Interim Artistic Director
Alberta Theatre Projects is preparing for our 50th anniversary season of producing live, professional, contemporary theatre in Calgary.
We create world-class contemporary theatre that blurs the line between the audience and the artist, by telling the most provocative and engaging stories of our time.
By embracing the intimacy and unique audience configuration opportunities of the Martha Cohen Theatre, we offer an exciting new experience for our audience with each production.
Building on the legacy of Executive & Artistic Director Darcy Evans, Alberta Theatre Projects is in a high growth phase and we are excited to keep the momentum going as one of our country’s leaders in professional theatre.
As the board of directors prepares for the permanent recruitment of new leadership at the CEO-level, the organization is recruiting an interim artistic director to oversee creative operations. This role is ideally suited for a seasoned artistic leader who can build upon a season of existing programming and maintain the company’s vision during this period of transition.
About the Position
As Alberta Theatre Project’s artistic leader, the interim artistic director will head the artistic direction of the company as the organization undergoes a search for permanent executive artistic leadership. This role acts as the most senior artistic staff member to fulfill current programming needs, allowing Alberta Theatre Projects to deliver upon its mission and continue to produce and incubate world-class contemporary theatre in Calgary.
This role oversees the artistic team and will make decisions to facilitate the programming vision set for the remainder of the 2020/21 season, as well as the planned 50th anniversary season in 2021/22. Reporting to and working in partnership with the interim executive director, the interim artistic director will be an experienced leader who understands both the artistic and operational requirements of a not-for-profit theatre company and has experience in all aspects of leading artistic operations.
As an interim role, this position will begin as a 0.6 full-time equivalency (FTE) position, meaning the incumbent could maintain other commitments as they join the Alberta Theatre Projects family in this temporary role. There is an immediate need for this role to be filled and the start date of this position will be as soon as possible.
This is a term employment contract with the company and is anticipated to be required until at least October 2021, with the possibility of extension and expansion should operational needs dictate.
Responsibilities
- Lead Alberta Theatre Projects as Calgary’s pre-eminent producer of new work by implementing the artistic vision set for the organization’s 49th and 50th seasons.
- In conjunction with the producer and interim executive director, execute an artistic vision consistent with Alberta Theatre Projects’ mission, vision, and core values, especially with respect to the diversity of the local, national, and international community.
- Mobilize artistic and administrative team members to achieve organizational excellence in an innovative manner by ensuring financial stability, strong stakeholder relationships and organizational resilience.
- Represent Alberta Theatre Projects’ vision, mission, values, and brand locally, nationally, and internationally to inspire support for our work.
- Oversee the producing of the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, making creative decisions for existing and, if needed, new programming.
- Work in collaboration with the interim executive director to ensure balance between artistic direction and financial stability.
- Act as one of the lead spokespeople for the company with members of government, public funders, unions, other trade and professional organizations, corporate sponsors, major private supporters, and the media.
- Build and maintain positive working relationships through effective influence with industry partners, stakeholders, and producing partners (venue partners, co-producers, and presenters).
- In collaboration with senior management, advise, approve and select producing partnerships and creative teams for the development and production of projects.
- Accountable for overseeing the development and execution of productions to meet the artistic standards of the organization.
- Support marketing, development, and production department initiatives as requested for events, campaigns, and other initiatives to further the company.
- Mentor staff at all levels, acting as a champion for a positive workplace culture, including direct supervision of producer.
- Lead play development activities, including liaising with members of the Playwrights Unit and playwrights of newly commissioned works.
- Other duties as required.
Job Requirements
- 10+ years experience in a senior artistic leadership position in a theatrical organization, with an experience in developing new work.
- Experience within the Calgary professional theatre ecosystem, including strong familiarity and working experience within Alberta Theatre Projects.
- Strong financial management skills and experience in creating, managing, presenting, and interpreting budgets.
- Ability to make financially prudent decisions while maintaining strong artistic output.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills.
- Outstanding leadership skills, including as a mentor and coach to artists and creative staff.
- Enthusiasm for empowering staff to achieve priorities; lead a team and inspire leadership in others.
- Strong, collaborative decision-making abilities.
- Exceptionally inspiring and influential communications skills, both written and verbal.
- Effective delegation skills and ability to hold staff accountable to high standards of professionalism.
- Strong skills as a mediator and negotiator.
- A passion and commitment to the performing arts and their value to society.
- Strong familiarity with all aspects of the production process.
- Experience working with playwrights in the development of new works.
- Strong skills in interpreting and leading staff on contracting decisions, with experience working with professionals represented by the Playwrights Guild of Canada, Associated Designers of Canada, Canadian Actors’ Equity Association, and IATSE.
This position requires a flexible work schedule due to operational needs of Alberta Theatre Projects and events taking place in the Martha Cohen Theatre, including evening, weekend, and holiday work.
Application Process
To apply please email a letter of interest and resume by email to Kyle Russell, Interim Executive Director, krussell@atplive.com as soon as possible.
A potential candidate has been identified for this role, but we encourage any interested and qualified applicants to apply. This role will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is confirmed. This position is located in Calgary, Alberta.
Alberta Theatre Projects is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community. We believe in equity and inclusion and strongly encourage submissions from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, sexual orientation, and physical ability.
Thank you to all applicants. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted. For more information about Alberta Theatre Projects please visit our website, albertatheatreprojects.com.
