Call for Submissions: International Day of Dance Launch, DUO

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY LAUNCH at Yonge and Dundas Square, April 26, 2009

DUO is pleased to announce the third annual International Dance Day celebrations in Yonge-Dundas Square! We are now accepting applications from artists to perform and teach at our launch event on Sunday, April 26th in Toronto. The performances and workshops will take place outdoors in Yonge-Dundas Square, on the stage. There may also be designated areas off stage for B-Boys or other dance activities, if requested. We are currently seeking funding to offer honorariums to our participating artists.

We want to represent all dance in Toronto and make this a great event, building on last year’s model. We have expanded our activities to include 4 days of events, the Yonge-Dundas Square event being the largest and launching Toronto into 4 days of diverse artist-lead activities. If you are interested in hosting additional free public activities in your community and/or neighbourhood on April 26th, 27th, 28th and/or 29th, please contact us to be included in our outreach public promotions.

International Dance Day is a UNESCO designated day for celebrating dance and dance artists.  People worldwide are encouraged to experience dance, whether it is dancing in the streets or going to see a live performance.

How to apply:

• Information sheet with: Company & member names, address, telephone numbers, e-mail address, and website
• A brief description of the choreography or workshop you plan to offer. We present short works between 5 and 15 minutes, and workshops may be between 15 to 30 minutes.
• Technical requirements (light – sound) and whether you would prefer the stage or an off-stage space.
• A brief biography and dance resume
• Recent reviews
• A DVD or VHS video tape of the work you will be presenting or 2 samples of previous work. Material will not be returned

Note if you are interested in hosting additional free public activities in your community and/or neighbourhood (April 26-29)
Please advise if you have access to travel funds to support your participation in International Dance Day

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 30th 2009
Send your completed application package to:
International Dance Day
Dance Umbrella of Ontario
490 Adelaide Street West, #201
Toronto, ON M5V 1T2
E-mail inquiries to julye@danceumbrella.net

Announcement: Celebrate the Gift of Culture Campaign, PACT

Celebrate the Gift of Culture Campaign-A Proposal for Celebration of the Arts in Canada

The Idea

For the entire month of December 2008, in anticipation of a new federal budget, a viral campaign that involves Canadians from coast to coast to coast in a powerful demonstration of the centrality of culture in Canadian life.

How it Works

Wherever audiences are applauding artists (professional and amateur) a 15 second video recording is taken – panning from the curtain call to the applauding audiences.

Each of these 15-second videos is tagged in the same way at the top: ”Canadians Celebrate the Gift of Culture at the Napanee Community Centre” or
“Canadians Celebrate the Gift of Culture at the Epcor Centre in Calgary” etc.

At the end of each video can be super-imposed something like: “Every year, in communities across this great land, millions of Canadians come together to celebrate the gift of culture.”

Each of these videos is posted on the Celebrating Culture YouTube channel. As you know, when a YouTube video is screened a sidebar comes up of “related videos”. In this way the breadth of the initiative becomes immediately evident and the cost is nil.

Who Takes Part

Every single concert hall, community hall, theatre and school auditorium across the land in which ordinary Canadians are applauding the cultural expressions of other ordinary Canadians.

When is the Video Made?

Anytime between now and the end of December. We should all record anything happening between now and the end of the year and start to post them on December 1 to be added to as the month goes on.

How Do We Get the Word Out?

Each of us takes a lead in sending this invitation to everyone we know in our communities and our regions that might wish to get involved.
For more information or to upload your video go to www.youtube.com/user/celebratingculture.

Job Posting: Managing Producer, Dusk Dances

Position:         Managing Producer
Organization:     Dusk Dances Inc.
Location:         Toronto, Ontario
Contract Fee:     $20,000
Start Date:         February 1, 2009
Contract Term:     February 1 – November 30, 2009

Dusk Dances makes dance accessible and creates opportunities for dance artists and the public to become acquainted in a positive way.

Founded in 1993 by dancer-choreographer Sylvie Bouchard, Dusk Dances is a curated outdoor dance festival of high quality dance in public parks at dusk. An artistic event with a vibrant social character, Dusk Dances presents a wide array of choreographic works, from contemporary to traditional, and from a variety of ethno-cultural traditions. Dusk Dances is supported, on a pay-what-you-can basis, by its strong, diverse and loyal audience, as well as by Art Councils, foundations and donors.

