Assistant Director
Ghost River Theatre is hiring an assistant director to work with Artistic Director Eric Rose on our upcoming lab-based workshop of STRUCK.
As a devised theatre company, Ghost River Theatre believes collaboration is both process and purpose. Devised material can only arise out of a commingling of minds. Accordingly, a plurality of perspectives is integral: the more diverse the ensemble, the more rich and reflective the output.
As part of our promise to The 35//50 initiative, Ghost River Theatre is committed to supporting artists that represent the diverse community we serve.
We are seeking someone who has creativity and a passion for new ideas combined with a self-motivating attitude for this mentorship and learning opportunity. We want to work with people who have passion for live theatre and the performing arts and an understanding of current theatre practices and trends, as well as an energetic attitude and the ability to be part of creative solutions.
The Ideal Candidate
- Has education and/or experience in theatre creation and a base of knowledge of devised theatre but requires mentorship and exposure to professional high-level creative processes to take their practice to the next level.
- Is primarily interested in the craft of directing and creating their own original artistic works.
- Is comfortable with observing or participating in the process depending on the needs of the room and their talents.
- Is drawn to Ghost River Theatre’s work and aesthetics.
- Is highly motivated and able to work independently.
- Is task orientated.
- Is someone who will be accountable and can thoughtfully navigate a diverse and highly sensitive group of people.
- Enjoys working collaboratively.
- Is curious.
- Enjoys working and speaking with the public.
- Is open, generous, and rigorous in their artistic engagement.
- Has excellent written and/or verbal communication skills.
- Is available and reliable to attend all production meetings, rehearsals and presentations (Dates listed below).
Duties will be as follows:
- Working with Ghost River Theatre’s artistic director and other staff, as well as the show’s production team and cast.
- Show specific research/dramaturgy.
- Be part of the overall planning process for the workshop production..
- Assisting as needed during rehearsals and workshops.
- Taking rigorous notes during rehearsals and workshops.
- Assisting with coordinating and hosting external and internal learning and outreach.
- Attend events as required including talkbacks, pre-show talks, student matinees, behind-the-scenes events, and more.
- Contribute to collaborative conversations.
- Contribute by taking photos for social media posts (posting will be done by producer and PR company).
- Creating social media content/blog posts and/or generating online content that speaks to their experience working with GRT.
- Attend weekly staff meetings.
Employment will be eight weeks, and we are seeking to start December 6, 2021 and finish February 4, 2022. This would include a paid week vacation from December 23, 2021 to January d, 2022.
The position will be 35 hours per week at $17/hour for a total of $4,790.
If extra work dates are accumulated, you will receive additional compensation. The successful candidate will also attend the 4-Day Devised theatre intensive, November 11 to 14, 2021, and will be compensated for their time and not be charged tuition.
Important Dates
Rehearsals will begin January 4, 2022 and will proceed Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 4:00pm daily. There is a possibility of an added Saturday; however, we offer proper notice and mutual consent. Presentation dates will be January 26, 27, 28, and 29, 2022, in the evenings.
This position is funded through Canada Summer Jobs, so the applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible to apply:
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment.
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Ghost River Theatre encourages diverse applicants regardless of national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression. Ghost River Theatre is committed to the health and safety of its employees and will take all necessary measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Submission Instructions
To apply, please compose an expression of interest explaining why learning and working with Ghost River Theatre and Eric Rose is of interest and how you would benefit the team. This expression of interest can be delivered in a medium of the applicant’s choice (including a written letter, video, audio file, etc.). Candidates are welcome to provide a resume if they choose.
Email your expression of interest to Ghost River Theatre’s Producer, Andrew G. Cooper, at producer@ghostrivertheatre.com
The Application Process
We will be accepting applications until October 12, 2021.
After that, we will reply to all candidates to notify them if they will be moving on to an interview.
Successful candidates invited to interview will be provided with all questions in advance and be compensated $50 for their time in the interview and preparing for it.
Interviews will occur in person (if health and safety rules comply) at the West Village Theatre, located at 2007 10th Ave. SW Calgary, during the daytime, October 18 to 20, 2021. If health mandates prohibit this, interviews will be conducted online over Zoom.
COVID-19 Information
At this time, Ghost River Theatre only works with staff, volunteers, contractors, performers, designers, and audiences who are verified as being double vaccinated. Therefore, please be ready to show proof of vaccination when requested. Options on how to safely provide vaccination records are on our website. Ghost River Theatre will not record or save any vaccine records.
