Artistic Director

Company Overview

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Statement
Western Canada Theatre is committed to diversity in the workplace and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply, and to self-identify if they so choose. We hope to receive applications from candidates with a broad range of backgrounds including, but not limited to: race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, gender-identification, sexual orientation, class and physical ability (though our office is currently on a second floor, and as such not wheelchair accessible). We are a parent-friendly workplace, with several parents on staff. We invite anyone with access needs or requiring accommodation in the application process to contact us via the email above.

Safe & Respectful Workplace Statement
Western Canada Theatre is committed to the creation of a respectful work environment and supports those who have experienced or witnessed toxic behaviours. We stand up against behaviour that undermines the dignity or self- esteem of any individual, or which creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. We invite all our Artists and Staff to partner with us in speaking up against harassment and standing together in addressing problems when they arise.

About WCT
Whether to inspire, enrich, or most of all, entertain, we boldly make outstanding live art happen here. Western Canada Theatre is honoured to be Kamloops’ own nationally acclaimed live professional theatre company. WCT is grateful to have been creating on unceded Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc territory within the traditional lands of the Secwépemc Nation since 1969 and to have its roots in youth theatre. WCT believes local is global and produces and presents outstanding live theatre through stories that
resonate in Kamloops and beyond on three unique stages. WCT engages with the community both onstage and off, in classrooms and rehearsal halls, in digital spaces, and throughout the city. WCT is a vital community asset and is proud to originate professional works that are recognized regionally and nationally, presenting plays of acclaimed producing companies from all parts of Canada as well as many Indigenous Nations. As we approach our 50th anniversary, WCT has grown into the largest producing theatre between Vancouver and Calgary. Creating a remarkable impact on the national theatre landscape: producing premieres of important new Canadian work. WCT has provided training some of Canada’s finest theatre professionals and showcased our work and our artists across the country. Highlights of WCT’s commitment to the community include educational ventures and regular theatre school classes, developing and promoting new and established Indigenous and Canadian programming, and providing opportunities for equity-deserving playwrights, directors, performers, and other creative artists. WCT is also one of the driving stakeholders behind the long-term plans for a new Centre for the Arts in Kamloops. For more information, please visit us at wctlive.ca

About the Area
Kamloops is a great place to live and work. You’ll have the opportunity to thrive in a city that boasts a reasonable cost of living, gorgeous terrain, active lifestyle, and, of course, the sunny weather of BC’s Southern Interior. For more information, visit kamloops.ca or tourismkamloops.com.

Job Description

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), Matt Eger. 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 the
following:
• 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;