Head Of Rigging – Touring Show

Acrobatic Rigging

Full-Time position

- Please note that this position is for you to tour internationally full-time and to work in foreign countries. *

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head of Department (HOD), Rigging to lead and manage the rigging operations for one of Cirque du Soleil’s touring shows. Reporting to the Technical Director and working in close collaboration with the Artistic Director and Technical Services Team, this role ensures the safety, integrity, and consistent quality of all rigging operations, from daily performances to city-to-city transfers. The Head of Rigging will play a crucial leadership role by managing the rigging team, overseeing maintenance and inspection programs, and supporting both the artistic and technical vision of the show.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, safety-driven leader who thrives in dynamic environments and enjoys the challenges of touring.

The Head of Department, Rigging will have the chance to:

- Manage and supervise the department during rehearsals, performances, training sessions, set-ups, tear-downs, and city transfers.
- Support the Technical Director to hire, train, and supervise employees, including permanent, temporary, and local crew, handling all HR-related tasks (timesheets, scheduling, onboarding, disciplinary procedures, evaluations).
- Collaborate with the Technical Director and Technical Services Team to manage budgets, forecasting, and capital expense projections.
- Lead and contribute to special projects, including research, purchasing, construction, installation, integration of new show elements, equipment upgrades, and technical initiatives.
- Maintain comprehensive departmental documentation, including equipment specifications, cue tracks, maintenance logs, safety records, inventories, and customs documentation.




- Uphold artistic integrity in collaboration with the Artistic and Design teams, ensuring compliance with show standards.
- Operate and maintain rigging systems during rehearsals, performances, and training sessions; run show tracks as needed, including cross-departmental support.
- Develop and oversee rigging safety inspections and preventive maintenance programs; inspect and maintain rigging equipment with proper documentation.
- Serve as an instructor for Health & Safety trainings, emergency rescue procedures, and support the development of technical staff while promoting Cirque du Soleil’s safety culture.
- Provide expertise on rigging safety, climbing equipment, and working at height; ensure compliance with OSHA, local regulations, and Cirque protocols.
- Maintain adequate stock of materials and equipment to ensure seamless technical operations.
- Support contingency planning for system or equipment failures to ensure uninterrupted show operations.
- Participate in departmental and production meetings, city transfers, and act as crew chief during set-up, city runs, and tear-downs.
- Respond appropriately to on-site injuries or emergencies, documenting incidents in line with safety protocols.
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and safe working environment aligned with Cirque du Soleil’s values.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have The Following Qualifications

- College diploma in live entertainment,



theatre production, or equivalent professional experience.
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a professional rigger, including extensive experience in aerial/human rigging.
- Minimum 3 years of leadership experience in rigging or a technical department on large-scale productions and 2 years of touring experience.
- Good knowledge of technical production elements across disciplines.
- Advanced technical knowledge of:
- Fall protection and rope access (formal training an asset).
- Automation systems: PLC, AC motor control, multi-axis motion programming, monitoring systems.
- Structural loads, forces, and general construction methods.
- Mechanical and electronic systems relevant to rigging.
- Cable management, swaging, pulley systems, hoists, counterweight systems, and motor control.

- Proven leadership and team-building skills; ability to foster a collaborative work environment.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CAD software (AutoCAD, SOLIDWORKS).
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with a professional demeanor.
- Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and time management skills.
- Fluent in English (written and spoken); additional languages are a plus.
- Ability to perform the essential functions of the job including, but not limited to: crouching, kneeling, standing, lifting, sometimes for extended amounts of time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin or ancestry.

📌 Head of Rigging – LUZIA (Montreal)
🏢 Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
📍 Montreal