Driftwood Summer Job Postings

/in

Driftwood Theatre’s 2023 Bard’s Bus Tour is expanding its summer team with a number of positions 

Driftwood Theatre is once again hitting the road with a return to live, outdoor touring summer theatre. We’re looking for some creative, outgoing and friendly folk to help us manage, create, and celebrate our plans for The 2023 Bard’s Bus Tour.

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

The following positions are made possible with the generous support of Canada Summer Jobs. Candidates must be between 19-30 years of age and be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Here’s a list of what we’re looking for (full postings below). 

  • Properties and Wardrobe Coordinator, June 12 – August 6, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Front of House Manager, July 3 – August 27, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Communications Coordinator, July 3 – August 20, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.
  • Event Marketing Coordinator, July 10 – August 27, 2023. Application deadline: Mon. April 24th.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (as a single PDF document) to Producer, Kay Wong at kwong@driftwoodtheatre.com, with the subject line stating the position you’re applying for and name, e.g. “Front of House Manager Application – Kay Wong”.

 

Properties and Wardrobe Coordinator

Reporting to the Production Designer, the Props and Wardrobe Coordinator will be responsible for the creation and maintenance of hand-held and scenic props and wardrobe for the summer season. The Props and Wardrobe Coordinator will also be responsible for purchasing materials, assembly and repairs. 

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Working under the supervision of the Producer and under the direction of the creators to realize all prop and wardrobe elements for productions
  • Sourcing and purchasing materials
  • Constructing and purchasing hand props and set dressing
  • Pattern drafting, cutting and stitching
  • Wardrobe assembly, alteration, fittings and repairs
  • Wardrobe budget management
  • Attending and reporting at all production meetings

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in prop design and construction
  • Experience in wardrobe sourcing, patterning, cutting and stitching
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
  • Contract dates: June 12 – August 6, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position may work from home, participating in regular meetings
  • online and/or in-person and fittings in-person
  • Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position 
  • May require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel
  • Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime

 

Front of House Manager

Reporting to the Producer, the Front of House Manager will be responsible for delivering a safe, orderly, timely and enjoyable theatre experience for Driftwood’s audiences, presenting partners, volunteers, donors and company members.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Managing onsite relationships with presenting partners in each community
  • Preparing, setting up and running box office, seating and concessions at each performance
  • Supervising all front of house volunteers
  • Maintaining financial and attendance records for performances and outreach activities
  • Handling online and in-person banking while on tour
  • Participating in the daily set-up and strike of the performance site

Knowledge and Skills Required 

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in client/customer service and some degree of management
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Cash-handling experience
  • Full class G driver’s license with clean driving abstract and experience driving large vehicles (Ford E350 chassis or equivalent) is an asset
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers
  • Capacity for lifting and carrying supplies and equipment
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position 
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 3 – Sun. August 27, 2023.
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract, and $135 per/diem for overnight stays while on tour
  • This position will work primarily from Toronto, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production, and travel while on tour.

 

Communications Coordinator

Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications, the Communications Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of online publicity and communications for Driftwood’s 2023 summer programming, including Community Play and educational displays/activities related to the Bard’s Bus Tour.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Liaising with the publicist, the production’s director and creative team to develop publicity materials and packaging for the summer season
  • Implementing monthly, weekly, daily social media plans, including posting photos, videos, stories, reels and other media while on tour.
  • Evaluating and reviewing communications plans on a regular basis
  • Coordinating PR events with company members, community partners, the media and the public

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in digital marketing and communications
  • Experience in recording, editing and posting social media content
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • Experience in event management and coordination
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications
  • Comfortable with using mobile devices for recording, photos and posting on social media. 
  • Proficiency with Photoshop, InDesign, WordPress an asset
  • Photo or video editing experience is an asset. 

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 3 – Sun. August 20, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract
  • This position will work primarily remotely, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production

 

Event Marketing Coordinator

Reporting to the Manager of Development and Communications, the Event Marketing Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating all aspects of digital engagement programs as part of Driftwood’s summer programming, including Community Play and educational displays/activities related to the Bard’s Bus Tour. They will be traveling along with the Bard’s Bus Tour for the duration of performances.

