Artistic Director, The Grange Theatre at Artistree

Artistree is a nonprofit community arts center based in South Pomfret, VT, encompassing a wide variety of artistic experiences, including artistic enrichment and studio spaces, an exhibition gallery, musical performance space, and the Grange Theatre, a state-of-the-art 75-seat theatre located on Artistree's campus. Artistree is seeking a Theatre Artistic Director to join our team and lead the conceptualization, development, implementation, and oversight of Artistree's programming at the Grange Theatre. The Artistic Director supports the strategic vision established by the Executive Director and leads a collaborative approach to theatre educational programming as well as a schedule of professional and community theatre productions and performances.

The Artistic Director position reports to the Executive Director, and will work in collaboration with the Theatre Educator, Programming Director, and Artistree programming staff to ensure that the Artistree Theatre program realizes its goals for: a full year round calendar; a diverse array of educational programming; artistic excellence; community collaborations; audience engagement; and financial sustainability.

The Artistic Director role is a full-time position at our South Pomfret, VT campus, reporting to our Executive Director. The role is typically Monday through Friday during business hours, with some weekend and evening activities as required. The salary range for this position will be $60,000 to $65,000 per year, based on experience.


Essential Responsibilities
ORGANIZATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM SUPPORT
Coordinate with the Executive Director to develop and periodically evaluate an overall strategy to execute on the Theatre's major objectives, including the Theatre's educational offerings. Develop a permanent staffing plan for the Theatre in support of this strategy.
Collaborate with the Programming Director and Theater Educator to develop and evaluate youth, adult and family workshops and classes in a variety of theater disciplines. Prioritize development of programming that can be offered on a consistent basis and address a wide audience at a variety of experience and skill levels.
Produce Artistree Community Theater (ACT) Jr. programming in conjunction with the Theatre Educator. Build enriching summer and year-round youth theatre programming offerings in a collaborative and cost-conscious manner.
Work with the Programming Director to identify, recruit, and manage temporary and/or contracted staff for teaching occasional advanced or special theatre classes/workshops. Develop a sustainable program for having visiting performers and artists provide workshops and/or similar educational experiences.
Support the Theatre Educator and other Theatre staff with professional development and support to grow their skills and enhance the Theatre's overall capabilities.
CREATIVE PLANNING AND OVERSIGHT
Develop, implement and evaluate a full slate of programming throughout the year, including, but not limited to, ACT programming, ACT Jr. programming, the development and production of Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Programs, and any Artistree-produced Equity performances. Explore the development of programs consistent with Artistree's mission.
Keeps the Executive Director and all staff updated on a regular basis as to the programming calendar, to ensure coordination on programming throughout the year and close collaboration with Artistree's various other programming areas.
THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Oversee all productions in the Grange Theatre, either by directing productions or by identifying and engaging outside directors.
Work with the production director (as appropriate) to identify, engage, and oversee production personnel, including cast, crew, technical staffing.
Oversee and schedule technical assistance to organizations and individuals who rent space in the Grange Theatre.
Oversee the maintenance plan for all technical systems and equipment within the Grange Theatre. Collaborate with the Music Department regarding Artistree Technical Equipment.
Create and establish production budget goals with the Finance Department and Executive Director, use resources wisely, and assist in keeping collaborators accountable and responsible with their allocated budgets. Work with the Finance Department to monitor budgets monthly and track spending.
May have the opportunity to direct and/or act in productions as appropriate and desired.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Serves as advocate and spokesperson for Artistree and Artistree's Theater Programming in the community including public and social appearances, and, as requested, at fundraising events and solicitations when time and schedule allows.
Fosters the development of positive and collaborative relationships with other cultural/arts organizations and schools in the community and the Upper Valley, including participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate.
GRANGE THEATRE ADMINISTRATION
Manage the administration of the Grange Theatre including box office/ticket sales, coordinating concessions, ensuring staffing for shows. Develop House Manager function to ensure front-of-house support for shows and performances.
Serve as the point person for community group uses and rentals of the Grange Theatre.
Coordinates school and group attendance at select shows in collaboration with Artistree office administration.
Oversee all marketing, advertisement, programs, and printed materials for the Theatre. Collaborate with Marketing Manager and Event Manager on promotional and marketing strategies for Theater programming.
Oversee the scheduling of the calendar year: season productions, auditions, workshops, special events in the Grange Theatre and in other venues at Artistree. Create, update, and maintain the Theatre Programming Calendar. Work in collaboration with Theatre staff to build comprehensive plans for each event including rights, budgets, staffing, and technical needs.
Serve as the primary point of contact for Artistree's relationship with Actors Equity, including contractual updates, season proposals, and ongoing administrative requirements associated with Equity productions. While the primary focus of the Grange Theatre's performance schedule is to support and cultivate community theatre offerings and experiences, the Grange does maintain a relationship with Equity for its professional theatre productions.
Recruit, oversee, and mentor artistic personnel, including directors, performers, designers, and stage managers as needed for all theatre programming. Manage contracts and written procedures for outside directors, production staff and outside talent.
Work with the Finance Department to ensure that job descriptions and hours are appropriate and up to date, and to ensure compliance with Artistree policies and procedures, Equity rules, and relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Work with the Finance Department to develop and track the annual Theater Program budget.
Work with the Development Manager on strategies or theater program support including sponsorship opportunities.


Position Profile
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will have at least five (5) years experience in a theater or related educational setting, including extensive experience managing a theater company and/or performing arts venue. Experience working with Actors Equity and/or in an Equity theater is preferred.
Bachelor's degree within theater, drama, arts administration or a related field of study is preferred.
Strong human relations and communication skills required.
Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed for theater rehearsals and productions.
Strong leadership abilities as demonstrated through prior experience as a creative or artistic director.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
Teamwork -- Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; puts success of team above own interests; supports organizational efforts to succeed and fosters cross-program collaboration at Artistree.
Artistic Vision -- Ability to develop an array of creative, engaging and artistically relevant programming, in collaboration with the Artistree organization as well as the wider community.
Communication + Interpersonal Skills -- Strong professional communication skills; Strong listening skills; Able to work with a range of audiences from children to theater professionals.
Ethics + Judgment -- Treats people with fairness and respect; Tactfully approaches others, works with integrity, and exhibits sound judgment.
Attention to Detail + Adaptability -- Self-motivated and manages competing demands; Strives to meet a standard of excellence in theater.
Budget + Financial Management -- Ability to develop budgets and meet budget goals. Able to work efficiently and be creative in achieving production goals with an eye toward financial sustainability.