Assistant Artistic Director

Black Theatre Workshop (BTW) is currently seeking an Assistant Artistic Director to work with the Artistic Director in support of reviewing and organizing artistic submissions, season planning and curation, grant writing, copywriting and editing and reviewing program goals. This is also a learning opportunity for someone with a keen interest in Artistic Leadership to work closely with our Senior staff.

Organizational Overview

BTW is a ground-breaking theatre company committed to showcasing and fostering Black Canadian artists, inspiring dialogue and broadening understanding across the country. BTW is Canada’s longest running theatre company dedicated to the works of Black and diasporic communities. Its mission is to promote and produce outstanding theatre that educates, entertains and inspires. The company strives to create greater cross-cultural understanding by expanding the representation of Black Canadian artists. Currently the Artist Mentorship Program trains emerging artists in both English and French in all theatre disciplines.

Responsibilities of the Assistant Artistic Director

• Collaborate with and support the Artistic Director, contributing to the companies, programming, planning, budgeting of events and activities.
• Collect and manage artistic submissions.
• Serve as front line project manager for various artistic projects including workshops, readings, and special events.
• Serve as casting director for productions including writing and releasing casting breakdowns, arranging auditions and coordinating with directors.
• Liaise with project collaborators to establish their interest in and availability for projects.
• Attend showcases, readings, and equivalent productions whenever possible to scout new talent.
• Liaise with artists to maintain and update files including bios and headshots for productions.
• Represent BTW at various industry, fundraising, community engagement, and artistic events when requested.
• Conduct and document project evaluations with project collaborators and project participants
• Assist the Artistic Director with their tasks, which could include working on grants, editing written materials and reviewing program goals.

Qualifications and key competencies

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5-10 years of professional experience in performing arts, which could include any of the following: directing, choreographing, playwriting, dramaturgy, producing, facilitating, teaching, stage managing and/or production managing.
• Demonstrated interest in community outreach and audience development.
• Exceptional problem-solving, attention to detail, completing work in a timely manner and multitasking.
• A strong understanding of the foundations of producing and developing new work.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; professional fluency in French required.
• Proficiency in MS Office with expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Traits and characteristics

• Confident and outgoing personality
• Relationship builder
• Respect for confidentiality
• Exceptional interpersonal skills

Salary range: $20-22 /hour

Hours: 20 hours a week

Contract from February-June 2024.

How to apply

Black Theatre Workshop is committed to reflecting the diversity of our community. We value diversity in our workforce and encourage all applicants who are interested in becoming an arts administrator to apply. This position could be a learning opportunity for someone who is motivated and on the job training or mentoring will be provided, as needed.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume to the Managing Director via email at [email protected]

Application Deadline: February 16, 2024. This posting will remain open until filled.