Duties and Responsibilities include

  • Liaising with Driftwood partners throughout our touring region, assisting with ensuring all partner organizations have access to promotion and marketing materials
  • Liasing with the publicist, the production’s director and creative team to develop publicity materials and packaging for the summer season
  • Developing and implementing free digital content to accompany live programming including recording and editing videos and preparing them for release
  • Supporting the Manager of Development and Communications with community based promotion projects. 
  • Capacity for lifting and carrying supplies and equipment
  • Participating in the daily set-up and strike of the performance site
  • Documenting Driftwood events by taking photos, recording videos and helping to prepare them for public release or posting. 

Knowledge and Skills Required

  • Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
  • Experience in digital marketing and communications
  • Excellent organization and time management skills
  • The ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff, community partners and volunteers
  • Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications

Salary/Job Details

  • Full-time (35hrs/wk), contract position
  • Contract dates: Mon. July 10 – Sun. August 27, 2023
  • Salary: $20/hr + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract, and $135 per/diem for overnight stays while on tour
  • This position will begin work remotely, with some time in Picton, ON during rehearsals and pre-production and travelling on tour across Ontario for the duration of performances.

Job posting: Technician and Board Operator

/in
Join Driftwood Theatre as a Technician/Board Operator and work with us in bringing our 2023 season to life for people across Ontario

Driftwood Theatre, dedicated to good people sharing great stories, has been touring outdoor, summer theatre to Ontario communities since 1995.

We’re currently looking for a Theatre Technician, who will be responsible for the coordination and completion of the daily set up, testing and strike of all staging, lighting and sound equipment, control booth and front of house area, including daily operation of lighting and live sound mixing for Driftwood’s 2023 outdoor, summer touring production. The Theatre Technician reports to the Stage Manager and Producer.

The successful candidate will have related work experience or training in technical theatre; a high degree of professionalism, motivation and time management skills; the ability to build positive and respectful relationships with a small touring team and community partners; the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; a working knowledge of LED lighting systems and wireless lav mixing in a live-theatre environment is an asset; Class G driver’s license with experience driving large trucks (cube vans) an asset.

Driftwood Theatre welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who reflect the many communities that make up the province of Ontario. In particular, we continue to prioritize and consider first applications from artists who identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+. 

This position will begin work in Picton, Ontario prior to setting on a provincial tour with Toronto as point of origin. Transportation to Picton and accommodations will be covered by the theatre.

Contract dates: July 10 – September 3, 2023.

Salary: $20/hour. 35 hrs/wk.

Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Producer, Kay Wong (kwong@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: March 12, 2023. 5pm.

www.driftwoodtheatre.com

Finding Inspiration in 2023

/in
Hello and Happy New Year from Prince Edward County!

After digging ourselves out of a very snowy holiday season, we’re almost ready to pull the curtain on Driftwood’s plans for our 29th season. Almost, but not quite.

I’ve always worked from home. It’s one of the great perks of running a non-venued theatre company. Since moving to Picton, home has also come to include a second business, a licensed Bed & Breakfast (www.instagram.com/gillespiehousebnb), and our house is now a hub activity.

This summer we’ll welcome artists and staff here for the duration of rehearsals and preparation for the summer season; a place to come together in the celebration of our imaginations and creativity. Throughout the rest of the year, we’ll welcome guests as they embark upon their own adventures here in PEC.

Today the house is empty, as my family are off at school and work. After a December filled with the hustle and bustle of construction, it’s nice to have some quiet in the house again. It’s also helpful, given that I’ve been doing a lot of writing lately.

This is a distinctly different experience for me: writing. Not grant or administrative writing (I do those things all the time), but writing as an art form. It’s been a little like dragging out my sketchbook after months of letting the practice slip. I find myself hesitant. Too often, my brain gets in the way of any progress – self-doubt crippling any meaningful momentum.

As I meander through the empty house on my way to my desk, I’m finding inspiration from my daughters who, even when they aren’t at home leave constant reminders of their presence: the hand-made multi-coloured necklace hanging from a doorknob, the recently-completed 1,000 piece Harry Potter Lego set proudly displayed in the fire room, countless canvasses and pages of art strewn about the house, a giant cardboard box decked out as a Club House making a statement in the front hall.

As much as it might frustrate me to constantly be tidying the detritus of my children’s creativity, I do hope they continue to create and imagine with such fearlessness. 

