Artistic Director

Company Overview

Since 1990, a Company of Fools has been delighting audiences across Ottawa & Eastern Ontario with our eccentric approach to storytelling. We are a PACT theatre company and registered charity best known for our annual Shakespeare in the Park summer tour which goes to a different outdoor venue 6 nights a week and attracts an audience of 7-9K people for a pay-what-you-can experience. We work hard to bring high-quality, entertaining and thoughtful theatre directly to communities and we have developed a very loyal following. We also have a growing outreach program with schools and nonprofits serving vulnerable communities.

Job Description

a Company of Fools is seeking a new Artistic Leader to spearhead artistic programming and lead the organization into its next chapter. This is a great opportunity for an Ottawa theatre artist who is interested in artistic leadership. The ideal candidate will have a background in professional theatre and experience in arts administration.  

This position requires a high-level administrator who can co-manage the organization with the company’s General Manager, Sarah Finn. We invite candidates to apply who have a robust background in professional theatre (even as an actor, designer, or playwright), however directing experience is considered a strong asset. The company is open to hiring an Artistic Producer who programs guest directors and can maintain the company’s approach to Foolish storytelling. 

Candidates must be able to work in Ottawa and must have full-time availability throughout the summer.

Positions Details

Reports to: Board of Directors
Salary: $43,000
Contract: full-time permanent employee, 35 hours a week. Working hours are flexible in the company’s off-season (September – April) to accommodate a busy summer. Staff are welcome to work from home when it’s appropriate, especially in the off-season. 
Direct reports: marketing manager, production manager, designers, actors, stage manager
Start date: January 2023

Responsibilities:

• Work with the board of directors to lead the overall strategic direction of the company  
• Program and execute the company’s annual Shakespeare in the Park summer tour
• Contract and manage key production personnel, including designers, production manager, stage manager, guest directors, and actors 
• Manage administrative staff, including the marketing manager and tour administrator
• Assist the production manager in hiring summer students and crew members
• Curate parks and performance venues for the summer tour, securing permits when required
• Develop partnerships with community associations, educational institutions, arts organizations, and businesses 
• Research and prepare grant proposals for public and private sector funders
• Report on successful grant applications to funders
• In partnership with the General Manager, implement a $350,000 operating budget
• Oversee all marketing and communications initiatives and work with the marketing manager to develop the company’s overall brand
• Act as a brand ambassador for the company, participating in media interviews and community events as required
• Develop and deliver educational workshops in schools, libraries, and community organizations 
• Lead company fundraising efforts, creating direct appeals to donors and executing fundraising events
• Occasionally heavy lifting may be required to assist crew members during the summer tour

Skills and Knowledge:

• Post Secondary Education in theatre, or relevant work experience
• Experience managing administrative staff and a team of artists
• Knowledge of the Ottawa theatre and arts community, including the challenges and opportunities facing arts organizations today
• Experience with public sector granting portals including the City of Ottawa, Ontario Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts
• A proven track record of successful grant applications 
• Excellent written communication skills with a proven ability to adapt your tone to suit the audience
• Significant project management experience 
• Experience producing live theatre in a professional setting
• Familiarity with the Canadian Theatre Agreement and experience working on a CTA production
• Experience working with software applications (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc) and the ability to learn new programs/web tools as needed
• High attention to detail
• Ability to prioritize daily activities and keep organized 
• Ability to work under tight deadlines 
• Most importantly, a sense of humor! We are Fools after all.