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Technical Director/ Production Manager

The Free Will Players Theatre Guild was formed in 1989 by a group of actors in a truly co-operative spirit with the mandate to produce the works of William Shakespeare. The company runs the Freewill Shakespeare Festival, which has grown into a professional theatre festival with an annual audience of thousands. We stage outdoor productions every summer.

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ETHNOCULTURAL MANDATE

The Freewill Players is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to building an organization that reflects the community we serve. We encourage applications from members of Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual and queer people; disabled people; youth; and members of other equity seeking groups.

 

The Freewill Players are committed to providing accommodation for persons with disabilities in all parts of the hiring process. Please contact Freewill if you have accessibility needs in applying for this position.

​​​SUMMARY

The Production Manager leads all production efforts including hiring and supervising production staff and crew with the consultation of the Artistic Director and reports directly to the Managing Director. They are responsible for the supervision and coordination of all production and technical elements for all Free Will Theatre Guild productions; as well as the scheduling, budgeting (in consultation with the Managing Director), hiring and supervision of crew assignments, and execution of all aspects of physical production including establishing technical schedules of deadlines, production goals, and performance calendar. They maintain effective, clear, and appropriate communications with all staff, artistic and production personnel at all times. They are responsible for set-up, operation, and take-down of the technical and production elements for the Freewill Shakespeare Festival. This includes overseeing all crew members, summer students, and participating as a running crew member when needed.

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Location: Edmonton, Alberta (must be based in Edmonton)
Wage: $15,000/ year (Part-time hours 10-15 hrs/week, Full-time hours through the
festival 30-40 / week).
Hours: Full time during the Festival, part-time hours before production to be negotiated.

Closing date: January 5th, 2026.

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The 2026 Freewill Shakespeare Festival will take place in the Heritage Amphitheatre at Edmonton’s Hawrelak Park, a 1,000 seat covered outdoor venue. Rehearsals begin
May 19th, shows open June 18th and close July 12.

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DUTIES

  • Provide logistical support to the Managing Director and Artistic Director as required throughout the year.

  • Ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, licensing, safety requirements, IATSE agreements, and company policies to ensure a safe work space and encourage the highest of standards. 

  • Production budget estimates, tracking and enforcing (in consultation with the Managing Director).

  • Creating and overseeing the production schedule.

  • Organizing, scheduling and running production meetings, and Crew Calls during the festival.

  • Communications with the designer(s) and director(s).

  • Overseeing all technical drawings required for scenery construction, plan views and section views for the designer(s) and ensure timely completion. 

  • Supervision of all crew as required.

  • Supervision of designer deadlines and follow-ups as required. 

  • Supervision and execution of set build in consultation with the Set Designer(s).

  • Oversee stage management activities and provide support as required.

  • Arrange or direct the procurement of materials, equipment and rentals as required. 

  • Transportation and Festival Site storage logistics of the scenery, props, and technical equipment. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS​

  • Diploma or Degree in a technical theatre program from a post-secondary institution.

  • Class 5 driver's licence. It is strongly suggested this person has a vehicle.

  • Knowledge and adherence to safe working practices.

  • Motivated: able to see a task that requires attention and completes such tasks without hesitation.

  • Ability to remain positive, upbeat, professional and with a calm demeanour under stress.

  • Physical fitness: ability to climb, work on ladders and vertical lifts, lift up to 30 pounds and stand for long periods of time.

  • Knowledge and understanding of lighting systems, audio systems, scenery installation standards, rigging standards, basic painting techniques, and props handling.

  • Calm under pressure and ability to problem-solve in stressful situations.

  • Ability to communicate with patrons and donors as needed.

  • Understanding of labour standards as well ability to work with Union Crews (union crews are used to build and install the scenery).

  • Exceptional attention to detail and planning.

  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication.

  • Impeccable time management and organizational skills.

  • Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks.

  • Ability to learn quickly.

  • Excellent problem solving skills.


ASSETS

  • Knowledge of Canadian theatre agreements (CAEA's ITAs) and Canadian theatre ecology.

  • A passion for theatre, performing arts, and community engaged arts.

  • Experience with outdoor productions that travel is an asset.

  • Qualifications and experience as a Stage Manager and/ or Production Assistant is an asset.

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​HOW TO APPLY

​Please submit the following documents to auditions@freewillshakespeare.com by January 5, 2026:

  1. Resume/CV along with any examples of past work (website, portfolio, reviews)

  2. Two work references

 

Freewill will also be hiring other technicians and crew positions for the 2026 festival including Sound and Light operators, Designers (set, lights, costume, sound) and many other technical jobs so if the applicant is not a good fit for this position we will consider them for others. Please indicate this interest in your application.

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Sorry, we will contact only those applicants we are interested in speaking with. 

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