CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
The Chemainus Theatre Festival is driven by a united passion for delivering exceptional experiences. We are on a journey to advance our culture of inclusion, equitability, and diversity, knowing the strength of our team comes from what each of us has to offer. We are committed to reducing barriers and creating a safe and respectful workplace. And we have FUN! Whether you are working part-time or full-time, the Chemainus Theatre Festival offers some unique perks and benefits. We encourage all to apply and will consider all submissions with no bias.
JOB POSTINGS
Head Scenic Carpenter
Job Title: Head Scenic Carpenter
Job Category: IATSE 168 Seasonal Employee
About the Chemainus Theatre Festival: Founded in 1993, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is a not-for-profit
professional theatre company located on Vancouver Island. The Chemainus Theatre Festival is dedicated to
building a just, equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace and community. We encourage all
interested applicants to apply and will consider all submissions inclusive of all ages, ability, gender, race,
ethnocultural identity, or any other basis. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Puneluxutth (Penelakut)
Tribe and the hul’qumi’num speaking peoples, on whose traditional territory we work and play.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Head Carpenter is responsible for the coordination and
operations of the scenic carpentry department. The duties of the Head Scenic Carpenter shall include, but
not be limited to, the costing and planning for the department and the manufacture and installation of all
scenic elements as specified in the designs. They work collaboratively with the Technical Director, Head
Scenic Artist, Head of Props, guest artists and other production departments to ensure the artistic vision of
the director and design team is realized on stage maintaining safe work practices for all production staff
and guest artists, in accordance with company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe, IATSE 168 and industry
best standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Fulfilling all responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s mission
statement, respectful workplace policy and communication credo.
Upholding the professional image and name of the theatre during all dealings with staff, guest
artists and the public.
Communication of departmental updates in a timely, professional and respectful manner to CTF
staff and guest artists.
Able to construct stage scenery with wood, metal or other materials per the design needs.
Creating, modifying and/or interpreting various technical and shop drawings.
Managing an annual and show-specific budget.
Managing department inventory and repairs or informing the Production Manager when
outsourcing may be required.
Researching, planning, and implementing scenic elements for each production.
Maintaining rentals and/or CTF equipment in good repair.
Providing a safe, tidy, clean and well-maintained work environment which adheres to company
policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe, IATSE 168 and industry best practices.
Training, orienting and supervising casual staff as required.
Attending departmental and company meetings as required.
Supporting or assisting other CTF production departments as required.
Other production tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Post-secondary education in a technical theatre program and/or prior service in a similar position.
Experience and proficiency in theatrical scenic construction in a variety of mediums.
A collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking individual with experience in non-profit theatre
production.
Self-directed, able to identify and undertake a task with limited direction or information when
required.
Strong organizational, and project management skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to switch focus and effectively prioritize tasks.
Willingness to learn and develop skills.
Comfortable working in dynamic and deadline-based environment.
Experience working in a team-based collaborative environment with a positive attitude towards
delivering high-quality presentations in an environment of mutual respect.
Holds safety in high esteem and familiar with guidelines and regulations from Worksafe BC, CAEA,
Actsafe and Theatrical Industry standards
Experience directing and working alongside a unionized crew.
Strong knowledge of office software an asset (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint).
Experience with theatrical scenery rigging an asset
Experience with Vector works an asset
Class 5 BC driver’s license an asset
Basic First Aid certification an asset
Available to work evenings and weekends when required.
Working Conditions
Working alone with safety protocols in place
Working at heights using various types of ladders
Frequently working around and with power tools and power equipment
Prolonged standing
Frequently working in dusty and noisy areas with safety protocols in place
Frequent lifting of up to 50lbs
Frequent driving of company vehicles (owned and rented): minivan & cube trucks
Very occasional travel may be required
Compensation & Benefits:
$25.69 per hour in accordance with the CTF & IATSE 168 collective bargaining agreement with
benefits as follows:
o 4% Vacation Pay
o 5 sick days per year
o 1% in lieu of health & dental benefits
o 1% contribution to the CEIRP
2 Complimentary Theatre tickets to each CTF mainstage production.
Staff discounts for the Playbill Dining Room, Gallery Gift Shop, CTF Cabaret Series Tickets and
applicable local Chemainus businesses
Hours of Work:
Typical hours of work are weekdays from 9:00am to 5:30pm with some evenings, weekends and extended
days expected in the weeks leading up to each mainstage production.
300 Guaranteed Minimum Hours for the remainder of the 2026 Season
Additional hours and/or responsibilities, including the role of ATD, may be offered to the right candidate.
2026 Production Dates (dates as currently planned and subject to change)
Show #4 – Peril in the Alps
Install & Notes as called – September 2-12
Install Contingency – September 14-16
Strike – October 27
Show #5 – The Wickhams Christmas at Pemberley
Build – July 29-August 21*
Build Contingency – Following build TBD
Install & Notes as called – October 28-November 7
Install Contingency – November 9-11
Strike – December 28
Show #1 – To Be Announced (The First show of the 2027 season)
Build – November 16 – December 18
*Flexibility of the build dates may be negotiated for the right candidate. Averaging agreements may be used
as requested by candidates.
How to apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter no later than Friday, April 10, 2026, with attention to Interim
Production Manager, Anne Taylor. Please indicate if you are already a member of IATSE local 168.
By email to pm@chemainustheatre.ca or by mail to 9574 Bare Point Road, Chemainus BC V0R 1K5.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Head Electrics
Job Title: Head Electrics
Job Category: IATSE 168 Seasonal Employee
About the Chemainus Theatre Festival: Founded in 1993, the Chemainus Theatre Festival is a not-for-profit professional theatre company located on Vancouver Island. The Chemainus Theatre Festival is dedicated to building a just, equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace and community. We encourage all interested applicants to apply and will consider all submissions inclusive of all ages, ability, gender, race, ethnocultural identity, or any other basis. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Puneluxutth (Penelakut) Tribe and the hul’qumi’num speaking peoples, on whose traditional territory we work and play.
