Dream in High Park Site Audience Operations Manager

Position Title: Dream in High Park Site Audience Operations Manager
Status: Seasonal – Fixed Term
Salary Range: $30.68/hr
Start/End Date: June 15 –September 11, 2026

 

ABOUT CANADIAN STAGE

Canadian Stage is one of the country’s leading not-for-profit contemporary performing arts organizations. Sharing innovative work from Canada and across the world, the company stages an annual season across four Toronto venues, including its beautiful heritage building on Berkeley and Front Street, in the vibrant St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood.

Each summer, Canadian Stage also produces Dream in High Park, Toronto’s longest running outdoor theatre event. Attracting over 25,000 audience members each summer, this beloved tradition offers theatre under the stars to packed crowds every night in the heart of the city’s historic High Park.

In its long and storied history, Canadian Stage has employed thousands of artists and produced hundreds of new productions to over 5,000,000 audience members, including the premieres of 350+ new Canadian works. Many of the plays developed by Canadian Stage have been awarded and nominated for Canada's most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including Governor General's, Chalmers, and Dora Mavor Moore Awards.

 

ABOUT THE POSITION AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Ticketing & Audience Services Manager, the Dream in High Park Site Audience Operations Manager will oversee the planning and execution of site logistics related to Site and Guest Services at Canadian Stage’s High Park Amphitheatre programming including but not limited to patron services (non-ticketing), operations staffing, and close collaboration with production, technical, and ticketing leadership. This role manages the planning and deployment of all on-site logistics and teams, including both staff and volunteers to drive both a superior level of satisfaction among our patrons and other stakeholders, as well as revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Accountabilities 

• Pre-opening, in consultation with relevant staff and contractors, review all existing work plans and schedules to ensure that a comprehensive project plan is in place to set up and deliver the Dream 2026 programs in line with timeframes and all parameters set out under the site agreement, municipal and provincial regulations.
  • This includes reviewing site plans, seasonal staffing plans, temporary structures, production and event schedules, guest services requirements, communications, and traffic management plans.
  • Project planning and schedules should cover contingencies that may affect the usual scheduling, such as wet weather and back-up plans in the event key personnel are unable to carry out their duties due to illness or unavoidable absence.
• Establish the overall ongoing operating plans for smooth and efficient operations of the High Park Amphitheatre operations related to all audience touchpoints and services.
• Ensure understanding of all infrastructure elements and services required to maintain the site infrastructure and logistic services for all Dream 2026 site including but not limited to Standard Operating Procedures for audience safety, toileting and cleaning facility best practices, fencing and security, signage, site offices, volunteer management, and associated labour.
• In conjunction with the Technical Director, be the key liaison during the Dream program period on all logistical aspects in relation to the venue and site, including site inductions for other site users and partners.
• Develop and implement strategies for improving processes and procedures to ensure volunteer and staff attains a high level of excellence including updating the Operations Manual.
• Meet regularly with Management to resolve day-to-day problems on site. Ensure that corrective action is taken quickly when necessary.
• Post-Program, create and submit a report on the performance of operations, safety, site and personnel, and make any recommendations for changes.
• Manage set-up and reconciliation of box office.
• Responsible for transporting materials between the High Park Amphitheatre and Canadian Stage’s administrative offices
• Manage and resolve all escalated customer enquiries and complaints with respect and consideration of all involved.
• Oversee inventory management and financial reconciliations for onsite food and beverage concessions.
• Making public announcements to the audience before and after performances as required.
• Ensuring shows start on time and venue turnarounds are executed efficiently.
• Managing patron flow and ensuring capacity is maintained.

Guest Experience

• Manage and resolve all escalated customer enquiries and complaints with respect and consideration for all involved.
• Oversee inventory management and financial reconciliations for onsite food and beverage concessions.
• Make public announcements to the audience before and after performances as required.
• Ensure shows start on time and venue turnarounds are executed efficiently.
• Manage patron flow and ensuring capacity is maintained.

Personnel Management

• Be responsible for the management of hourly and seasonal operations employees and volunteers.
• Understand the IATSE B-173 agreement for Patron Services personnel onsite and represent management in the supervision and direction of those employees.
• Ensure that personnel maintain standards established by the organization.
• Deliver all relevant onboarding and briefings for staff and volunteers.
• Train direct reports to act as the onsite supervisor if this position in not onsite
• Where required, oversee the completion of work provided by external contractors.

Safety and Risk Management and Compliance

• Work closely with Management to develop and implement site and event operation plans that prioritize safety and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations including accessibility, park and environmental protections, and other legislated elements of site management.
• Ensures operations are consistent with the permit license from the City of Toronto.
• Work collaboratively with the Production and Technical personnel in relation to emergency management on the High Park Amphitheatre site.
• Perform the role of Lead Warden in the event of emergencies.
• Post-events, review all incident reports, records and feedback to ensure that the site’s risk management and safety policies and procedures are updated and reflect best-practices for subsequent summers.

Financial and KPI Management

• High Park operations budget preparation and monthly financial assessments to ensure operation within budget parameters.
• Update resources and processes to improve customer service.
• Enhance or create policies, procedures, and service systems to support the goals established for High Park operations.
• Examine reports (e.g., inventory, sales and daily reports) to understand operational activities at the park and to recommend improvements to maximize performance.

 

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of 3+ years of supervisory or management experience in an arts or entertainment environment. Festival and/or large-scale outdoor event experience is a strong asset.
• Ability to work with the public, with strong conflict resolution skills.
• Experience in emergency management, work health & safety policies and procedures.
• Valid Class G Ontario Driver's License is required.
• Experience with managing volunteers.
• Ability to identify key issues and find solutions to resolve them.
• A positive attitude that can be sustained in the face of changing conditions.
• An intermediate knowledge of Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
• The ability to remain affable and calm within a fast-paced and changeable environment.
• Experience in budget management is an asset.
• Knowledge of a CRM system is an asset (Tessitura is preferred)
• First Aid training is preferred.

 

SPECIALIZED WORKING CONDITIONS

• Most work hours will take place in late afternoons / evenings and on weekends.
• Manual dexterity required to use computer and peripherals.
• Ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to work outside in variable weather conditions from spring to fall.
• Ability to lift up to 30lbs.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications should include:

• A cover letter stating the candidate’s interest in the position and relevant experience. The letter should be no longer than two pages.
• A resume

Please merge your Letter of Interest and Resume into one PDF.

Please send your application to: dihp@canadianstage.com and use the email subject header, “Dream in High Park Site Audience Operations Manager”.

Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their application no later than May 19, 2026, though applications will continue to be received and reviewed until a successful candidate is confirmed. Our hiring process does not include the use of AI screening or tools. 

Canadian Stage is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free experience to applicants with accessibility or other needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process.

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we sincerely thank all candidates for their interest and efforts, only those short-listed for interviews will be contacted.