Production Assistant

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the position of Production Assistant. This is a contract position that will provide support within our Artistic department throughout our 2026/2027 season during the three, two-month work periods listed below. Additional opportunities may arise in future seasons, depending on operational needs. 

PURPOSE OF ROLE

The Canadian Opera Company is in the midst of an exciting new chapter of artistic ambition and creative evolution. As the company prepares for its 2026/2027 season, the Canadian Opera Company is seeking an experienced and adaptable, personable, and detail-oriented Production Assistant. As part of the company’s ongoing seasonal needs, the COC regularly engages a number of Production Assistants to support our productions and anticipate hiring multiple individuals through this posting, with additional opportunities that may arise in future seasons depending on operational needs. 

As an important ambassador of the COC’s Artistic team, the Production Assistant provides clear, rapid communication to the COC’s artists, creates a welcoming environment for visiting international artists, and ensures a smooth rehearsal and performance run by providing critical support to the company’s Stage Management team. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the success of an opera production as it takes shape from the rehearsal rooms all the way to the COC’s mainstage. 

Reporting to the Senior Manager Scheduling, the ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment, is eager to assist artists and artistic staff in the planning and run of rehearsals, and has a keen eye for detail in producing a variety of documentation including the maintenance of contact databases. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creating all signage for dressing rooms, water bottles, chorus, supernumerary name tags, call boards, baskets, and folders 

• Creating sign- in sheets for Principals, Chorus, Supers, and Children 

• Copying and distributing production notes 

• Maintaining the scheduling call boards 

• Phoning/emailing cast members with their revised schedule and keeping a record log 

• Updating cast phone lists 

• Scheduling light walkers when shows move to the theatre 

• Assisting Stage Management when needed during rehearsals and tech period 

• Being at the performance calls working under Stage Management for show duties 

• Assisting Scheduling Manager as required and other duties as assigned 

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Working knowledge of theatre 

• An interest in opera 

• Education in the field of technical theatre/stage management 

• Ability to multi-task efficiently within a fast-paced environment 

• Keen attention to detail 

• A friendly disposition 

• An ability to work well with others 

CONTRACT DATES

• The incumbent will need to be available for morning, daytime, and evening shifts including long hours while in tech rehearsals at the theatre
• Contract Periods:
  • August 10-October 26, 2026
  • December 28-February 21, 2027
  • March 15-May 30, 2027
• Any releases will need to be agreed upon by engager

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY
Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. Recently, Ian Derrer was appointed the next General Director of the company, slated to begin his term in July 2026. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, and local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, while attracting the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.  

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion. 

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs. 

Closing date for this post is June 14, 2026.