Monthly Archives: January 2008

Announcement: From the House of the Dead Tickets, T.O. TIX Toronto’s One Stop Tickets Shop

T.O. Tix, Toronto’s One Stop Ticket Shop, is proud to announce that we are
now selling tickets for the Canadian Opera Company’s Premiere presentation
of From the House of the Dead, by Leoš Janáèek. (1854-1928) His final
opera, based on the novel of the same name by Fyodor Dostoevsky written in
1862, portrays the life of convicts in a Siberian prison camp. Stripped of
their dignity, the inmates cling to the stories of past lives, relating
their histories and creating diversions to take their minds off their
dreadful conditions.

Tickets will be available for the 7:30 pm performance on Saturday,
February 2nd, at our downtown booth at Yonge-Dundas Square, as well as
online at http://www.totix.ca. Tickets cost $65.40, and will go very quickly, so
don’t miss out! The booth itself is open from Tuesday-Saturday, 12 noon to
6:30 pm.

Announcement: $169 Million Worth of Tickets Sold in 2005/2006 Theatre Season, Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA)

MEDIA RELEASE    Contact
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    Jacoba Knaapen
416-536-6468 ext 25
January 28, 2008    jacobak@tapa.ca

TAPA announces results of Stats Report
$169 million worth of tickets sold in 2005/2006 theatre season

TORONTO – The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) today announced the results of an industry-wide survey of professional not-for-profit and commercial theatre, dance and opera companies in the City of Toronto. Administered and analyzed by The Strategic Counsel, the findings of the TAPA Stats Report provide up-to-date statistical information about the Toronto performing arts industry. “This is a milestone report that reveals a mature and robust sector where the performing arts are flourishing”, says Jacoba Knaapen, Executive Director at TAPA. She continues, “The TAPA Stats Report proves that we have a healthy industry, and provides us with solid information to attract new business partners”.

Important key findings from the TAPA Stats Report for the 2005/2006 season include:

•    Over 1 million individuals attended a professional theatre, dance or opera event
•    They spent over $169 million on tickets
•    Over 2.5 million single and subscription tickets were sold by TAPA members
•    22% of audience members come from outside the City of Toronto
•    2,800 high school groups attended a performance in Toronto

“The TAPA Stats Report supports Toronto’s international profile as a creative city with an entertainment sector that attracts business investment and a sophisticated workforce to the province and the city. By investing in the infrastructure of Toronto’s theatre industry, we are investing in the future prosperity of our City”, says Mayor David Miller.

This landmark report is the first of what will be a series of statistical studies that will focus on the growing Toronto performing arts industry.  The TAPA Stats Report study and publications have been made possible through the generous financial support of The John McKellar Foundation, the City of Toronto, Toronto Culture and the Ontario Ministry of Culture. The Strategic Counsel is a team of highly skilled market research professionals dedicated to providing quantitative and qualitative research.

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts:
The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts is an arts service organization that represents nearly 170 professional theatre, dance and opera companies in the City of Toronto and works to create an environment in which the performing arts may flourish and maintain its leadership role in the vitality and liveability of the City of Toronto.

Among the programs and services provided by TAPA are: the T.O. TIX Booth—Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square and online at http://www.totix.ca; the Dora Mavor Moore Awards; the Go Live Theatre Guide with current listings for theatre, dance and opera performances; http://www.goliveto.ca featuring comprehensive show listings; The City Special, sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group and the city of Toronto, offering free performing arts tickets to members of communities-at-risk; hipTIX, sponsored by BMO Financial Group, offering $5.00 tickets to students between the ages of 15 and 25; 5 Star Experience, unique and affordable theatre packages; and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund.

For more information visit http://www.tapa.ca.

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Audition: Urinetown, Avenue Road Arts School

Become a member of our ARAS Musical Theatre Company and take part in the
satirical musical comedy Urinetown.  The Company is made up of a talented
group of teens from grades 8-12 who are serious about musical theatre.  In
this class students have the opportunity to develop their singing, movement,
improvisation and character development techniques, which they then showcase
in a final performance in June at a professional theatre venue.

For more information or to book an audition contact Kristina at 416-961-1502
ext. 302 or kristina@avenueroadartsschool.com.

