Careers

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

The Dance Centre, located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, is a registered charitable organization, serving Vancouver and BC’s dance profession and the general public by offering a range of activities unparalleled in Canadian dance, supporting the development of the art of dance in BC. We operate Vancouver’s unique cultural hub, Scotiabank Dance Centre (SBDC), offering meeting spaces, offices, six studios and a 154-seat black box production studio.

This is a full-time position, reporting directly to the Executive Director, with a high level of autonomy in the management of the boutique black box production studio: The Faris Family Studio. Due to the nature of the work performed and outcomes expected, as the working manager in charge of leading productions, this position functions from time to time under an averaging agreement. Flexibility in the availability to work is expected as working hours will vary depending on event schedules and requirements, often during evenings and weekends. This role ensures the success of live productions and contributes to the overall success of this unique dance facility. Those interested in this position must possess both excellent technical/production skills and strong interpersonal skills, an appreciation of how to work with diverse artists and other clients, and a clear understanding of creative processes. They must also have experience working with union crew.

The Technical Director:

• Is involved with all the technical needs for all shows, events, rehearsals, and other bookings in the Faris Family Studio; this often means taking the lead for the entire production process of a show, including the installation, show operation, strike, and restore; the process includes advancing overall aspects of productions.
• Is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) reporting directly to the Executive Director and managing other (union) tech crew to provide service reflecting The Dance Centre’s vision, mission and values.

The general duties include but are not limited to:

• Event Management and Support: working with staff and clients (partners, renters, community, members), you will oversee the planning and coordination of events, including layout, floor plans, schedules, timelines, and all technical and facility requirements; advancing productions; assisting with quotes to clients re: events/ crew etc;
• Staff Supervision and Leadership: you are responsible for the hiring, training, delegating, scheduling, assigning work, supervising and evaluating support staff; reviewing and follow up on show reports and actions arising;
• Safety/ Risk Management: you are responsible for all aspects of safety pre/during and post-event including: event equipment setup and operations (staging, rigging, fire safety, lighting, seating); crowd control/flow; loading/unloading, emergency management procedures;
• Maintenance and Equipment/ Facility: you are responsible for ensuring equipment is in working order; scheduling for regular maintenance and purchase of supplies; recommendation for purchase/replacement of equipment; ensuring equipment is functional throughout the facility; you will liaise with outside suppliers as required.

You will be required, from time to time, to represent The Dance Centre at ActSafe, BC Live and other professional networks that advance our role within BC’s cultural community.

During work calls, you will often work directly with clients and manage scheduled on-call crew. For performances, you will also collaborate with the Venue and Services Manager, and as appropriate other Dance Centre staff especially the Associate Programming Director to advance in-house programming.

The Technical Director is expected to work a set number of hours on in-house programs including donor events.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIRED SKILLS

Completion of a relevant post-secondary program in Theatre Production and Design, Stagecraft, or related field, or at least 3 years of technical theatre involvement with demonstrated experience in lighting, audio, video, rigging, and with demonstrated leadership skills, creativity and sense of implementation of a vision.

The ideal candidate is a generalist with a broad range of abilities, able to meet the diverse needs of dance artists, and passionate about the work they undertake. You are curious and desire to be an impactful contributor to the growth of Vancouver’s vibrant arts eco-system. You are a creative problem-solver, a great communicator, able to exercise tact and discretion, and unafraid to seek help or ask for changes that would improve the working environment.

These skills are used in the Faris and are considered core to the understanding of the job:

• Knowledge of Worksafe BC occupational health and safety regulations;
• Experience in engaging with union crew;
• Experience and comfort with both PC and Mac systems and Office apps; understanding budgets;
• Experience working with networks and Wi-Fi protocols;
• Experience programming on an ETC Ion console;
• Experience operating an Allen & Heath QU mixing desk;
• Experience programming QLab, including video elements (fades, geometry, I/O, OSC networking, multiple surfaces);
• Hanging and focusing lights, and planning a hang from a lighting plot;
• Setting up and mixing a small band (12 channels or less);
• Troubleshooting simple sound systems;
• Hanging and focusing projectors;
• Working at heights (Genie push-about and ladders);
• Independently lifting up to 50 lbs. physically, or through rigging or other solutions;
• Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Live Performance Electrical Certification is an asset.