It’s ironic how, when we’re kids, our imagination is the progenitor of all our fears (last night I was up four times consoling both kids after nightmares) and yet we’re often more fearless in the way in which we explore the world and express ourselves. We just haven’t learned to fear the dragon of self-doubt, haven’t armored ourselves against the barrage of other people’s judgement.

When a kid commits to doing something, they do it with relentless abandon. They imagine completely, freely and without hesitation. It’s an important lesson, really. A great reminder of the power we all hold within ourselves.

As I continue to write, I’m going to try and hold onto that willingness to play, to explore, to create. Just get in there and do it.

And when my daughters get home, instead of chastising them for not cleaning up, I’m going to tell them how delighted by and proud I am of their boundless creativity (ok, and then maybe get them to tidy up a little bit) and join them in the Club House with some Lego.

Jeremy.

Job Posting: Producer

/in

Driftwood Theatre is looking for a producer to work with us in bringing our 2023 season together for people across Ontario

Driftwood Theatre, dedicated to good people sharing great stories, has been touring outdoor, summer theatre to Ontario communities since 1995.

The Producer is responsible for the supervision and completion of all production, tour management and front of house aspects of our summer season, with special focus on coordinating our outreach projects, Community Tix, Community Play and Picnic + Play.

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Producer acts as primary liaison between Driftwood Theatre and our presenting partners across the province, and directly supervises the Front of House Manager. In the absence of the Artistic Director, the Producer is also the main point of contact for seasonal company members.

The successful candidate will have related work experience including producing or production management; a high degree of professionalism and time management skills; the ability to build positive and respectful relationships with a variety of people and partners; the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; and most importantly will demonstrate grace under pressure.

Driftwood Theatre welcomes applicants from all backgrounds who reflect the many communities that make up the province of Ontario. In particular, we will prioritize and consider first applications from artists who identify as BIPOC and/or 2SLGBTQ+. 

This position offers the flexibility of home-based work. The Producer is required to be in Picton, Ontario for the duration of technical rehearsals leading up to opening (late July). Travel and accommodation support will be provided.

Contract dates: we anticipate a January 2023 start. The position will carry through to the end of August 2023. (averaging 15 hours/week). Salary: $20/hour

How to Apply: Candidates are invited to make application by sending a brief cover letter and resume (as one pdf file) by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith (jsmith@driftwoodtheatre.com).

Application deadline: December 19, 2022. 5pm.


Producer | Job Brief

Responsibilities

Overview

  • Manage all touring, front of house, production and outreach elements of the Bard’s Bus Tour (BBT), Community Play, Community Tix and Picnic + Play while adhering to budgets as defined by the theatre
  • Work to create a welcoming, safe environment for company members to achieve their best
  • Act as liaison between the company, presenting partners and performance venues for the BBT
  • Develop and execute a volunteer program that includes recruiting, training, supervising and rewarding BBT Front of House volunteers
  • Ensure familiarity with labour standards and any other legislation affecting employees
  • Assist in coordinating annual fundraising online auction
  • Prepare board, partner, sponsor and granting reports as required
  • Update tour related forms and documents at season end

 Knowledge and Skills Required

The successful candidate will have related work experience including producing or production management; a high degree of professionalism and time management skills; the ability to build positive and respectful relationships with a variety of people and partners; the ability to communicate effectively and work productively with artists, theatrical staff and volunteers; and most importantly will demonstrate grace under pressure.

Skills list:

  • High degree of motivation and professionalism
  • Experience in and understanding of performing arts organizations
  • Ability to communicate and work productively with artists and theatrical staff
  • Ability to build positive relationships with a variety of organizational stakeholders
  • Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions
  • Strong communication, speaking and presentation skills
  • Ability to attract other volunteers to work in support of the company
  • Essential computer skills – Google Suite, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and the ability to learn new computer programs (Ticket Tailor, 32 Auctions, WordPress, CRM databases).

Working Conditions and Environment

  • This is a flexible, task-based, seasonal position with some flexibility in the schedule and location of work; however, the Producer will be expected to prioritize availability during the three weeks immediately prior to opening night, late July 2023.
  • This position offers the flexibility of home-based work with regular (weekly) meetings via Zoom. The Producer is required to be in Picton, Ontario for the duration of technical rehearsals leading up to opening. Travel and accommodation assistance will be provided.
  • This position requires evening and weekend work, and occasional travel. Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime

Contract Timeframe

An average of 15 hours/week, January – August 2023

Compensation

Salary: $20/hour