Job Posting: General Manager, Te-Amim Music Theatre

Te-Amim Music Theatre is looking for an experienced part-time General Manager who will help to steer the organization through the next stages of organizational development. It is hoped that this position will become full-time by the end of 2008.

Based in Toronto, Te-Amim Music Theatre is a multi-disciplinary company that mounts professional productions as well as facilitating community and student productions using a variety of art forms, including theatre, music, animation, puppetry and graphic arts through the history, legacy and impact of the Holocaust. Using the Holocaust as a catalyst, audiences are able to explore other instances of genocide, racism, bullying and intolerance both globally and locally. Managing Artistic Director Helena Fine leads the company.

Reporting to the Managing Artistic Director, the General Manager’s responsibilities will include overseeing all daily administrative duties, including budgeting, financial forecasting, planning, tour management, contracts, marketing and audience development/tracking. More specifically, duties will include:

  • Assisting in preparing funding applications, budgets and support material, and assist in developing fundraising initiatives
  • Arrange all education program logistics, including booking teacher and student workshops and school matinees
  • Prepare timely and accurate reports in conjunction with the Managing Artistic Director for all Board meetings
  • Maintain volunteer database and contact with volunteers
  • Maintain accurate, orderly records of audience, schools, foundations, donors and funders (real and potential)
  • Other duties as arising that ensure the professional operation of Te-Amim’s business matters

The General Manage should have the following skills:

  • Experience in and an understanding of performing arts administration
  • Outstanding computer skills in all office applications
  • Demonstrated abilities in grant writing, fundraising, Board liaison, contract negotiations
  • Working knowledge of Jewish organizations and issues pertaining to the Jewish community
  • Cultural sensitivity

Te-Amim Music Theatre is a busy and fast paced work environment and therefore candidates should also have:

  • High degree of motivation and professionalism
  • Excellent written, oral communication and multi-tasking skills
  • Be able to deal with a variety of organizational stakeholders
  • The ability to make administrative/procedural decisions and judgments and to analyze and solve problems
  • Show an excellent attention to detail

This is an ideal position for an individual with experience or in mid-career who is seeking a dynamic environment and growth. The right person can take broad responsibilities and make a big difference.

Te-Amim Music Theatre is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity and invites applications from all qualified individuals.

Fee Scale
Rate of pay commensurates with experience, for 4 days a week.

Interviews
Please note that interviews will take place the week of Monday, February 18, 2008 and second interviews will be required. The position will commence on March 3, 2008. We thank all applicants and will notify only those we wish to interview.

Applications
Please fax or email your current c.v. with a cover letter and the contact information for three references no later than Friday, February 15, 2008 to:
Te-Amim Music Theatre Hiring Committee
Helena Fine
Managing artistic director
Helena@te-amim.com

Audition: Spring Awakening, Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts

SPRING AWAKENING: A NEW MUSICAL – Open Call in Toronto
Seeking Male Singers Ages 17-21 and Female Singers Ages 16-21 for future Broadway replacements and the U.S. National Tour of the Tony Award-winning musical “Spring Awakening”
Audition Date: Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 11 a.m.
Audition Location: Randolph Academy for the Performing Arts, 736 Bathurst Street (corner of Bathurst and Lennox), Toronto
Bring a recent picture and resume and prepare a short folk/alt. rock song. Bring sheet music. Accompanist provided.
7 current Broadway and national tour cast members have come from open calls. Come be next.
Visit www.springawakening.com and call 212-719-9393 ext. 360 for more info.

Job Posting: Costume Designer, Dennis Hassell

COSTUME DESIGNER for community youth show.SHOW: EVERYOUTH, a community youth show, 10-16 actors, approximately 20 roles*. Loosely based on the medieval play, Everyman. If you are invited to interview, you will receive the script in advance of a meeting.

APPROX. DATES: Designs Complete & approved by March 1**. Build complete by May 1. Opening April 15.

DESIGN FEE: $1,000 (Hands on). GST incl.

BUILD BUDGET: $1,000 (plus volunteer seamstresses), GST incl. Youth supply their own footwear and undercostume.

