Artistic Director and/or Artistic Direction Team

Company Overview

The Improv Centre is Vancouver’s leading and best known improv theatre company. It was originally formed in 1981 under the name The Vancouver TheatreSports League.

It was founded to promote, develop, maintain and present improvisational theatre productions and presentations to local and visiting audiences in Vancouver. The Improv Centre office and 186 seat theatre are located on Vancouver’s Granville Island. Each year, over 60,000 audience members, artists and students enjoy our theatre’s productions.

Job Description

Improv Centre (TIC) is accepting proposals from enthusiastic and energetic individuals for the role of Artistic Director or Artistic Direction Team (more than one individual working together). With General Auditions set to take place this summer, it is a time of renewal for the organization, and we are look forward to receiving proposals from individuals eager to infuse their creative vision and continue to evolve our organization.   

Reporting to the Managing Director (MD), the Artistic Director or Artistic Direction Team (AD) leads the organization in all matters that support and sustain TIC’s artistic and programming goals. The Improv Centre’s AD is responsible for shaping, communicating, and implementing the artistic vision of TIC; overseeing the continued development of TIC’s ensemble; overseeing TIC’s diversity, equity and inclusivity objectives; and making major decisions regarding the hiring and ongoing professional development of artistic staff. 

ARTISTIC LEADERSHIP
o    Develop and communicate a clear artistic statement / vision;
o    Develop and implement a strategic plan (together with the MD);
o    Artistically lead the organization through our core values (integrity; diversity, equity & inclusivity, safety, and community focus);
o    Commit to help cultivate an anti-racist, gender progressive, culturally aware, anti-discrimination, inclusive organizational culture, and environment;
o    Foster strategic relationships with other artistic entities in the greater community and internationally;
o    Manage and address challenges proactively in the internal and external environment to protect the organization’s interests.

ENSEMBLE FORMING & GROWTH
o    Design and implement ensemble formation processes (e.g., auditions, scouting, etc.) and develop casting values;
o    Plan, deliver and/or coordinate ensemble rehearsals and professional development workshops;
o    Provide performer feedback and cast notes as guided by artistic values and vision;
o    Create avenues for artistic and professional development of performers and directors.

PROGRAMMING
o    Develop and communicate annual artistic programming that aligns with TIC’s values in support of artistic excellence;
o    Encourage the development of new shows and formats;
o    Manage show lifecycle process (e.g. creation, revision, rehearsal, pre-production, post-show evaluation).

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: 
•    5+ years of professional improv experience (fluent in short form, long form, and iTi formats);
•    5+ years of experience in teaching and/or directing and/or producing improv and/or theatre;
•    2+ years of experience in a leadership position.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS: 
•    Strong aptitude for verbal and written communication, as well as relationship development;
•    Attention to detail and strong organizational skills;
•    Strong entrepreneurial spirit;
•    Working collaboratively and independently;
•    Ability to problem solve under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances;
•    A passion for the arts and the non-profit sector;
•    Knowledge of best practices in management and governance.