WORK WITH US

At the Highland Arts Theatre, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Join us for an unforgettable season of storytelling and artistry as we bring compelling theatre to life
in the heart of Cape Breton!

Scroll below for more information on our open positions:

  • Stage Manager (Full Time)

  • Patron Services Team Member (Part Time)

  • Sets/Props Production Assistant (16 Hours/Week),

  • Position Title: Patron Services Staff Member
    Location: Highland Arts Theatre, Sydney, Nova Scotia
    Reports to: Patron Services Manager

    POSITION OVERVIEW -
    The Patron Services Staff Member plays a vital role in ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for patrons at the Highland Arts Theatre. This position involves working box office shifts, managing bar operations, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring the theatre is well-prepared for performances. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and passionate about providing exceptional customer service.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES -

    Box Office Duties:
     Handle ticket bookings via phone, email, and in person.
     Assist patrons with ticket inquiries, exchanges, and purchases.
     Provide excellent customer service to all patrons, resolving issues promptly.
     Maintain accurate records of transactions and tickets sold.
     Make sure the entranceways and box office are clean and clear of debris.

    Bar Shifts:
     Operate the bar during performance times, ensuring a high level of service.
     Handle cash and credit transactions for drinks and snacks.
     Ensure the bar area is clean and well-stocked before and after shows.

    Theatre Maintenance:
     Ensure the auditorium, bathrooms, and garbage bins are clean and presentable before each performance.
     Restock inventory, including bar supplies, bathroom amenities, and other necessary items. Communicate inventory restocking needs to the patron services manager.
     Make sure entranceways to the theatre are free of debris, garbage, snow and ice prior to patrons arriving for an event.

    Signage and Marketing:
     Post signage for upcoming shows at the front of the theatre, in the lobby, and on auditorium doors.
     Ensure all promotional materials are visible and up-to-date in the concessions area and around the theatre.

    Additional Duties:
     Collaborate with other team members to create a welcoming environment for patrons.
     Follow all health and safety guidelines during performances.
     Report any issues or concerns to the Patron Services Manager.
     Provide availability to the Patron Services Manager prior to a monthly schedule being created.

    QUALIFICATIONS -
     Strong customer service skills.
     Ability to multitask and work under pressure.
     Experience in retail, hospitality, or theatre environments is a plus.
     Comfortable with handling cash and operating a point-of-sale system.
     Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays based on the theatre’s performance schedule.

    WORKING CONDITIONS -
    This is a part-time position with evening and weekend shifts required, depending on the theatre’s schedule. The role involves standing for extended periods and light to moderate physical activity (such as restocking supplies and cleaning).

    CONTRACT DETAILS -
    Duration: Permanent Part Time
     Hours: Varied based on performance schdule.
    Start date: January 2, 2025 but flexible.
    Compensation: $15.20/hour

    HOW TO APPLY -
    Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience, skills, and passion for theatre to GM@highlandartstheatre.com by December 18, 2024.

  • Position Title: Set/Props Production Assistant
    Location: Highland Arts Theatre, Sydney, Nova Scotia
    Repots to: Technical Director

    POSITION OVERVIEW -
    The Highland Arts Theatre is seeking a creative and organized Set and Props Coordinator for its 2025 Mainstage Season. The successful candidate will work closely with the Head of Production to source, build, and organize all sets and props for the show. If you are passionate about theatre and enjoy hands-on creative work, we encourage you to apply!

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES -
     Assist the Head of Production in constructing sets and props, ensuring they align with the creative vision of the show.
     Source materials and props, staying within the allocated budget.
     Build and modify set/props as needed, working with the production team to meet deadlines.
     Collaborate with directors, designers, and stage managers to ensure that sets and props meet the needs of the performance.
     Maintain an inventory of props and sets, tracking what is used during rehearsals and performances.
     Ensure all props and sets are safe and functional to meet the production’s artistic goals.

    QUALIFICATIONS -
     Access to a vehicle is an asset.
     Experience in set and prop design or construction (theatre experience is an asset).
     Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
     Basic carpentry, painting, or crafting skills are a plus.
     Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
     Reliable, with strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving skills.

    TIME COMMITMENT -
     16 hours per week that can be remote and at flexible hours.
     Must be available for key production dates, including technical and dress rehearsals.

    CONTRACT DETAILS -
    Duration: January–May 2025 (7 months).
    Hours: 16/week with potential for more hours closer to opening of productions.
    Start date: January 2, 2025 but flexible.
    Compensation: $15.20/hour

    HOW TO APPLY -
    Please send your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and interest in the role to GM@highlandartstheatre.com by December 20, 2024.

  • Position Title: Stage Manager (7-Month Contract)
    Location: Highland Arts Theatre – Sydney, Nova Scotia

    POSITION OVERVIEW -
    The Highland Arts Theatre, a vibrant theatre in Sydney, Nova Scotia, is seeking a Stage Manager to join our team for a 7-month contract for our 2025 Main Stage season. This exciting opportunity involves working full-time hours as either the Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager on our six productions between January and July 2025. This role has the potential for contract extension and to evolve into a full-time position for the right candidate. The stage manager is the checkpoint for all aspects of the production and are the official channel of communication from rehearsal to the technical and design staff.

    KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (including, but not be limited to) -

    Before Rehearsal Begin:

     Sets up the rehearsal room, including taping an outline of the set on the rehearsal hall floor if necessary. Ensures that there is fresh water, cups, Kleenex and pencils in rehearsal room.
     Examine the venue and rehearsal hall and becomes familiar with the keys, alarm systems, exits, emergency lights, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, etc.
     Obtains all set plans and section drawings to ensure accurate blocking.
     Assembles and distributes a cast list and contributes to the accuracy of the COMPANY LIST, produced by the General Manager.
     Ensures the production call board is established and maintained.
     Contributes to the creation of a detailed master production schedule with the Producer, General Manager and Head of Production

    Rehearsal & Performance Period:
     Acts as liaison between the director and the technical staff; ensures production staff are informed of any pertinent production information.
     Creates and distributes rehearsal schedules, after consultation with the director.
     Work with the Wardrobe Department to create a costume fitting schedule, and ensure all required fittings happen.
     Ensure accurate blocking notes are taken and operates audio/video during rehearsal.
     Prepares and distributes, as necessary, scene/character breakdowns, prop and scenery , costume tracking lists and any other co-ordinating paperwork appropriate to the production.
     Documents all parts of the production that may required action by the Production staff, and communicates all changes in the daily rehearsal notes. These notes are to be distributed by 9 am the next day. Coordinating face-to-face follow-up if required.
     Times the lengths of scenes, scene changes, acts and intermissions.
     Gives HALF-HOUR, FIFTEEN MINUTES, 5 MINUTES and PLACES calls to cast and crew during dress rehearsals and performances; ensures operators are standing by prior to the start of the rehearsal or performance.
     Prepares pre- and post-show checklists ensures these tasks are competed.
     Attends all lighting and sound cue setting sessions, confirming light walkers if required.
     Ensures schedule for technical rehearsals stay on track and all production requirements get addressed. Ensures that all cast and crew members are comfortable with set/costume/props movement, lighting changes and any other cue concern.
     Calls/operates cues, as necessary, throughout the technical, dress and performance periods. Accurately records, in the prompt book, the location, timing and content of each cue.
     Ensures the director’s intent, action and blocking are maintained by the cast and crew throughout the run of the production; gives notes, judiciously, with tact and diplomacy, when things begin to “veer off course”, as permitted by the director.
     Collaborate with our communications director to get behind the scenes photos for social media content.
     Assigns dressing rooms, in consultation with the director, as facilities permit.
     Sweeps and mops the floor before each performance.

    Safety:
     Takes all necessary precautions to ensure that safe, uncluttered and clean conditions exist on stage, backstage and in the rehearsal hall.
     Calling safety stops to address any safety concerns during rehearsals/performances.
    Bringing any facility related safety concerns to the General Manager and Safety Officers.
     Leaves the rehearsal and performance areas in safe and clean order after use.
     Creates, posts and monitors a SIGN-IN SHEET for actors and crew during performances; knows where actors are at all times during rehearsals.
     Establishes, with the Resident Staff emergency procedures to be followed in the event of a fire alarm or other unforeseen circumstance; ensures all personnel understand their role.

    Front of House Liaison:
     Establishes, with the Patron Services Team a procedure for opening the house and

    running intermissions; ensures the Patron Services Team is briefed on the hand-over procedure.
     Gives the Patron Services Team permission to open the house, after checking with the production team and cast to make sure all departments are ready.
     Identifies to the Patron Services Team any areas which may require special attention by the ushering staff (actor entrances or equipment in the house).

    Strike:
     Cleans dressing rooms and ensures personal belongings are removed.
     Ensures that all tape has been removed from the rehearsal room and stage floor.
     Ensures props and costumes are compiled in one spot for the production staff to strike.

    After Closing Night:
     Submits the complete prompt book to the General Manager.
     Fill out the post-show feedback form.
     Attends and participates in the Post Mortem.

    QUALIFICATIONS -
     Experience as a Stage Manager or Assistant Stage Manager in professional or semi-professional theatre is an asset, however, if you have an interest in stage managing but have never done it before, don’t let that deter you from applying. The successful candidate will have a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
     Clear verbal and written communication to convey critical information to cast, crew, and production teams.
     Diplomacy and tact when resolving conflicts or handling sensitive situations.
     Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines without losing focus or letting details slip through the cracks.
     Proficiency in creating and maintaining documentation to keep track of large amounts of data.
     Quick thinking and resourcefulness in addressing unexpected issues during rehearsals or performances.
     Ability to motivate and guide a team while fostering a positive, respectful, and collaborative environment.
     Resilience in managing changing circumstances, such as schedule shifts or last-minute technical challenges.
     Dependability to ensure tasks are completed and commitments are honoured.
     Availability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the production schedule.

    CONTRACT DETAILS -
    Duration: January–July 2025 (7 months).
    Hours: Full-time
    Start date: January 2, 2025
    Compensation: Pay is commensurate with experience.
     Potential for Extension: Opportunity for contract renewal and/or transition to a full-time permanent position.

    HOW TO APPLY -

    Please send your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience, skills, and passion for theatre to GM@highlandartstheatre.com by December 18, 2024.