Position Overview:
Reporting to the Production Manager, the Head Electrics is responsible for the coordination and operations of the electrics department. The duties of Head Electrics shall include, but not be limited to the installation, operation, strike, and maintenance of shows, rehearsals, or presentations that require theatrical lighting, sound or video. In addition to the primary focus of work in the Electrics department, the Head Electrics may assist and support other production departments as required. They work collaboratively with the Technical Director, Head of Audio, guest artists and other production departments to ensure the artistic vision of the director and design team is realized on stage while maintaining safe work practices for all production staff and guest artists, in accordance with company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe, IATSE 168 and industry best standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Fulfilling all responsibilities in a manner consistent with the Chemainus Theatre Festival’s mission statement, respectful workplace policy and communication credo.
- Upholding the professional image and name of the theatre during all dealings with staff, guest artists and the public.
- Communication of departmental updates in a timely, professional and respectful manner to CTF staff and guest artists.
- Program and operate the lighting console (ETC Ion)
- Program and operate the Qlab computer to cue projections and sound playback
- The installation, operation, strike and maintenance of shows, rehearsals, or presentations that require theatrical lighting, sound or video.
- Adapting lighting, sound and video design elements when required for Relaxed Performances or other specialty programming.
- Creating, modifying and/or interpreting various technical drawings.
- Managing an annual and show specific budget.
- Managing department inventory and repairs or informing the Production Manager when outsourcing may be required.
- Researching, planning, and implementing lighting, sound and video elements for each production.
- Maintaining rentals and/or CTF equipment in good repair.
- Providing a safe, tidy, clean and well-maintained work environment which adheres to company policy, Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and industry best practices.
- Training, orienting and supervising casual staff as required.
- Attending departmental and company meetings as required.
- Supporting or assisting any of the other CTF production departments as required.
- Other production tasks as assigned by the Production Manager.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Post-secondary education in a technical theatre program and/or prior service in a similar position.
- Experience and proficiency in use of theatrical lighting consoles and fixtures.
- Experience and proficiency in use of QLab software for sound and video.
- A collaborative, creative, and strategic thinking individual with experience in not-profit theatre production.
- Self-directed, able to identify and undertake a task with limited direction or information when required.
- Strong organizational, and project management skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to switch focus and effectively prioritize tasks.
- Willingness to learn and develop skills.
- Ability to work well under pressure / deadlines
- Fall Arrest training an asset
- Knowledge of basic rigging for theatre is an asset
- Comfortable working in dynamic and deadline-based environment.
- Holds safety in high esteem and familiar with guidelines and regulations from Worksafe BC, CAEA, Actsafe and Theatrical Industry standards.
- Experience both working alongside a unionized crew and directing a unionized crew
- Strong knowledge of office software an asset (Outlook, Word, Excel, Sharepoint).
- Experience with live audio mixing an asset
- Class 5 BC driver’s license an asset
- Basic First Aid certification an asset
- Available to work flexible hours, evenings, and weekends.
Working Conditions
- Working independently with safety protocols in place
- Frequently working at heights in the Chemainus Theatre grid or using an extension ladder
- Working around and with power tools and power equipment
- Frequent lifting of up to 50lbs: including lighting instruments, ladders, cabling
- Frequent use of stairs and ladders
- Occasional long workdays (over 10 hours in length)
- Occasional driving of company vehicles (owned and rented)
- Frequent working in low-light and varying-light environments
- Very occasional travel may be required
Compensation & Benefits:
- $25.69 per hour in accordance with the CTF & IATSE 168 collective bargaining agreement with benefits as follows:
- 4% Vacation Pay
- 5 sick days per year
- 1% in lieu of health & dental benefits
- 1% contribution to the CEIRP
- 2 Complimentary Theatre tickets to each CTF mainstage production worked.
- CTF Company Card benefits which include additional staff discounts for the Playbill Dining Room, Gallery Gift Shop, CTF Cabaret Series Tickets and applicable local Chemainus businesses
Hours of Work:
Typical hours of work are 9:00-5:30 during install days and 12:30pm to 10:30pm (with a 2-hr meal break) during show call days with extended days expected in the weeks leading up to each mainstage production.
864 Guaranteed Minimum Hours for the 2026 Season
2026 Production Dates (dates as currently planned and subject to change)
Show #1 – Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Show Operation as called – June 16-August 23 *possible extension to August 30th
Strike – September 1
Show #2 – Peril in the Alps
Install, Tech & Notes as called – September 1-25
Show Operation as called – September 25-October 25
Strike – October 27
Show #3 – The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
Install, Tech & Notes as called – October 22-November 13
Show Operation as called – November 13-December 23
Strike – December 28
*Possible flexibility of the above dates may be negotiable for the right candidate
How to apply:
Submit your resume and cover letter no later than Friday, June 12, 2026, with attention to Production Manager, Claire Friedrich. Please indicate if you are already a member of IATSE local 168 and where your home base is.
Apply by email to search@chemainustheatre.ca or by mail to 9574 Bare Point Road, Bag 1000, Chemainus, BC, V0R 1K5.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Statement of Inclusion
The Chemainus Theatre Festival is dedicated to building a just, equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace and community. We encourage all interested applicants to apply and will consider all submissions inclusive of all ages, ability, gender, race, ethnocultural identity, or any other basis. With gratitude, we acknowledge the Puneluxutth (Penelakut) Tribe and the hul’qumi’num speaking peoples, on whose traditional territory we work and play.