ABOUT THE GRAND THEATRE
The Grand Theatre is known for world-class theatre created and built in London, Ontario. As southwestern Ontario’s premiere producing theatre and one of the most beautiful theatre spaces in Canada, the company has deep ties to the community and to its artists, artisans, and technicians. We are World Curious. London Made.
As a vibrant cultural hub and not-for-profit professional theatre, the Grand serves to gather, inspire, and entertain audiences in London and beyond. At our home in downtown London, we create productions on two stages: the Spriet Stage (839 seats) and the Auburn Developments Stage (144 seats). The Grand season of theatrical offerings runs from September to May, and we collaborate with companies and artists across the country through our co-productions that see London-made artistic and creative work travel to audiences nation-wide. The Grand is committed to developing and premiering new work and supporting the growth of theatre creators. Our recently renovated venue offers a contemporary and welcoming environment that is also home to several successful music series’, community arts rentals, cultural and special events.
A cornerstone of the organization is our place as a teaching theatre, exemplified in our many mentorship programs and highlighted in our annual Grand Theatre High School Project. As one of the only programs of its kind in the country and currently in its twenty-sixth year, the High School Project involves as many as one hundred high school participants annually from schools across the region. These students participate at no cost and take on roles both on stage and off, in a fully realized mainstage production under the direction of a professional creative team.
The Grand Theatre is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and Lūnaapéewak Peoples. We acknowledge with gratitude the significant historical and contemporary contributions of local and regional Indigenous Peoples and of all the Original Peoples of Turtle Island (also known as North America). We are honoured to live, work, and tell stories together on this land.
OUR COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, DIVERSITY, INCLUSION & RECONCILIATION
The Grand Theatre is committed to creating and practicing a company culture that ensures an accessible, equitable, inclusive, and welcoming space for all. We encourage applicants to review the Grand’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation action plan on our website to confirm that your personal and professional values are aligned with this vision, and we invite you to reflect on these commitments in your submission.
The Apprenticeship – 2025-26 Season
The Apprenticeship will be an introduction to the workings of a production department at a regional theatre.
Under the supervision of the Director of Production and Operations, the apprentice will immerse themselves in the production management of a large regional theatre. With a strong focus on skills and career development, this position is intended to provide the opportunity to a well-qualified candidate to gain valuable hands-on experience with the tactical and strategic planning and operations of a production department in a large producing theatre.
The apprentice will have the opportunity to shadow in all production departments to better learn the process and needs of the craftspeople and technicians. They will participate in short-term scheduling, learn and practice communications methods, strategies, and supervision skills.
The apprentice will also participate in season planning, including budgeting and scheduling productions, spaces, and departments. They will participate in philosophical discussions around hiring, management, discipline, and scheduling, and learn how to apply those philosophies to the operation of the department.
Throughout the season, the apprentice will learn how the production department works with every other department and will help with the continual improvement in communication and collaboration with front and back of house areas.
The apprentice will also practice many of these skills by helping with various administrative activities, and by collaborating to develop systems and processes that streamline or improve communication with all production stakeholders.
The apprentice will learn the process around the selection and contracting of designers and stage managers, as well as casual crew and craftspeople.
THE CANDIDATE
The candidate will be a graduate of a post-secondary technical theatre or have equivalent work experience and will have at least 1 year of professional work experience. The successful candidate will be creative, curious and passionate about theatre and works well in a team environment.
In order to best serve the needs of the industry at a time where there is a desperate need for technical managers, the candidate must be seriously considering, or already working in production management or technical direction in the live performing arts to be considered for this role.
This position has been made possible by funding from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, Professional Development Department. Priority will be given to applicants from equity-denied groups. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify in their applications.
Desired attributes:
- Highly self-motivated
- High degree of professionalism
- Highly ethical, professionally responsible
- Strong organizational skills
- Good abstract and logical reasoning
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong understanding of the process of theatre
- Friendly and approachable
- Eager, life-long learner
- Excellent collaborator
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Works well in high-pressure conditions
- Excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and experience with Microsoft Teams
Position Details
- This full-time, temporary role reports to the Director of Production and Operations and works closely with almost every department.
- Dates for this contract are flexible, for a total of 8 weeks, but targeting December 2025 to January 2026
- Our work environment is in-person at the theatre at 471 Richmond Street, London, Ontario
- The position pays $950 per week, plus 4% vacation pay.
- New hires must be legally able to work in Canada and must sign on to the theatre’s employee handbook and health & safety policies, which form part of the employment agreement.
TO APPLY
Please submit a cover letter and resume single PDF by email to:
Paul Fujimoto-Pihl
Director of Production and Operations
pfujimotopihl@grandtheatre.com
Subject: PM Apprentice [your name]
Applications will be reviewed as received, up to the application deadline on November 14, 2025. We thank all candidates for their interest in this position.
Applications will be acknowledged as received, but only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.