Artistic Director

Company Overview

As the region’s largest professional arts organization, Theatre Orangeville (TOV) is committed to delivering creative theatrical programming that inspires, entertains, enriches, and provides mentoring and development opportunities to adults and young people of all abilities.

Theatre Orangeville plays a vital role in developing community, social, and economic well-being; a critical component of our capacity to deliver is our community’s investment and belief in Theatre Orangeville as a pillar of cultural leadership. 

We regularly partner with many local social service agencies with whom we continually work towards the inclusion, acceptance, and belonging of all people in our community.

Much of our success is driven by the generosity of sponsors, corporate partners, and individual donors who see tremendous value in our ability to bring our community together. This continual support is strong evidence of the reciprocal appreciation between Theatre Orangeville, our patrons, and industry leaders.

With our passionate and dedicated staff of 22 (full and part-time), we host approximately 15,000 patrons and engage with approximately 300 Youth Academy program participants annually.

Learn more about us on our website (Click Here).

Job Description

Responsibilities

The Artistic Director is responsible to the Board for establishing and maintaining the highest artistic standards for the company. In addition, along with the Executive Director, the Artistic Director is responsible for the strategic leadership and management of day to day activities of the company to further the mission and vision of the company in accordance with the Strategic Plan and all by-laws, resolutions, and policies of the company. 

1. The Artistic Director will ensure the delivery of theatrical productions and programs by: 

   • Upholding the mission, vision, and values of the company

   • Developing both long and short-term strategic planning to advance TOV’s continual pursuit of artistic excellence

   • Selecting, developing and implementing the annual mainstage playbill, all Youth Academy programs, Creative Partners on Stage Programs, and every creative endeavor and expression of TOV

   • Conveying the essence and theme of the productions to the marketing staff to ensure clarity, focus, and expression of artistic vision

   • Directing a minimum of two plays per season

   • Dramaturging new works commissioned by TOV

   • Cultivating an organizational climate and culture that attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse top-quality artistic team, promoting personal growth, development, and education

   • Working with the Executive Director on budgets, publicity/promotion, hiring, etc.

   • Providing guidance and support to the Board to assist with the execution of their duties and with their responsibility to develop and periodically review the Objects, Vision Mission and Value Statements, Strategic Plans, and Policy Statements of the organization

   • Attending all Board meetings and Board committee meetings as required

   • Actively pursuing funding to support strategic and operational plan goals and objectives and to support the sustainability of current programs and services

2. Supervision of staff by: 

   • Providing co-leadership to the TOV team, ensuring they have the opportunities, tools, and skills necessary for the development and implementation of their respective goals and objectives 

3. Creating Positive Public Relations by: 

   • Promoting the image of TOV to the public and theatre community

   • Attending press conferences and interviews with media and other interest groups and engaging in all social media platforms

   • Representing, and advocating for, TOV with PACT, other theatre companies, federal, provincial, and municipal service organizations and other arts, culture, and community groups

4. Fundraising and Fund Development by:

   • Collaborating with the Board and senior staff to develop short and long-term goals and strategies around all areas of revenue generation

   • Participating in all fundraising and sponsorship campaigns

   • Speaking to groups to tell the TOV story and develop a broader audience base

   • Communicating with donors, sponsors, and subscribers throughout the season, inspiring their continued support 

5. Performing such other duties as may from time to time be determined by the Board 

Qualifications and Core Competencies:

The successful applicant for the role of Artistic Director shall be able to demonstrate:

• A personal alignment with Theatre Orangeville’s mission and values

• A creative theatrical background coupled with successful directorial experience and proven leadership skills

• An inspiring and engaging vision for the artistic future of Theatre Orangeville; one that is respectful of the company’s legacy

• A willingness to work in equal partnership with the Executive Director

• An unwavering dedication to the principles of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

• A strong commitment to nurturing and furthering partnerships within our community

• An openness to work and create collaboratively and a belief in continued learning

• Interpersonal skills, empathy, and acute listening skills when dealing with staff, clients, members of the community, and general public 

• Critical and strategic thinking, and excellent problem-solving and crisis-management skills 

• An ability and desire to relocate to Orangeville or the immediate surrounding community 

Working Environment: 

• Full-time, on-site position

• Private office 

• Busy hive-mind environment

• Many activities occurring in community settings