Interim Artistic Director

Company Overview

Mandate

Ship’s Company Theatre develops, produces and presents unique, high-quality theatre, music, and events for all. Based in Taqamiku’jk, Mi’kmaki (Parrsboro, Nova Scotia) we are dedicated to providing professional programming with a focus on innovation, inclusion and cultural leadership. We are passionate about highlighting artists, stories and communities anchored in the Atlantic region. 

Mission Statement

To tell and create stories as unique as the landscape of Taqamiku’jk, Mi’kma’ki.

Ship’s Company Theatre seeks to fulfill its mission by following our Strategic Plan’s Four Pillars 

• Bridging community: To build and sustain better community connections.
• An invitation to everyone: To co-create a more equitable and inclusive community.
• More than a building, a presence: To work so we are prepared to house and protect the physical future of The Ship.
• A Home for hidden stories: To build and maintain a space where the untold and hidden stories of Atlantic Canadians can flourish.

Job Description

Submission Deadline: 03/07/2025
Start Date: 06/11/2025
Salary/Compensation: Full time: $850 per week (Approx. 40 hours). Part time: $425 per week. (Approx. 20 hours)
Schedule: June 11th-July 11th (Part time hours) 
July 12th-October 31, 2025 (Full time hours) 
Contact: Blaze Fraser – admin@shipscomapnytheatre.com 902-254-2003 ext. 4

Ship’s Company Theatre is seeking an interim Artistic director to cover a four month parental leave from June 11th – October 31, 2025. (Part time from June 11th- July 11th and Full time from July 12th-October 31st)

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim Artistic Director will oversee the execution of Ship’s Company Theatre’s 2025 summer season including both main stage shows, our music series and Picnic Play series. The Interim Artistic Director will also oversee all artistic staff throughout the season including actors, directors, stage managers, designers and technical staff. They will work closely with the General manager overseeing summer staff and the season budget. They will work with the Marketing Director assisting with social media and marketing plans. The interim AD will also look for opportunities for funding and continue to foster and maintain relationships with local businesses, core funders, sponsors and the community at large.

Key Responsibilities:

• Championing the strategic priorities, artistic vision and mandate of the Theatre.
• Overseeing the production of high quality mainstage productions and ancillary programs.
• Grant writing and reporting.
• Maintaining and cultivating strong relationships with local businesses, core funders, sponsors and the community at large.
• Contributing to the Theatre as a safe, fair, encouraging and dynamic workplace.
• Fostering and maintaining the local and national public image of the Theatre as a centre for cultural expression.

Experience:

This role is ideal for someone looking to become a full time artistic director in the future and wants to build their skills in artistic management, donor relations, grant writing, and producing.
The ideal candidate is someone with previous artistic producing experience or experience in an artistic leadership role.

• 2 or more years experience in artistic producing or in an artistic leadership role.
• Familiarity with the artistic community of the Atlantic Canadian region as well as the Canadian theatre industry.
• Experience in dramaturgy and the development of new work.
• Experience directing theatre productions
• Financial management skills and experience in creating and managing budgets.
• Excellent stakeholder relations and community outreach abilities.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Efficient time management skills.
• Post-secondary education in an artistic discipline and/or Arts Management or Business Administration. Education in other specializations or equivalent work experience will be considered. (Asset)
• Experience in Human Resources policies and procedures. (Asset)
• Knowledge of the Canadian Equity Actors Association and Associated Designers of Canada. (Asset)
• Cultivating strong relationships with local businesses, core funders, sponsors and the community at large.

About Ship’s Company: 

Located within Awokun, Mi’kma’ki, Ship’s Company Theatre is a professional, nationally recognized, not-for-profit seasonal theatre located in Parrsboro, NS. For 40 years, we have been a prime centre for the production and development of Canadian and Atlantic theatre and are a cultural hub in Cumberland County, Nova Scotia.

Mandate
Ship’s Company Theatre develops, produces and presents unique, high-quality theatre, music, and events for all. Based in Taqamiku’jk, Mi’kmaki, we are dedicated to providing professional programming with a focus on innovation, inclusion and cultural leadership. We are passionate about highlighting artists, stories and communities anchored in the Atlantic region.

Mission Statement
To tell and create stories as unique as the landscape of Taqamiku’jk, Mi’kma’ki.
Ship’s Company Theatre seeks to fulfill its mission by following our Strategic Plan’s Four Pillars 

• Bridging community: To build and sustain better community connections.
• An invitation to everyone: To co-create a more equitable and inclusive community.
• More than a building, a presence: To work so we are prepared to house and protect the physical future of The Ship.
• A Home for hidden stories: To build and maintain a space where the untold and hidden stories of Atlantic Canadians can flourish.

FURTHER DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION:

Core Relationships

• Report to the Board of Directors on all areas of responsibility
• Collaborate with the General Manager, and the Marketing and Development Director in areas of responsibility, such as artistic management, programming, budgeting, and grant writing.
• Represent the Theatre in developing relationships within the community, regionally and nationally.
• Contribute to strengthening relationships with local businesses, sponsors, volunteers, members and donors.

Artistic Responsibilities

• Lead mainstage productions creatively within directing/writing/dramaturgy/designing.

Management

• Lead human resources for all creative teams and artistic personnel, including recruitment, grievance management, performance review, and policy adherence, with support from the General Manager and the Board.
• Liaise with unions and professional associations, ensuring the Theatre always remains in good standing.
• In conjunction with the General Manager, collaborate  with staff to ensure consistent Front-of-House management and excellence in patron services.
• Contribute input to management policies and procedures for development and implementation.

Community Liaison

• Foster communication and engagement with the community.

Fundraising and Stakeholder Stewardship

• In collaboration with the General Manager, develop grant proposals, manage grant reporting, identify new opportunities for funding and maintain good relationships and good standing with our public funders.
• In collaboration with the General Manager and other staff, manage and enhance existing and new relationships with sponsors, foundations and donors.

Promotion and Marketing

• Provide input, information and relevant details to assist in marketing each production.
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Community Relations Director and other staff to increase revenue development to promote sponsorship opportunities for each production and event.
• Ensure comprehensive and appropriate use of print media, social media and website content.
• Supply input on any brand development or re-development initiatives.
• Participate in media interviews and liaise with creative teams to optimize any media opportunities.

Finances

• Ensure proper financial management for all areas of responsibility.
• Support the General Manager to ensure the Theatre operates within the approved budget and all financial transactions are completed in a timely fashion.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

• a writing sample which 1) effectively demonstrates your unique perspective on the role of an artistic leader at a small, professional theatre in rural Nova Scotia and 2) communicate ways in which equity and diversity initiatives would continue to be implemented at The Ship in your work as Artistic Director of Ship’s Company Theatre.
• an up-to-date resume/CV.
• contact information for two professional references.

Please submit applications with all attachments as a single PDF to the submission email admin@shipscompanytheatre.com with the subject line: SHIP INTERIM AD 2025. Applications will be accepted until March 07, 2025 or until the position has been filled.

Ship’s Company Theatre is committed to equity, accessibility, and transparency at all points in the selection process. The Artistic Director Hiring Committee will consider whether any qualifications identified for the position can be developed or transferred from relevant experience. Should you not meet all essential qualifications for the position but have demonstrated experience as an artistic leader in our region, we encourage you to apply. If you are experiencing any obstacles relating to the application process or schedule, please contact admin@shipscompanytheatre.com and we will work with you to meet your needs.