Venue Technician (Fly System Operator and Stage Carpenter)

Organization:
The Cultch

Deadline:
August 4, 2025

Organization Description:
For 51 years, The Cultch has presented unforgettable theatre, dance, circus and music, bringing world-class local, national and international presentations to thousands of patrons each year. In addition, we have a vibrant rental clientele and a unique Youth Program, extending our community reach. Located just off Commercial Drive, The Cultch is also a great place to work. Our team members include people like you – enthusiastic, innovative, passionate, detail-oriented and energetic – who have a love and knowledge of the contemporary performing arts in all forms and delight in sharing this passion.

The Cultch operates three theatres: the Historic Stage and Vancity Culture Lab at The Cultch on Venables Street and the York Theatre on Commercial Drive. We believe you'll find our high-performance culture personally fulfilling, professionally challenging and artistically rewarding. Join our team and share our vision of a future filled with the best that contemporary art has to offer.

Website:
http://thecultch.com/

Job Description:
Reporting to the Production Manager and Technical Director, the Venue Technician (Fly System Operator and Stage Carpenter focus) is responsible for the duties listed below. This is a Union position governed by the terms and conditions of the Collective Agreement between The Cultch and IATSE Local 118.

Location: The Venue Technician will work in all of The Cultch's venues (York Theatre, Historic Theatre, Culture Lab, and Greenhouse Studio).
Hours of Work: This is an ongoing seasonal part-time contract commencing on September 15, 2025. The current season will run for 10 months, from September 15, 2025 until July 4, 2026. As per the Collective Agreement, a minimum of 24 hours of work are guaranteed each week until the end of the season on June 30, 2026. More hours may and will be scheduled during this period. Many weeks will be full time or more. Work hours will take place at all times including on weekends, and in the late afternoon and evenings of weekdays. Days off are flexible and based on the performance schedule.

Responsibilities:

• Act as Head Flys, Head Carp, or Venue Technician on show runs as required

• Collaborate with the Technical Director and/or Production Manager prior to events

• Act as crew chief for load-ins, load-outs and/or restore shifts, ensuring safe working practices are upheld and that breaks and schedules remain on track

• Maintain storage areas, lighting equipment and common theatre spaces for all 3 venues

• Assist in other Cultch production departments with advice and technical aid when requested

• Comply with BC safe working practice and methodology; instruct other employees in proper work procedures and the use of safety equipment while working at height, either on ladders or in personnel lifts

• Ongoing training and upgrading as required

Supervision shall include checking that all work is done in a manner that ensures the safety of the Staff, Performers and Patrons of The Cultch. All of the above duties and responsibilities are to be conducted in a cost-effective manner, ensuring that productions stay on schedule and alerting the Production Manager of any cost overruns in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• A post-secondary diploma in production and/or a minimum of 3 years professional experience in technical theatre

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience in operating theatrical fly systems

• Comprehensive knowledge of theatre stage rigging and stage carpentry

• Experience in supervision of technical personnel

• Working knowledge of basic lighting, sound, video, and projection systems

• Fall Arrest Certification, or willingness to obtain

• Ability to work to schedule, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure

• Excellent interpersonal skills essential for working with a diverse group of artists, producers, directors, staff, and IATSE crew

• Ability to handle unexpected situations and work in a team environment, including welcoming and guiding clients and crew (designers, directors, artists, or event organizers)

• Ability to deal calmly and effectively with public emergency situations and audience safety issues

• Flexible schedule; ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays

• Physically fit: able to load arbors, climb ladders and stairs, and work at heights

• Good communication skills and a love of performing arts

• Basic audio knowledge is an asset

• Computer skills including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint is an asset

• Level 1 Occupational First Aid certificate is an asset

How to Apply:
If this sounds like you, please send your application and cover letter with your availability and references to hiring@thecultch.com with “Venue Technician” in the subject line.

The Cultch is committed to an accessible, safe, and inclusive environment. We respect, value, and celebrate the diverse experiences of each person and actively encourage everyone to consider joining our team. If you need assistance or have questions at any stage of the application process, please do not hesitate to reach out. Applications from equity-seeking groups are particularly encouraged. Accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

We thank all applicants for their interest in working at The Cultch, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Remuneration:
$28.50 per hour less Union dues, plus IATSE 118 RRSP contributions and pay in lieu