows and events, including labour, equipment, and materials, ensuring budgets are met
• Attend rehearsals, performances, events, and work calls to coordinate and oversee execution of technical elements and follow-up notes
• Act as a central point for the flow of information between creative teams, stage management, shops, crew, and music/artistic/community partnership staff
• Communicate with workshop staff to ensure builds, repairs, and/or modifications are completed on schedule
• Participate in regular production meetings regarding shows and events to review plans, identify issues, and plan corrective actions
• Assist the second ATD in the coordination of deliveries, international shipping, and logistics
• Create risk assessments for each production and coordinate all necessary safety precautions
• Participate in the planning of future productions which may include international travel for research and information-gathering
• Perform any manner of production-related research and development

Supervision

• Coordinate the work of technical crews which includes assigning and supervising work to ensure the smooth set-up and operation of opera productions, rehearsal spaces, and special events
• Supervise work, maintenance, and show calls for all manner of COC activities
• Oversee shop builds of new productions and rebuilds or refurbishments of revival or rental sets
• Compile, prioritize and distribute notes, tasks and priorities to crews
• Ensure all work is being performed in a safe manner and according to Health and Safety requirements and best practices

 
Administration

• Track production expenses using COC’s purchase order databases (MS Business Central)
• Ensure each production is correctly archived, with as-played drawings, load in/load out notes and timings, and relevant information for future revivals and outgoing rentals
• Populate and maintain internal databases (ArtsVision, MS Business Central, MS Outlook)
• Verify crew timesheets in a timely manner
• Communicate with facilities and security staff for interdepartmental matters, including dock usage, parking, hazardous waste removal, TPS duty staff, etc.

Experience

• Post-secondary education or experience in the technical/production field
• Extensive knowledge of stagecraft, theatre production and scenic construction, rigging, automation, lighting and video, and experience in a repertory setting
• Experience in a fly house theatre
• Experience working alongside and supervising IATSE union stagehands an asset
• Experience working with orchestras and musicians an asset
• Experience in budgeting and personnel management
• Superior organization and communication skills (verbal and written)
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with all staff in a professional, confidential and tactful manner
• Proficiency in CAD drafting and MS Office (specifically Excel and Word)
• Valid Class G driver’s license and a clean driving record

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director Ian Derrer joined the company in 2026, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus.. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

To be considered for this role, applications must be received by July 31, 2026