The ability to work independently, showing initiative and a desire to learn and advance one’s skills to ensure the success of The Dance Centre as an organization dedicated to supporting dance in BC, is essential.

Salary: $56,000+ based on experience, plus benefits which include 3 weeks of vacation and paid time off for extended seasonal closures during the year. $500 allowance for annual professional dues and/or professional development. Following a successful probation period, the incumbent qualifies for a health benefits package.

TO APPLY

Your application must include a cover letter (outlining your motivation to work with us – one page maximum), your current resume and 2 references.
Please send your application to: executivedirector[at]thedancecentre[dot]ca. Deadline for applications: April 18, 2025

Scotiabank Dance Centre/The Dance Centre is an IATSE 118 Union house.

The Dance Centre is committed to providing equitable access to everyone as we support accessibility, anti-racism, and LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and encourage diversity in our staff, visitors, volunteers and programming. We cultivate a safer space for all voices to be heard, valued and represented. We stand against hatred, discrimination, racism, homophobia and transphobia. The Technical Director is expected to align with these values.

CALL FOR BOARD MEMBERS

The Dance Centre accepts year-round expressions of  interest for the position(s) of  Board Director We are are seeking passionate, community-engaged individuals with specific skills (financial, fundraising, networking),with a  strong interest for arts and culture, keen to help us strengthen support for the development of dance in BC.

The Dance Centre is the leading resource centre for dance in British Columbia, supporting the development of the art of dance through a range of activities that is unparalleled in Canada. We provide resources and programs for dance professionals; present public performances and events; bring dance to the community through outreach programs; operate Scotiabank Dance Centre, our creative hub in downtown Vancouver; and promote BC dance.

We respectfully acknowledge that our work takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, who have been custodians of this land since time immemorial.

JOIN US

The Dance Centre board is recruiting volunteer directors, seeking individuals who share a common interest in the arts and specifically wish to support the development of the art of dance. Our Board aims to be inclusive and equity-seeking, working collaboratively with community representatives and our staff in asserting the value and impact of art in our society.

We are seeking individuals with these experiences, connections, knowledge or skills:

• Community building.
• Diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Fiduciary oversight and financial management (CPA, accountant or banking experience).
• Fundraising and corporate sponsorship.
• Marketing and audience development.
• Real estate and property development/management.
• Legal practice (not-for-profits, real estate, HR).
• Strategic planning.

BOARD RESPONSIBILITIES

The Dance Centre Board is primarily a governing and fundraising board. Members also participate as committee chairs or members, event helpers, financial advisors and more.

• Board members are required to: Accept fiduciary responsibility for the organization.
• Ensure the organization is in accordance with legal and ethical practices.
• Assist in the development of and approve the annual budget.
• Read and understand financial statements.
• Oversee the Executive Director.
• Engage with fellow board members and staff in a spirit of learning and respect.
• Represent the interests of the organization as a whole, rather than individual interests.
• Follow trends in the organizational field of work.
• Be an ambassador and a bridge into new communities.
• Challenge the organization to live its values to the fullest.

Board members are also expected to attend meetings and events, chair or participate in a committee, assist with identifying potential new board members, assist with fundraising, and act as an ambassador for The Dance Centre.

For a detailed information pack click here.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION

Interested? Please email executivedirector[at]thedancecentre[dot]ca with ‘Board of Directors application’ in the subject line, with:

• A short statement of interest including your knowledge of The Dance Centre; why you are interested in serving; what skills you can bring to the position; and any previous Board of Directors experience.
• A short bio, resume, or vitae.