assistant studio head - Ottawa, ON

Introducing the National Arts Centre · The National Arts Centre (NAC) is Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams-the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Thea ...

Job description

Introducing the National Arts Centre

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is Canada's bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams-the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety-and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.

At the National Arts Centre, we believe the performing arts are vital to the human experience. A house of dreams for the Canadian performing arts, we work with artists and arts organizations from across this land to revitalize our sector.

Curious to learn more? Read our Strategic Plan, The Journey Ahead.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism and Accessibility

We are on a journey, committed to ensuring that equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples will guide our actions.

The NAC welcomes applications from candidates who can help us meet our vision, and contribute to the diversity of lived experiences, perspectives, and approaches. When you join the NAC, you will be part of an inclusive community working hard to dismantle barriers to employees' well-being, access, potential, and success. The NAC actively seeks candidates who identify as women, Indigenous, Black, Persons of Colour (IBPoC), members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and people with disabilities. We encourage you to self-identify in the recruitment process.

Job Number:

J

Job Title:

ASSISTANT STUDIO HEAD

Employment Type:

Part-time Term

Job Category:

Production

Open Positions:

1

Posting Date:

February 19, 2026

Closing Date:

March 1, 2026

Salary:

$ $44.15/Hour

Language Requirement:

Bilingual

Working Hours:

As required

Job Reports To:

NAC's Technical Directors

Key Activities

Reporting to the NAC's Technical Directors and responsible to the Executive Director of Production, the Assistant Studio Head will be responsible and accountable in assisting in the set-up, preparation of all elements required for rehearsals and performances for productions presented in the NAC Studio. As the Assistant Studio Head, you will be responsible for the direction of crews, including the allocation of duties and monitoring of crew when directed by the Studio Head. You may be required to assume the role of Studio Head if the Head is unavailable or needs to be replaced.

Depending on the specific needs and technical requirements of each production, and under the direction of the Technical Director, you may be assigned to various roles. These may include audio operation, backstage support, lighting installation and operation, or other technical duties as required.

The successful candidate you will be willing to commit to the long-term development of your own technical, leadership, interpersonal and managerial skills. Your team skills are of critical importance in your dealings with workers, Heads of Department, Production staff, artists and clients.

Skill Requirements

• A member in good standing of IATSE, Local 471;

The ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with artists, clients and colleagues;

• Self-motivated with respect to meeting the needs of the various types of clients;
• Ability to work with artists and clients of varying experience levels;
• Ability to maintain a positive working environment and a positive attitude is essential;
• Strong organizational skills and initiative;
• The ability to coordinate and deliver multiple concurrent projects within schedule and financial constraints;
• Experience in the direction and supervision of crews;
• Thorough knowledge of general scenery construction with broad experience in various build and set up techniques;
• Ability to read and interpret plans;
• Thorough knowledge of stage lighting with the ability to work independently on; the interpretation of plans, set-up and operation of lighting control systems and their various components including a proven ability to troubleshoot those systems;
• Thorough knowledge of stage sound, including interpretation of plans, set-up and operation of manual and automated sound systems and a proven ability to troubleshoot systems;
• Proficiency in editing and operating QLab is essential;
• Experience with automated scenic elements (electric motors, hydraulics, and pneumatics) is an asset;
• Thorough knowledge of manual and automated overhead lifting systems;
• Ability to work and communicate effectively in both official languages;
• A thorough knowledge of safe working practices in a performing arts environment;
• Must possess or be willing to attain valid certificates for Forklift, Elevating Work Platforms, Fall Arrest, a Possession and Acquisition License for firearms, and Standard First Aid;
• Ability to complete and maintain required certifications;
• Completion of a recognized rigging course is an asset;
• Completion of a recognized theatrical, lighting, audio or recording courses are considered an asset;
• Ability to mix live music or run monitor is an asset.

Who Can Apply

Persons residing in Canada and Canadian citizens residing abroad. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens.

As part of NAC's interview process, in-person interviews may be required. Please ensure to have the most up-to-date information on your résumé including your current email address.

While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted by us.

Important Notice

The National Arts Centre (NAC) is committed to inclusive employee recruitment and selection. The NAC welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during the selection process, please inform us as soon as possible and we will make every effort to fulfill your accommodation request.

The successful candidate will be required to provide the original or a true certified copy of their education credentials as appropriate, along with proof of a valid Criminal Background Check as a condition of employment.

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