Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent
Location: Granville Island
About Arts Umbrella
Arts Umbrella is where young artists ages 2–22 cultivate their creativity in Art, Design, Dance, Theatre, Music, and Film. As a non-profit organization for arts education, we believe that art is powerful. Powerful enough to change a child’s life in incredible ways. When young people connect with the arts, they gain self-confidence, develop self-discipline, and discover creative expression—qualities they carry with them for life. Arts Umbrella has two locations in Vancouver and Surrey, as well as donor-funded programs at schools, community centres, neighbourhood houses, and healthcare facilities across Metro Vancouver. We serve nearly 20,000 young people every year, with 77% participating in donor-funded programs.
In April 2021, Arts Umbrella moved into a new home on Granville Island. This transformational opportunity allows us to further our vision for a better world where all young lives are inspired to pursue a lifelong journey towards self-expression, compassion, and humanity. It is our mission to be a leader in arts education for young people; to build community and deliver profound life experiences through our commitment to innovation, excellence, and inclusivity. Arts Umbrella is an organization full of heart, where self-expression and creativity are valued and nurtured.
Diversity & Inclusion
Arts Umbrella is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our programming, the audience we engage with, the students we serve as well as the staff we employ. Diversity and inclusion in our organization means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and respected. We actively seek applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others with knowledge in diversity and inclusion to help us strengthen our commitment.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Manager, Theatre Operations plays a key role in ensuring our theatre and production spaces are safe, organized, and performance ready. This role supports the successful delivery of productions, rehearsals, events, and learning experiences by overseeing day-to-day theatre operations, coordinating resources, and leading strong operational practices across the venue.
In this role, you will:
Operations and facilities
- Oversee the daily operations of theatre and production spaces, ensuring facilities, equipment, and systems are safe, functional, and well maintained
- Maintain the readiness of theatre spaces, including the theatre, green rooms, lobbies, and Scene Design Shop
Production and event support
- Coordinate scheduling and space allocation in collaboration with Programming, Artistic Directors, and Events and Rentals
- Support rehearsals, productions, performances, and events, including technical coordination and presentation or livestream needs
- Oversee Scene Shop operations, including access, materials, inventory, and safe use for production and learning activities
People leadership
- Lead the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and supervision of theatre staff, crew, and contractors
- Provide training, orientation, and day-to-day support to promote safe, effective operations
Budgeting and compliance
- Develop and manage operational and production budgets, including staffing, contractors, maintenance, and capital needs
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, institutional policies, and safe working practices across all theatre spaces
Here is what you bring
- 3+ years of experience in theatre operations, production, venue operations, or a related performing arts environment
- Post-secondary training in Technical Theatre, Theatre Production, or a related field is an asset; equivalent combinations of education and hands-on experience will also be considered
- Strong working knowledge of theatre production practices, including lighting, sound, rigging, scenic construction, and backstage operations
- Experience coordinating schedules, production logistics, and competing operational priorities
- Experience supervising staff, crew, or contractors
- Confidence managing budgets, vendors, and administrative processes
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
- A solid understanding of health and safety regulations and best practices in theatre environments
Nice to have
- Familiarity with theatre production software and systems such as Vectorworks, QLab, ETC Eos, Propared, Dante, or NDI
- Experience in an arts education or multi-use venue environment
Note to Applicants: We kindly ask that applicants do not call or visit our office in person to enquire about the status of their application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation
