Employment Opportunity
Director of Production
TO Live
Toronto, Canada
TO Live has an exciting full-time opportunity in its Production Department in the role of Director of Production.
Reporting to the Vice-President of Programming, the Director of Production is responsible for the production and technical elements of the TO Live activities throughout its facilities including those taking place on the stages, in the lobbies, and in exterior spaces.
KEY ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversees the scheduling, supervision and assignments of the TO LIVE Production Managers, Senior Production Managers and (Senior) Manager of Theatrical Systems and Special Projects, as well as the Stage and Wardrobe personnel.
- Adjusts show/event assignments and other duties of the Senior Production Managers, Production Managers and the (Senior) Manager of Theatrical Systems and Special Projects where necessary to ensure an even workload balance, delegating and assigning work as required, including the monitoring and approval of time off and vacations.
- Reviews and assists the Production Managers with show issues, estimates, and clients.
- Develops strategic and budgetary planning for TO Live as it pertains to Production Services and provides advice to senior management as required on asset management purchases and operations in Production and related areas.
- Oversees implementation of approved plans and budgets and ensures that the Vice-President of Programming and other senior managers are appraised as early as possible of unexpected significant cost overages (over runs).
- Reviews and approves all departmental expenditures in accordance with TO Live’s Purchasing Policies.
- Hires Production staff; including Senior Production Mangers, Production Mangers, the (Senior) Manager of Theatrical Systems and Special Projects, Stage and Wardrobe Department Heads and Assistants and overseas performance reviews and disciplinary matters as required.
- Leads negotiations on behalf of TO Live for the collective bargaining agreements of IATSE Local 58 and Local 822 members at TO Live venues.
- Monitors daily the production activities and work schedules of the venues, including for load-ins, performances, corporate events, load outs, and other production activities.
- Liaises with clients and internal departments to ensure smooth and professional performance and event management.
- Resolves in a timely manner production and production personnel issues as they arise and to the mutual satisfaction of the TO Live venues and/or its clients, briefs Programming, Rentals and Corporate Sales departments as needed, and escalates serious unresolved issues to the Vice-President of Programming and/or the President as necessary.
- Maintains communication with the Bookings Manager and attends Programming, Rental and Corporate Sales meetings and Bookings Calendar meetings as required. Meets with TO Live’s prospective and existing mainstream clients as well as clients representing Toronto’s diversity to ensure a high quality of service.
- Reviews, approves and audits weekly payroll summaries and reports when required.
- Fully utilizes TO Live’s event management software to provide TO Live with performance, event, maintenance and other information where it is necessary and/or helpful to all workflow and to use it for internal organization purposes.
- Helps review and co-ordinate maintenance work in theatres and lobby spaces with (Senior) Manager of Theatrical Systems and Special Projects.
- Maintains petty cash, prepares and submits petty cash reports as necessary.
- Supports “TO Live Presents” in venues outside of the TO Live venues as required.
- Takes on special projects as assigned and performs other duties as required.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 15 years of experience in theatre and production management with extensive budgeting experience with financial accountability.
- Experience in senior management in a similar position in a rental and/or presenting venue.
- Experience with a wide range of theatrical activities, i.e. dance, concerts, musicals, headliners, world music, etc.
- Experience with corporate events is an asset.
- Experience in a unionized environment.
- Strong organizational, planning and leadership skills to coordinate conflicting deadlines and interruptions.
- Interpersonal, team building, and collaborative skills.
- Effective oral and written communication skills.
- Practical knowledge of employment, labour and occupational health and safety laws
- Proficiency in word, excel, and the technical drawing software most used in a theatre environment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Flexibility in hours and schedules and include work on nights and weekends as required.
- Consistent ability to interact with a wide range of temperaments.
- Lack of natural light in the workplace.
- Travel between TO Live venues as required.
THE ORGANIZATION:
TO Live is one of Canada’s largest multi arts organizations, operating three iconic venues: Meridian Hall, the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and Meridian Arts Centre. In addition, TO Live presents a full range of performing arts, theatrical and concert events at these venues in both downtown and uptown Toronto. With these two hubs of creativity and content creation, TO Live has a unique place and perspective to activate creative spaces by inspiring local and international artists, connect audiences and to be the nexus for new ideas, elevate artistic potential, and be the catalyst for creative expression that is reflective of Toronto’s diversity.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should apply through our TO Live careers website at: https://tolive.bamboohr.com/jobs/
No phone calls or emails please. TO Live thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Together with the Toronto Public Service’s (TPS) initiatives, which TO Lives follows and adheres to, TO Live encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/persons of colour, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ2S persons, and others who may contribute to fostering innovative ideas and solutions.
We ask that you complete the questions provided as part of the online application to assist us in ensuring our recruitment process and programs are equitable and accessible. Your responses are voluntary and the information that you provide is strictly confidential.
We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). The Human Resources department will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.
Date Posted: July 17, 2025
Application Deadline: July 30, 2025
Start Date: As soon as possible
