Associate Artistic Director

Company Overview

Obsidian Theatre is Canada’s leading culturally specific theatre company. Our threefold mission is to produce plays, to develop playwrights and to train emerging theatre professionals. Obsidian is passionately dedicated to the exploration, development, and production of the Black voice. Obsidian produces plays from a worldwide canon focusing primarily, but not exclusively, on the works of highly acclaimed Black playwrights. Obsidian provides artistic support and offers training opportunities through mentoring and apprenticeship programs for emerging Black artists.

The company was born out of a passionate sense of artistic responsibility – a responsibility to bring the Black voice, in its many artistic dialects, to Canada’s cultural forefront. Obsidian encourages Black artists to expand their vision of what they perceive, create, and present to a national audience. Obsidian continues to play a prominent role in Canada’s theatrical mosaic by showcasing the work of both emerging and established Black artists.

Job Description

We are looking for an Associate Artistic Director to join our team, the ideal individual will be passionate about our mandate and will be a strong collaborator supporting and implementing the vision of the company. We are looking for someone who aspires to be excellent and authentic, and who shares the company values of respect, inclusiveness and the core belief that at Obsidian, everyone, no matter the job, has a place and voice at the table. 

Our typical season includes two to four productions, various training programs, development workshops, general auditions and ancillary events.

The Associate Artistic Director will report to the Artistic Director 

Duties will include but are not limited to: 

 

• Support all artistic programming including training programs, auditions and ancillary activities. 

• Read, report, and manage new play submissions, and support producing of readings and workshops

• Serve as artistic support, alongside the AD, during tech rehearsals, previews and the run of all productions

• Stay current about industry activity focusing on new work, new people, and new initiatives and see and recommend shows and artists on behalf of the artistic director. 

• Produce wrap-around programming as appropriate (including post-show talkbacks, pre-show events, artist conversations, etc.)

• Assist in the development and execution of annual operating budgets and the setting of financial goals. 

• Work alongside Artistic Director and General Manager as a strategic thinker on short and long-term organizational issues

• Assist in development including grant writing, planning, and implementing fundraising initiatives with staff and the Board. 

• Support in overseeing mainstage production process and production staff.

• Assist in marketing and publicity, audience engagement initiatives and development.

• Assist  in contracting artists and administrative personnel. 

• Participating in Board discussions and strategic planning. 

• Representing the company at public events and speaking on behalf of the company

• Be an ambassador for Obsidian and our work both locally and nationally, and identify ways we can build community beyond the work we do on stage

This is a part time position (3 days/week or 25-30 hrs/week) with a salary range between $35,000—$45,000 commensurate with experience.
 

 

REQUIREMENTS 

The ideal individual will be a highly skilled art practitioner with: 

• minimum of seven years of experience in a professional theatre discipline. 

• impeccable organizational skills. 

• leadership capability. 

• excellent written/oral communication skills. 

• sound fiscal management. 

• ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 

• ability to demonstrate initiative in proposing solutions for various operational and artistic needs for the company. 

• ability to manage competing priorities and complete work in a timely manner.

• knowledgeable of theatre practice in Canada

• strong administrative skills with Microsoft Office, Google Docs, etc 

• excellent problem-solving skills 

• cultural competency with a diverse group of artists, staff and community stakeholders.

• a passion for the arts and specifically theatre.

Bottomline is that we are looking for someone who inspires us and will be inspired by us. Someone who is interested in helping to push artistic boundaries and is passionate about working with Black artists. We are excited to collaborate with an arts worker that is invested in being part of shaping the next chapter of the incredible legacy of this company. 

This is a salaried, flexible, part-time position working year round and will require some work during evenings, weekends and holidays. Overtime worked can be banked and offered back as time in lieu.

Obsidian Theatre is a member of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and operates within the jurisdiction of the Canadian Theatre Agreement.

We are currently working in a hybrid format with an expectation of the successful applicant being in office to work collectively with the rest of the team at least one day a week.