Artistic Director

As Western Canada Theatre (WCT) nears its 50th year of theatrical performance and production, the company is seeking an experienced Artistic Director (AD) to work in a co-leadership role with Executive Director (ED). This is an exciting opportunity to co-lead one of Canada’s most innovative, dynamic, and successful regional theatre companies, located in the picturesque and growing city of Kamloops, British Columbia, on the territory of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc.

Responsibilities of the Artistic Director

The Artistic Director will have chief responsibility for the following:

• Conceiving, developing, implementing and communicating the artistic vision of WCT, in alignment with the organization’s values and strategic plan;
• Planning and preparing vital and viable programming, including an annual well-balanced and artistically imaginative season for WCT;
• Overseeing productions and making artistic decisions;
• Selecting, supervising, and providing overarching artistic leadership to all creative personnel involved in WCT productions, and in key organizational departments;
• Meeting and maintaining established artistic standards of WCT;

The Artistic Director will have co-managerial responsibilities with the Executive Director for:

• Creating an open, collaborative, and productive environment for staff, artists, and volunteers;
• Reporting to and providing relevant information to the Board;
• Contributing to the preparation of annual budgets for approval of the Board;
• Implementing approved budgets;
• Communicating with funding bodies as needed and contributing to funding applications;
• Spearheading/developing sponsorship and donor relations;
• Leading the WCT team, with strong, inclusive, and inspirational leadership;
• Representing WCT in and interacting with the community of Kamloops and region generally, and the theatre community of the region in particular;

Qualifications

Candidates will be preferred who have extensive experience producing and directing professional theatre, managing a professional theatre company, and planning theatre seasons. They will have the proven ability to liaise with public and private sector organizations to further the aims of the theatre, as well as solid leadership skills and excellent communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with the media. Specific qualifications include:

• Minimum five (5) years of senior management experience in a producing theatre organization (preferred) or in the performing arts in general;
• Advanced education specific to theatre directing;
• Knowledge and demonstrated success in production budgeting and reporting;
• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict resolution skills, with the ability to establish and build relationships with key stakeholders;

• An understanding of digital and social media as they relate to marketing and communications;
• Proven success in fundraising, including individual giving, foundations, corporate sponsorships, and government funding;
• Demonstrated experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors;
• Alignment with WCT’s mission, vision, and values;

• Demonstrated understanding of and proven commitment to the values of equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility, with a track record of inclusive, strategic leadership and collaboration;
• Strong connection to the Canadian theatre community, and an ability to develop and nurture existing and prospective producing partnerships;
• Familiarity with the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association and the Canadian Theatre Agreement, as well as the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and other relevant organizations;

Submission Instructions

To apply, please send a two-minute video, along with your curriculum vitae to [email protected]. Your video should give us a sense of why you want to co-lead WCT, what you think you would bring to the role, and a sense of your personality. This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We urge candidates to apply as soon as possible in order to ensure they are considered.