EmploymenT

Want to spend a summer with Nakai Theatre in Whitehorse?

Nakai Theatre is looking for a Production Assistant to work with us in Whitehorse from June 16th - August 22nd 2025.

The Production Assistant will work with the Artistic Director and Managing Artistic Producer, as well as other contract staff to plan, coordinate, communicate logistics, and deliver Nakai’s summer programming that includes:

Delivery of puppet processions at local continuing care homes and community markets and events (June/July)
Support and Delivery of Outdoor theatre development and production (July/August)

Responsibilities of the Production Assistant will include:

Identifying, sourcing and gathering materials required;
Creating and maintaining schedules;
Partner relations and follow up;
Assisting with set-up and delivery on-site;
Organizing and communicating travel and logistics to artists and attendees;
Helping to ensure participants are comfortable and have what they need to participate capably in the project.
This Production Assistant may be requested to accompany the team on day-trips to sites outside of the office.

We are looking for a committed and detail oriented person who is able to work independently and as part of a team.

Experience and interest in theatre or other arts practice is a priority.
Being organized, with excellent communication skills would be an advantage
Willing and comfortable to interact with the public.
Willing and comfortable and with light building and crafting including things like paper-mache, hot glue guns, tent fabric and bamboo.
Willing and comfortable learning to operate puppets at events.
Valid driver's license is preferred.
Be legally able to work in the Yukon.
Between 18-30 years of age. (This is a condition of the funding.)

We are unable to contribute to any relocation costs, and housing is a challenge here. We will share housing needs through social media and local channels. The past employees' experiences have benefitted from access to a personal vehicle.

Schedule and rate:

$23/hour at 30 hours a week. Work will mostly be four days a week with a few required evenings and weekends for performances. All work travel and accommodation away from Whitehorse will be covered.

Application Deadline: Wednesday April 30th / 11:59pm

Dates of employment: June 16th - August 22nd 2025

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your experience and interest in working for Nakai Theatre in Whitehorse (the more specific to that, the better) to: jobs@nakaitheatre.com

We thank everyone who applies, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All applications are considered confidential. Nakai is an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a more diverse workplace. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply.

About Nakai:

Founded in 1979, Nakai Theatre Ensemble produces and presents high quality, uncommon theatre for Yukon audiences and develops local artists and their work.

Nakai is a professional theatre producer and presenter that supports theatre practice in the Yukon through exchange, training, and development. Our mission is to be an artistic catalyst and convener that helps chart a course for the development and production of theatre that can only be created in the Yukon.

The following values guide our actions and behaviours:

We work with curiosity, generosity and candour with collaborators and partners.
We are locally focused and globally aware
We foster a community-based, professional theatre practice
We are expert at connecting art, artists, and audiences
We foster excellence in theatrical storytelling and performance
We encourage and facilitate public engagement through theatre

Since 2019, we have been focussing on work in the Yukon's 'larger than life' landscape. As part of this project, we are increasing the amount of programming in June through August.

We also continue to bring delight to all through big puppets and music. For the last five years, Nakai has led a series of large puppet-making events and parades for communities in and around Whitehorse. The puppets appear at community markets, local and national holidays and celebrations and annually perform for the residents of Whitehorse’s Continuing Care Homes.

This summer will also see us explore more possibilities for remote and location specific performances that take advantage of Yukon’s unique landscape and culture.