* Each character will need 1-2 simple, cartoony, neon-bright, larger-than-life costume pieces. A few roles are full costume. 1-2 masks.

** It is required that the designer supply patterns that experienced volunteers can cut, piece and sew with minimal instruction.

INTERESTED APPLICANTS: EMAIL project manager Dennis Hassell at scripts@dennishassell.com with your resume and references, and online portfolio link (or attach some photos of your work — no more than 5MB in total).

Workshop: Self-Start: the basics of self-producing, Theatre Ontario

Self-Start: the basics of self-producing
Two hours with Tim Chapman, Theatre Ontario’s professional theatre coordinator, where you can ask questions and get a great deal of useful information on:

  • available resources and services
  • forming a company
  • scheduling and planning
  • getting performance rights
  • budget and venue considerations

Most importantly you’ll discover the questions you need to ask and if you still really want to produce.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
3:00 – 5:00 pm
at Theatre Ontario
215 Spadina Avenue, Suite 210
(just one traffic light north of Queen)
***FREE for Theatre Ontario members***
Non- members $20, Limited Space
Reserve your spot now – $10 deposit required (refundable if you attend)
Sign up at reception – info@theatreontario.org – 416-408-4556

Workshop: Getting Started for Actors, Theatre Ontario

Getting Started for Actors: Theatre Ontario Workshop
Thursday January 24, 2008  2:00 – 4:00 pm
Up to 2 hours with Tim Chapman, our professional theatre coordinator, answering the most frequently asked questions about the BUSINESS of acting.
Find out about:

  • the realities of showbiz
  • pictures and resumés
  • Equity and ACTRA
  • agents & casting directors
  • maintaining and improving your acting skills

FREE!
***Theatre Ontario Members Only***
Reserve your spot now – no latecomers please
Inquire at info@theatreontario.org
416-408-4556

Job Posting: Publicist, Harbourfront Centre

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
PUBLICIST
Marketing & Media Relations
Job Ref. # 08F01-TAPA
Number of vacancies: 1

Harbourfront Centre, on Toronto’s waterfront, is an innovative non-profit cultural organization which creates, for a diverse public, events and activities of excellence that enliven, educate and entertain. Working in partnership with various communities, Harbourfront Centre nurtures and supports educational and recreational activity as well as contemporary artistic creation through showcasing Canadian and international talent. Our year-round operation offers some 4000 internationally acclaimed events ranging from music, literary and theatrical festivals to children’s activities and craft workshops. Harbourfront Centre is one of Toronto’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 3 million visitors and contributing over $126 million to the local economy annually.

Currently an employment opportunity exists in our Marketing & Media Relations Department for a full time Publicist. Reporting to the Director, this position will be responsible for promoting awareness of Harbourfront Centre and its programmes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Gathers, assembles, prepares and writes information on the assigned programmes for dissemination to the media, including World Stage International Theatre Dance and Music, NextSteps Dance Series, Hatch and various other programmes as required.
  • Formulates communication plans in conjunction with marketing, design communications and sponsorship and fundraising. Develops critical paths and budgets for each assignment.
  • Organizes press conferences, media interviews and tours, responds to telephone inquiries; and attends events to coordinate media activities.
  • Monitors media coverage and evaluates the success of each communications strategy.
  • Maintains ongoing contact with all media to provide them with accurate and timely information on Harbourfront Centre events, and cultivates new contacts.

The ideal candidate will be a post secondary graduate in a Communications Program or related discipline with two years publicity experience in the performing arts, visual arts, or community festivals dealing with entertainment media, news media and ethno culturally diverse media. Strong oral and written communication skills and exceptional interpersonal skills are required to deal tactfully with a wide variety of people. He/she must be highly organized, able to handle multiple tasks concurrently and capable of adhering to strict deadlines. Further, the incumbent must be computer literate and strongly versed with web and sound media for publicity purposes. Ability to speak languages other than English is an asset. The successful applicant will be working with an ethno culturally diverse market place and candidates from all cultural backgrounds are urged to apply.

Qualified applicants must apply by JANUARY 25, 2008

Please send your resume quoting Job Ref. # 08F01-TAPA to:

Human Resources, 235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Fax (416) 973-1003
E-mail: jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com
Equal Opportunity Employer