Jobs (Calgary): Assistant Head Stage Carpenter – Theatre Calgary, Theater News

Theatre Calgary is seeking applicants to fulfil the role of Assistant Head Stage Carpenter for the 2026/2027 season. A successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Department Head in the co-ordination, supervision, and maintenance of a safe stage for the onstage productions and backstage operations at the Max Bell Theatre.

An Assistant Head Stage Carpenter reports directly to the Head Stage Carpenter. A successful candidate will have advanced technical knowledge and must also exhibit strong communication skills and a keen interest and ability to work both independently and as part of a dynamic and collaborative team environment. A successful candidate must be willing to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends according to the production schedule created by management.

Theatre Calgary operates under a collective agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212. A successful candidate will be a member in good standing or be willing to join as a full member.

Theatre Calgary is the resident company in the Max Bell Theatre in the Werklund Centre complex, where we primarily present theatrical plays and musicals that are created and produced in-house. The seasons are typically structured with work spanning from August through June, including a summer maintenance & repair period. Theatre Calgary also occasionally produces works in other venues, and/or in collaboration with other theatres.

The Max Bell Theatre has a 55’ wide by 40’ deep proscenium stage, featuring a 51-lineset single purchase counterweight fly system, and capacity for an audience of up to 750 patrons. We are proud to have made significant investments in cutting-edge theatrical equipment and technology, which allows us to create worldclass productions. Key assets include an extensive Creative Conners automation system, Western Canada’s largest permanent LED wall, a ZFX performer flying apparatus, an automated and multi-configurable revolve, a modular trap field, and an automated stage elevator.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supports the Head Stage Carpenter and can act as an alternate Department Head in their absence.
• Participates in and supports the installation, maintenance, and strike of all sets, masking, and nonelectrical special effects such as pyrotechnics and firearms
• Supports the safe, consistent, and proper rigging and flying procedures for all production elements • Participates in the running/operation of all scenic elements required for a production
• Advises Head Stage Carpenter in scheduling, executing, and identifying maintenance needs
• Support needs of all stage and running crew, and supervises crew members on a project basis as directed by Head Stage Carpenter
• Consults with management on venue requests, such as events, rentals, and tours
• Participates in pre-production discussions as directed by Head Stage Carpenter
• Participates in planning for project installations and takes a leading role in executing those plans
• Consults with the Head Stage Carpenter on required labour resources, advises on suitable crew
• Prioritizes adherence to safety practices and policies
• Creates and maintains show paperwork, supporting timely completion from the crew.
• Coordinates with other departments to streamline production processes as directed by Head Stage Carpenter
• Supports compliance with Theatre Calgary policies and the IATSE Collective Agreement, promoting a safe and inclusive work environment.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications:
• A collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking individual with experienced knowledge of theatre production and technical equipment.
• Self-directed, able to identify and undertake a task with limited direction or information.
• Advanced experience with stage carpentry, flown scenery, and rigging.
• Strong communication, organizational and project management skills
• Positive attitude and comfortable working in dynamic and collaborative environments, with a demonstrated ability to function under stress.
• Advanced knowledge in operation and maintenance of all stage equipment, including but not limited to: fly systems, rigging systems, chain motors and winches, and all other stage equipment owned by the facility.
• Working knowledge of scenic carpentry, construction, welding and repairs.
• Ability to safely lead a crew of varying skillsets.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Knowledge of stage automation controls and hardware, and performer flying are an asset.
• CAD software proficiency (particularly Vectorworks).
• First Aid certification.
• PAL firearms license.
• Pyrotechnician license.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Conditions may include working alone, in mast lifts at heights up to 30’, on grid heights up to 70’, lifting up to 50lb, frequent use of stairs, and working in low-light and loud environments.

EMPLOYMENT TERMS
As per the collective agreement, this is an Assistant Stage Head role. The hourly wage starting July 1, 2026 is $34.75. Other terms and conditions are outlined within the Collective Agreement between Theatre Calgary and IATSE Local 212, 2026 – 2030.

This role will require weekend, evening work, and weeks in excess of 40 hours at various times throughout the season. The schedule is subject to change, and hours of work are to be negotiated with the Head Stage Carpenter and Theatre Calgary management.

ABOUT THEATRE CALGARY
Theatre Calgary’s vision is to stand amongst the best theatres globally as a leader in innovative, impactful, and diverse programming. Our mission is to stimulate, provoke, and delight through ambitious programming created to ignite local, national, and international engagement in a sustainable manner. Theatre Calgary reflects the communities, the country, and the world we live in with passionate community engagement and extraordinary productions. For more than 50 years, we have focused our energy on providing our community with the highest level of classic and contemporary plays and musicals, featuring the best artists from Calgary and across the country. Theatre Calgary believes in a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. We are committed to reflecting the diversity of our community and we believe in equity and inclusion and strongly encourage submissions from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and physical ability.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Theatre Calgary acknowledges that we live, work and create on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Districts 5 & 6), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta. They were the original occupants of this land and continue to be here to this day. Theatre Calgary is grateful to have the opportunity to present in this territory.

HOW TO APPLY
If you are excited to join our team and support our mission and values, we invite you to apply for this position with Theatre Calgary.

Interested candidates are asked to send their cover letters and resumes, with “Assistant Head Stage Carpenter” in the subject line to:
Emma Brager, Production Manager
ebrager@theatrecalgary.com

SUGGESTED START: Fall 2026
A suitable start date will be discussed with the successful candidate

POSTING CLOSES: Friday July 31, 2026