Job Description

The Production Assistant reports to the Production Manager and represents the Production Department at Festival venues. This position acts as a liaison between the various groups including the staging and production contractors, performers, media, Artistic Director, guest artists and Festival staff and volunteers. They ensure all pre-concert production requirements are in place and respond to issues relating to the event in progress and concerns regarding venue operations.

Terms of Contract: $18 / hr, on average 35 hours per week, possibly more during the Festival from July 7 \xe2\x80\x93 16, 2023. The successful candidate must be available to work evenings and weekends from May to the end of the Festival, and must have a valid driver\xe2\x80\x99s license and vehicle. The Production Assistant will be asked to use their own personal computer and cell phone for this position. There will be nominal compensation for this requirement. The term of contract is from May 1 \xe2\x80\x93 August 11, 2023 (15 weeks). Although not a requirement, it is strongly suggested that all contract and permanent employees, volunteers and artists employed by the Elora Festival be fully vaccinated.

Note: this position is pending approval of funding from Canada Summer Jobs.
Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that all venues/staging conform to the site plan and specific concert requirements are in place
• Providing stage management support for events by confirming all required staff and resources are present and briefed
• Meeting and greeting performers and introducing them to the sound and light technicians and other applicable support staff
• Reviewing production details, assigning dressing rooms, ensuring hospitality requirements are in place in a timely manner
• Assisting The Elora Singers Manager with preparation of music scores as applicable
• Working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to ensure the house is prepared prior to concerts and that all front of house details are addressed, such as wheelchair access, reserved seating, traffic control and St. John\'s Ambulance staff
• Completing event reports, placing event signage, access control, site cleaning and maintenance, securing venues and ensuring that building, fire and emergency regulations and room capacities are adhered to.

A background in classical / choral music and/or arts management would be an asset. Since the duties of this role are diverse, students will have the opportunity to apply their studies to this position and learn new skills that they can relate to their ongoing studies and future employment opportunities, including:

• Communications
• Not for profit management
• Arts management
• Theatre arts
• Hospitality and tourism management
• Office administration
• Liberal arts
• Recreation
• Media studies
• Event management

Requirements: Required Skills: A professional and respectful approach to all manner of work, including excellent oral and written communication skills, attention to detail, ability to multi-task in a fast-paced team environment, and professional demeanor towards colleagues and patrons. Experience working with Microsoft Office.

Additional Info: Supervision and Mentoring Plan: The Production Assistant will be directly supervised by the Production Manager, who will ensure they receive intensive orientation and training during the first week of employment. Training will include orientation of the office and staff, a full review of the 2023 Festival line-up, training on ticketing software, organizational policies and procedures and an inventory of support/mentoring resources available to the student. The Production Manager will be onsite for direct supervision. The Production Assistant will be expected to report activities to the Production Manager and attend all weekly staff meetings. They will have the opportunity to make discoveries, offer new ideas, and participate in or shadow tasks that might not be in their job description, but are of interest.

The lead mentor will be the Production Manager, and the Production Assistant will have many opportunities to develop their skillset through direct interaction with all staff. Mentoring will include setting learning goals and bi-weekly reviews of progress toward those goals.

Health and Safety Practices in the Workplace: Our Health and Safety Officer will orient the youth during a detailed office and venue tour, including first aid kit locations, fire extinguishers, fire exits and local emergency contact information. St John\'s Ambulance attend all concerts to offer medical assistance. The Production Assistant will not undertake any work that they feel unsafe doing. All staff are required to take AODA and WHIMS training, and Dementia Friendly training through the Waterloo\xc2\xadWellington Alzheimer\'s Society. The youth will also receive an orientation to the Festival\'s Harassment and Safe Work Environment policies.

Work Environment: The Festival is committed to ensuring that every employee has a safe work environment free of discriminatory practices, violence and harassment. Employees are provided with a copy of the organization\xe2\x80\x99s Code of Conduct as part of the on-boarding process. In addition, the organization has contracted with Clearview Connects Inc. to provide employees with a safe, ethical and independent reporting process should a need arise.

Workinculture