Artistic Director

The Rochester Civic Theatre

The Rochester Civic Theatre is proud to be celebrating its 73rd season as Rochester's longest running community theatre. The Civic has been an integral source of arts and culture for Rochester and southeast Minnesota. Since their founding, the Rochester Civic Theatre (RCT) has evolved into an award-winning, multidisciplinary theater. In 2020 The Rochester Civic Theatre opened its doors to the non-profit performing arts community and is now home to The Rochester Ensemble of Dance, The Children's Dance Theatre and That Theatre company and a myriad of other performing arts organizations in Rochester.

The mission of Rochester Civic Theatre is to ENGAGE community organizations through collaboration and shared resources, ENRICH lives through education and outreach, and ELEVATE human connection through theatre arts.

Artistic Director 

The Artistic Director shapes all artistic and arts-related programming, including season selection and brand management. The Artistic Director is accountable for managing all aspects of the theatre’s productions and programs. The Artistic Director collaborates with the Education Director on summer season selection and collaborates with the Managing Director on budget, fundraising, and programming.  The artistic director reports directly to the board of directors. 

The ideal candidate will:

Key Responsibilities:

1. Main Season 

• Provides overall artistic leadership and ensures a commitment to excellence
• Responsible for a diverse season selection
• Creates Budget with Managing Director. 
• Selects Guest Artists for the entire season.
• Leads the artistic team in executing innovative programming and high-quality productions. 
• Negotiate contracts with artists, directors, and production teams, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints.
• Evaluate the success of programming initiatives and make adjustments as needed to meet the needs and interests of the community.
• Creates a production budget with the Managing Director and ensures the production team follows it.  
• Collaborates with the production manager on keeping artistic staff on task with deadlines and budget. 
• Direct a minimum of one show, each season, additional compensation will be provided.

2. Additional Programming

• Manages First Saturday programming.
• Manages Newsletter articles written by the hospitality committee
• Coordinates with Education Director on summer season selection
• Coordinates with the Managing Director on any additional programming needed including but not limited to fundraisers or special events.
• Coordinate with Gallery Director on rotating exhibits from guest visual artists and their respective art receptions. 

3. Brand Management 

• Develop marketing strategies and implementation including but not limited to radio, print and fundraising. 
• Works with the Art Director to ensure all printed and digital material meet deadlines and follow a high quality brand standard. Including but not limited to season campaigns and development collateral. 
• Manages Website 
• Manages social media 
• Cultivate relationships with local media outlets to garner press coverage and increase visibility in the community.
• Coordinate with Office Manager and Managing Director on any additional artwork needed for day to day operations. anager and Managing Director on any additional artwork needed for day to day operations.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A deep understanding and appreciation of the performing arts, particularly in theatre, with a strong background in various forms of theatrical expression.
• Extensive experience in theatre direction and production, including a proven track record of successful direction, production management, or stage design that showcases innovative and engaging performances.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to inspire and collaborate with a diverse team of artists, technicians, and administrative staff, while fostering a creative and inclusive environment.
• Ability to develop and articulate a clear artistic vision that aligns with the theatre's mission and goals, guiding programming decisions and initiatives that resonate with audiences.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively convey ideas and concepts to stakeholders, including artists, patrons, and sponsors.
• A background in arts administration, including experience with budgeting, fundraising, and audience development, to ensure the sustainability and growth of the theatre.
• Knowledge of current trends and developments in the theatre world, including an awareness of emerging playwrights and evolving audience preferences.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts, with a focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the theatre community.

APPLICATIONS DUE BY NOVEMBER 15, 2024

Benefits

• .75 time position, salary of $50k/year
• PTO
• Paid holidays
• Benefit coverage details to be determined.