Artistic Director

Company Overview

Green Thumb Theatre is a force within the field of theatre for young audiences, not only in British Columbia but across the country and throughout the world. Green Thumb Theatre creates, produces, and tours plays that explore social issues relevant to the lives of children, youth, and young adults. We provide theatre that celebrates the language and stories of today’s generation and culture to stimulate empathy, debate, and critical thinking. 

Green Thumb's offices are located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the xmθkym (Musqueam), Swxwú7mesh (Squamish), and slílwta (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. As a touring company, Green Thumb Theatre’s work often takes place throughout the traditional homelands of most of the Indigenous Nations and cultures across British Columbia and beyond.

Green Thumb Theatre is actively seeking to dismantle inequity in the theatre sector, and to furthering principles of access, inclusion, and equity in our work. We strongly encourage applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, and welcome members of those communities to self-identify as they feel comfortable. Green Thumb also recognizes that artists and contractors are informed by all facets of their identities. We welcome applicants to inform us of their pronouns if they wish, and to include details about how their identity informs their practice and needs as they see fit. All Green Thumb staff, contractors, and volunteers will be asked to sign off on Green Thumb’s Anti-Oppression and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Job Description

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director is responsible for providing the artistic direction necessary for the successful operation of the organization by following the policies established by the board and using the resources available. Occasional weekend and/or evening work may be required. 

The Artistic Director works collaboratively with other Green Thumb staff members: With the General Manager (annual program and associated operating plan, and hiring of all permanent employees); the Tour & Company Manager (on tour strategy), the Production & Facilities Manager (on creative design aspects of production, hiring of production personnel), the Development & Outreach Officer (on funding strategies and activities), the Administrative Coordinator (on artistic administrative duties such as applicable postings and callback coordination), the Accountant (reporting expenses), and other contract workers and consultants as required.

The Artistic Director is employed by the Board of Directors and acts as an advocate and representative of Green Thumb Theatre to arts professionals, various stakeholders, and the community at large. Evaluation of service, job performance, and contract negotiation are also conducted by the Board of Directors, through the Board’s Artistic Director Search Committee.

The Artistic Director and the General Manager are co-leaders reporting directly to the Board with equal status and authority.

The Artistic Director must demonstrate the following competencies:

• Innovation
• Delivering Results
• Planning and Organizing
• Team Leadership
• Interpersonal Communication
• Teamwork and Collaboration

Definitions and descriptions of these competencies are available upon request.

The Artistic Director supervises the following staff:

• Production & Facilities Manager (in collaboration with the General Manager)
• All technical and artistic personnel (for example, actors, designers, directors, musicians, costumers, props makers, playwrights, stage managers, etc.)

Key Responsibilities:

Artistic Direction

• Identify a philosophical and practical mandate for board approval and produce theatre according to the philosophy
• Select a season of varied plays which fulfills the theatre mandate, and in conjunction with administration, schedule the length of run and number of performances 
• Be responsible to the approved budget regarding artists’ fees and production costs
• Audition, interview, and hire all technical and artistic personnel (actors, designers, directors, musicians, costumers, props makers, playwrights, stage managers) locally and nationally
• Stay current with theatre trends and activities locally, nationally, and internationally
• Encourage the development of new scripts within the confines of the budget and encourage projects for future development, planning their use strategically within the overall direction and budgeting of the Company

Administrative Direction

• Provide consultation on the hiring of all administrative staff and the creation of new positions
• Write and submit the Artistic Director’s report and the year-end analysis for the Canada Council, BC Arts Council, and the City of Vancouver
• Prepare and deliver a report on artistic direction, operations and work underway for each Board meeting
• Implement the strategic direction of the Board as it pertains to artistic production, performance and delivery
• Engage with the Green Thumb staff and the Board to develop strategic direction and the implementation and evaluation of the strategic plan
• Provide relevant input to the General Manger in creation of annual operating and capital budgets

Public Relations

• Promote the image of the theatre within the general public and theatre community in conjunction with the General Manager and the Board
• Attend press conferences, and interviews with the media or other interest groups when necessary and work with administrative staff on the presentation of the Company through the website and social media
• Network and consult with other companies for mutual benefit, growth, and development, maintaining a professional relationship within the arts community both locally and nationally

Fundraising and Funding

• Stay abreast of government and private sector funding opportunities through research and networking and oversee the development of strategies to cultivate those relationships
• Represent the Company to funding agencies and funders, identifying goals and stating philosophy and strategic direction to maintain their support
• Speak to schools and community groups at fundraising events to develop the audience and member base necessary to the success of the Company
• Communicate with donors, soliciting their continued support

Education (as required)

• Develops and maintains company workshops, residencies, and other community and in-school programming, and accompanying collateral, as required, in collaboration with the General Manager
• Hires, oversees, and maintains communications with facilitators for digital and in-person programming, as required, in collaboration with the General Manager

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience with leadership in the Canadian theatre sector
• Experience directing, particularly touring and/or non-traditional venue productions
• Knowledge of past, current, and emerging Canadian playwrights
• Demonstrated experience in new-play development
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Knowledge of the Canadian Theatre Agreement
• Knowledge of inclusive practices with regards to hiring, leading staff and contractors, and approaching mentorship
• Ability to work creatively and collaboratively

Assets:

• Valid, Class 5 BC Driver’s License, or have one by the first day of employment
• Strong written communication, particularly with regard to grant and copywriting

This a 5-day/week, in-person position. With approval from the Board, the Artistic Director may take on occasional projects outside of the organization, provided such activity does not affect the organization’s operations.