Posted by The Creative School Chrysalis
Apprentice Heads of Departments
Contract: Full Time, Contract
Salary Range: $32.62 hourly rate
Start Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Contract Length: Approximately 2-3 months; varies depending on role
ROLES:
- Head of Lighting
- Head of Audio
- Head of Stage Carpentry
These roles are intended to provide the successful applicant with support and mentorship as an experienced technician looking to move into more leadership roles or as a junior leader looking for more experience and a team to hone their leadership skills with.
As these roles are in a teaching institution, there will be some expectation of leadership and mentoring of students from The Creative School as they make use of this facility.
This is a term OPSEU 596 position and will operate under the active CBA.
ABOUT CHRYSALIS:
The Creative School Chrysalis is a multidisciplinary venue developing the future of creative experiences and performances. It incubates innovative new performances, trains the next generation of creative talent, and inspires audiences with boundary-pushing creativity. Chrysalis is dedicated to laying an equitable foundation for the future through groundbreaking collaborations in R&D residencies, live events, and community partnerships across academia, arts, entertainment, and technology. Housed in the historic 1200-seat proscenium stage formerly known as Ryerson Theatre in downtown Toronto, Chrysalis is based in The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, a faculty made up of 27 graduate and undergraduate leading programs in media, communications and design.
With generous support from TD Ready Commitment, Chrysalis is proud to continue the TD Apprentice Training Program. This program is designed to equip emerging talent with the skills, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to take their careers to the next level in technical production. This program is part of Chrysalis’ ongoing commitment to training the next generation of leaders in live entertainment production, offering unique opportunities to work in a multidisciplinary and large-scale venue at the heart of Toronto’s creative sector. Through experiential learning and direct collaboration with top industry professionals, participants will gain invaluable insights and real-world expertise, helping to build a more inclusive and resilient arts and culture ecosystem.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work with the Technical Lead to create a learning program and schedule for their time as an Apprentice HOD at Chrysalis
- Attend occasional master classes and training opportunities provided as a part of the TD Apprentice Training Program and make recommendations for future seminars or training opportunities
- Oversee and supervise activities in the Apprentice HOD’s specific department and supervise any students or employees assigned to that department
- Ensure safe working conditions in their respective department in accordance with OHSA, Municipal bylaws and university policies
- Suggest improvements to policies, procedures or equipment related to their department and upon approval work with the Chrysalis team to implement them
- Work with Technical Lead to field advance questions and prepare initial paperwork for partner projects in the venue
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Post-secondary diploma or degree in theatrical or entertainment production, design or leadership or equivalent experience.
- 1-2 years experience in live events or entertainment production.
- Applicants who do not meet these exact criteria, but who identify a scholastic or career path that is comparable are invited to apply.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a resume and cover letter (maximum one page each) to chrysalis@torontomu.ca. Interviews will be held between June 9-11 and June 16-18.
We encourage applications from qualified candidates who are: gender non-binary; women; Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Colour; LGBTQ2S; people with disabilities; people from other equity-seeking groups; and people living at the intersections of multiple of the above. We are committed to providing accommodations for applicants who need them.
PLEASE NOTE: This is an ongoing program where Chrysalis is training the next generation of talented leaders in technical production roles. If you’d like to know about the next round of posting opportunities and future cohorts, please email us at chrysalis@torontomu.ca.