Head of Lighting
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to inspire everyone who attends our campus – artists, leaders, and thinkers – to unleash their creative potential.
We acknowledge, with deep respect and gratitude, our home on the side of Sacred Buffalo Guardian Mountain. In the spirit of respect and truth, we honour and acknowledge the Banff area, known as “Minhrpa” (translated in Stoney Nakoda as “the waterfalls”) and the Treaty 7 territory and oral practices of the Îyârhe Nakoda (Stoney Nakoda) – comprised of the Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Goodstoney Nation – as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation and the Blackfoot Confederacy comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, Kainai. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Shuswap Nations, Ktunaxa Nations, and Metis Nation of Alberta, Rockyview District 4. We acknowledge all Nations who live, work, and play here, help us steward this land, and honour and celebrate this place.
The Opportunity
Banff Centre is looking for a Head of Lighting to provide the operational support required for the delivery of Banff Centre programs and activities. The Head of Lighting supports the aims and objectives of the Performing Arts department by taking responsibility for the safe, efficient, and precise production requirements of all assigned events, activities, and programs. Production Manager, Performing Arts will also assist their direct supervisor in supporting specific production training programs when applicable.
The Head of Lighting will work to achieve a high production value for all Banff Centre activities. High production value in Performing Arts at Banff Centre is equally based in process as well as traditionally defined technical quality. We are looking for someone who is energetic and committed to creating a positive work culture.
Specific Accountabilities
The Head of Lighting supports the aims and objectives of Performing Arts by taking responsibility for:
- Safe efficient and precise implementation of all lighting requirements which fall under the jurisdiction of the Performing Arts department and are aligned to implementing and developing a lighting design that complements the overall vision of each production.
- Operation and maintenance of the production lighting systems, electrical shop and related adjacent areas. Advising and assisting the Production Manager, Performing Arts and the Technical Director in coordinating and guiding Lighting team members as the team plans ahead for productions and events and executes day to day. Assist the Production Manager, Performing Arts and the Technical Director in developing and implementing specific training programs for the Professional Training Programs.
- Advising and assisting the respective Artistic Directors in developing and implementing their artistic vision.
- Developing and maintaining Banff Centre as a leading international site for cultural development and artistic continuing education.
- Staying up to date with the latest theatrical lighting technology and practices by engaging with a variety of sources.
- Communicating effectively with the production team to ensure alignment of lighting requirements and changes; and support team engagement to achieve organizational goals.
- Timely set up, running and strike of all lighting elements necessary for productions and events for the Performing Arts department.
- Responsible for the administration of the lighting department, including coordination of assigned crews, with attention to safety procedures and within the frameworks of budget, staffing, equipment, space and time.
- Manage the maintenance and operation of all lighting equipment including fixtures, dimmers, control systems and rigging.
- Coordinate and guide Lighting team members day to day. Support a positive team culture, communicate clearly, support the manager in resolving conflicts within the team, and provide feedback as required
- Point person working with the Technical Director, lighting designer, head stage carpenter, head of sound, and stage management in order to bring together the elements of technical production, artistic requirements and training related needs effectively and efficiently.
- Assist the Technical Director in monitoring and reviewing support systems and mechanisms appropriate to the successful operation of the Performing Arts.
- Execute lighting designs as provided by the lighting designer including the completion of all necessary paperwork and ensuring that the artistic needs of the lighting design are met at a professional standard of excellence.
- Review in consultation with the designer and Technical Director the lighting designs for each production and generate or adjust drawings as necessary.
- Instruct, guide and facilitate the instruction of participants in the Professional Training Programin the theories and practice of theatre lighting including but not limited to terms and formulas, hand and power tools, lighting and electrical materials, hardware, lighting design and other training activities.
- Advise the Technical Director in the choice of faculty, staff and participants, with regard to production and technical needs.
- Adhere to deadlines and apply appropriate theatre techniques and methods to provide the quality, efficiency and support level required by Performing Arts.
- Assist the Technical Director in developing production schedules and actively participate in all the planning stages of each production.
- Gather information and put forward recommendations on the acquisition of tools, hardware and capital equipment.
- Be knowledgeable of related industry trends to include the application of up-to-date techniques and use of special materials and current health and safety standards as well as being familiar with the accident prevention manual.
- Conduct and/or participate in regular meetings (daily, weekly, monthly) with the lighting team and others to discuss upcoming productions/ events and disseminate information accordingly.
- Communicate effectively with the production team to ensure smooth integration of lighting with other production elements and departments.
- Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, runs, rehearsals and other meetings as needed and provide updates from the Lighting department.
- Conduct risk assessments to ensure safety and communicate any concerns to the Technical Director.
- Provide guidance and feedback to the lighting team when necessary.
- Keep updated lighting inventories for all venues.
- Ensure House Plots for all venues are updated and available to the Technical Director.
- Immediately escalate any concerns or operational challenges to the Technical Director where client(s) experience may be negatively impacted.
Qualification and Educational Requirements
- 5+ years' experience, along with a degree or related training in, lighting design or theater production
- Relevant certifications in lighting technology and lighting safety are an asset
- Strong understanding of lighting systems and intelligent lighting technologies
- Knowledge of control systems, equipment, and advanced related software; e.g., Vectorworks
- In-depth knowledge working in performing arts or production environment, often gained through apprenticeships or on the job training
- Ability to lead/guide a team of lighting technicians
- Excellent communication skills
- Keen attention to detail to ensure precise execution of lighting cues and adjustments
- Demonstrated track record of effectively trouble shooting issues, adapt to changing circumstances and finding creative solutions
- Ability to work at heights and handle equipment
- Strong time management, organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Clear background criminal check
Employment Terms & Benefits
- In accordance with CUPE 4318, this is a unionized, salaried support staff position, subject to a 6-month probation period.
- The annual salary range for this position is $64,521 - $75,691 depending on experience, based on working 40 hours per week.
- The successful candidate will have access to a range of benefits through Alberta Blue Cross and will be eligible to participate in our defined benefit pension plan.
- Benefits of working at Banff Centre are:
• Transitional staff housing options (based on availability)
• Professional development
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health care spending account (on terms 5 months or greater - if applicable)
• Staff cafeteria and restaurant discounts
• Onsite fitness facility at a discounted rate – first month free for new staff!
Application Process
- We are accepting applications for the Assistant Head of Lighting position until a suitable candidate is found.
- Candidates offered a position with Banff Centre, in this capacity, will be required to obtain a criminal record check verifying a clear record before a final job offer can be finalized.
- Visa Requirements: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Banff Centre is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.