Since it’s inception, Dusk Dances has toured within Canada as well as around Ontario, collaborating with co-presenting organizations, and working closely with communities. In 2009, Dusk Dances will focus on performances in downtown Toronto and in new neighborhoods around the GTA.

Reporting to the Festival Director, the Managing Producer is responsible for the execution of the festival and works in collaboration with the Communication Manager, Outreach Coordinator and Bookkeeper.

This 10-month contract requires a minimum of 17 hours per week for the months of February, March, August, September, October, November and a minimum of 25 hours per week for the months of April, May, June and July.

Responsibilities:

• Writing and submitting annual grant applications and final reports
• Negotiating contracts
• Balancing operating and festivals budgets
• Financial management in collaboration with Bookkeeper
• Prospecting and securing in-kind donations
• Hiring and supervising technical and PR staff
• Liaising with park staff and managers
• Supporting publicity campaigns
• Attending board meetings / preparing necessary documents

Qualifications:

• Proven success managing large-scale projects, special events or Arts productions
• Ability to both direct and implement
• Excellent ability to work with deadlines and within timelines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Previous experience working both independently and within a team
• Ability to build positive relationships with a variety of people and communities

To succeed as Managing Producer the incumbent must:

• have a positive ‘can do’ attitude and look for creative solutions
• have the will to go above and beyond the call of duty
• be passionate about the arts

Knowledge of the dance milieu will be considered an asset.
Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to sylvie@duskdances.ca no later than January 5, 2009.

We thank all applicants; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Dusk Dances is an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring people who represent the communities in which we work. Dusk Dances welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.   www.duskdances.ca

Job Posting: Youth Outreach Coordinator, TAPA

In a strategic alliance, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) and eyeGO to the Arts have entered into a collaborative partnership that enables both organizations to contribute to new behaviour in Ontario youth. With the successful funding support of the Metcalf Foundation, TAPA and eyeGO have created a new administrative position and are seeking a Youth Outreach Coordinator who will focus on growing youth audiences to theatre, dance and opera and building a communications network with educational institutions including high schools, colleges and universities.

The position of Youth Outreach Coordinator will work to complement hipTIX and eyeGO. hipTIX is a component of Go Live Toronto, an arts marketing campaign. Go Live Toronto is a key program at TAPA designed to grow audiences, by motivating and encouraging Torontonians (and visitors to the City of Toronto) to “go live” and experience live theatre. The campaign aims to build a new audience base, to energize the youth demographic and speak to a wider audience. By offering affordable tickets for only $5.00 hipTIX and eyeGO are dedicated to creating a young and motivated audience for the performing arts.

The Youth Outreach Coordinator will be responsible for the development of hipTIX and eyeGO:

• Actively building relationships and partnerships with a wide range of Toronto school boards and related education associations
• Creating a “Teacher’s Guide” for Toronto high school teachers about Toronto’s theatres that are participating in hipTIX, effectively raising their awareness of Toronto’s professional theatre industry
• Creating a hipTIX and eyeGO e-newsletter that will be sent weekly directly to students, teachers/educators who can subscribe at no charge to find out what’s new, what’s playing, and which productions are offering hipTIX/eyeGO tickets. The e-newsletter will feature ‘hot picks of the week’ highlighting shows that are of particular interest to youth
• Redefining relationships with youth by exploring web technology & creating new web initiatives
• Meetings with teachers to discuss hipTIX and eyeGO and arrange class room visits
• Active outreach through visits to high school classrooms to talk directly to the students about hipTIX and eyeGO and encouraging their participation
• Liaising and coordinating with participating TAPA members to secure ticket allotments
• Planning and implementing outreach activities to libraries, community centres, etc
• Preparing monthly progress reports, monitoring and reporting on sales
• Working with the Go Live Toronto Coordinator, Executive Directors of TAPA and eyeGO to the Arts, to strategically develop the future of the campaign

The successful applicant will have knowledge of the performing arts community and industry. The successful candidate must also have experience working with the education sector. The candidate will possess the following skills:

• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proficiency and understanding of working in a Windows environment
• Able to multi-task and prioritize
• Able to work well in a team environment
• Web development and technology skills
• Excellent marketing skills
• Able to work independently

Position begins end of January 2009. Position is permanent part-time, 3 days per week. Salary: $20,000 a year. Please send letter of interest and resume to the attention of Kate McConnell, Go Live Toronto Coordinator at TAPA by email only to: katem@tapa.ca

DEADLINE for applications is 12:00 noon, Thursday January 8, 2009

All applicants are thanked for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts:
TAPA is an arts service organization that represents nearly 200 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 of the City of Toronto.

Among the programs and services provided by TAPA are: T.O. TIX – Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop at Yonge-Dundas Square, The Dora Mavor Moore Awards, Go Live Toronto the city-wide arts marketing campaign http://www.goliveto.ca, and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. www.tapa.ca

The eyeGO to the Arts program began in 2000 in Waterloo/Wellington Regions when community leaders, concerned with the need to develop the next generation of arts goers and participants, decided to be proactive, talk to students and find a way to engage and empower them. The result was a commitment to offer high school students $5.00 tickets at the same time as single tickets go on sale and for best-available seats. Since that time, eyeGo to the Arts has begun to expand nationally. It currently has over 156 partners, and is available in 61 communities and 6 provinces. eyeGO has demonstrated the power of strategic partnerships, allowing the program to expand with minimal financial resources. www.eyego.org

Job Posting: Artistic Associate-Special Interest & Cultural Events, Harbourfront Centre

Please Note: The deadline for applications has been changed to Thursday January 15, 2009

ARTISTIC ASSOCIATE – Special Interest & Cultural Events, Community & Education Programmes
(CONTRACT:  February, 2009 – September 2009)
Job Ref. # 08FC43-TAPA
Number of Vacancies:  1

Situated on Toronto’s waterfront, Harbourfront Centre is renowned as Canada’s foremost facility for contemporary culture. Harbourfront Centre produces the largest multi-disciplinary festival season in Canada.  Our year-round operation offers some 4000 internationally acclaimed events ranging from music, literary and theatrical festivals to children’s activities and craft shops.

Currently an employment opportunity exists in our Community and Educational Programmes department for an Artistic Associate – Special Interest & Cultural Events on a contract basis.  The Artistic Associate will create, develop and coordinate diverse special interest and cultural events for Harbourfront Centre’s audiences.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Develops programme ideas as part of CEP year plan process.  Prepares programme plans and identifies groups and individuals to participate and support the programme.  Writes programme proposals
• Develops programme content, and determines length of programme, appropriate facilities, schedule and volunteer requirements
• Researches and identifies key contacts and organizations to assist us in meeting cultural and special interest programming objectives.  Attends outside events to develop and maintain contacts.  Meets with key contacts to discuss their involvement in Harbourfront Centre programming.  Maintains list of contacts for use by others in the organization
• Determines budget to produce programme, considering both revenue generating projects as well as expenditures, submits to the Director,  CEO and Board of Directors for final approval
• Manages budget expenditures, determining allocation of funds to performers and demonstrators, while ensuring that the programming ideas can be supported by the dollars available in other production and property lines
• Hires performers, negotiates conditions, writes contracts and submits cheque requisitions
• Liaises with community organizations and departments to assist groups in their events.  Identifies staff assistance, potential problems, facilities, and schedules.  Informs community groups of  programme requirements and costs, works with group to produce schedule, and offer programming recommendations in order to produce a successful event
• Negotiates sponsorship through contra donations with outside organizations in order to extend limited financial resources
• Liaises with Sponsorship and Fundraising department to access sponsors that can be integrated into the programming where suitable, and to offer ideas for potential sponsors
• Liaises with Marketing & Media Relations department to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of publicity and marketing strategies for programmes.  Reviews copy and evaluates whether plans will reach the target audience.  Identifies other unique methods for reaching target groups.  Determines signage requirements and submits request
• Attends events to supervise activities, evaluate success of programme and liaise with sponsor group.  Leads volunteers through programme and informs them of their responsibilities
• Initiates and gathers the information for the preparation of the booking and billing contracts, and keeps other departments informed of programme plans; reconciles actual event expenditures to contracts to ensure accuracy of final payments to Harbourfront Centre
• Evaluates programme success and effectiveness in meeting programming objectives.  Collects information from programme participants and other departments, prepares evaluation report and makes recommendations on if, when and how to repeat the event
• Conducts interviews for radio, television, and print media for promotion of events
• Completes special projects/ assignments designated by the Director of CEP

QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS:

• The ideal candidate will have a degree in general arts or education and 3-5 years experience in community work and/or event planning
• Job requires creativity and imagination in developing new programming ideas
• Food programming experience is an asset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to liaise with outside groups, general public and media
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills in dealing with diverse groups and coordinating with other departments and outside groups
• Highly organized to coordinate multiple activities/ programmes
• Good keyboarding skills and knowledge of various computer applications (word processing, spreadsheet and database)
• Basic understanding of programme budgeting

Qualified applicants must apply by  JANUARY 15, 2009

Please send your resume quoting Job Ref. #  08FC43-TAPA  to:
Human Resources, 235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON M5J 2G8
Fax (416) 973-1003
E-mail: jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com
Harbourfront Centre is committed to building a diverse workforce and strongly encourages qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Call for Submissions: Commercial Theatre Development Fund, TAPA

The Commercial Theatre Development Fund assists the Ontario commercial theatre sector through associations with Ontario-based producers who seek to present small to mid-sized commercial theatre productions in Ontario. The CTDF also assists productions that are chosen on the basis of their profit-making potential so that the CTDF remains sustainable.

The goal of the CTDF is to encourage small to mid-sized Ontario productions, with a particular emphasis on original Canadian works or works performed outside of Toronto.

The next deadline is Monday February 18, 2008 for projects beginning after April 2008

The Commercial Theatre Development Fund (CTDF) is funded through the Ontario Ministry of Culture, and administered by the Toronto Alliance of Performing Arts.

Full eligibility guidelines and an application form are available online at www.tapa.ca/membership/ctdf.

Please contact Jacoba Knaapen, TAPA Executive Director at jacobak@tapa.ca if you have any further questions.

Call for Submissions: Dora Design Competition, TAPA

The Dora Mavor Moore Awards celebrate excellence in theatre, dance and opera in Toronto. This year, on the occasion of the 30th annual Dora Mavor Moore Awards, the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is holding a design competition to select a new “Dora Award”. Entries will be judged independently by a panel of judges selected by TAPA, and the winner will be determined based upon the merits of her/his work.

Each year, thirty-five awards must be produced, which are identical in design. They are presented to winners across five divisions: General Theatre Production, Independent Theatre Production, Dance, Opera, Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA).

The budget for design and production of the thirty-five awards is $10,000. This must include all materials, design and labour. The total production cost of an individual award must not exceed $275.

TAPA will cover the cost of the first build up to $500 for the winning selection.

For more information and to download the application form please go to www.tapa.ca/doras/dora_award_contest

Space for Rent: Office Space To Sublet, Cahoots Theatre Projects

$925 / 310ft² – Great office to sublet with option to renew (Queen and Spadina).

Office available to sublet from January until September 2009 with option to renew. 310 square feet with 2 separate rooms for $925/month including GST, heat and hydro. Move in flexible. Perfect for small arts organization or for two individual artists to share.

Heart of downtown Toronto on Spadina Ave, north of Queen W. Close to Entertainment District, Fashion District, Chinatown, Kensington Market, Queen West, College Street, Financial District. Older, secure building with solid brick walls and high ceilings, and has lots of character. Arts friendly building.

Email sandra@cahoots.ca or call 416.203.9000.

Workshop: Playwriting & Dramaturgy Class with Brian Quirt, Tarragon Theatre

ONLY A FEW SPACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR JANUARY-FEBRUARY

Course Description:
Intended as a practical look at the life of playwriting and its intersection with dramaturgy, this course will include: writing exercises and generating material in class, practical discussions on how to work with a dramaturg and/or director, expectations for playwrights in a workshop environment, as well as hearing from established playwrights-in-residence at Tarragon.
Cost: $380 (limited enrollment)
For more information visit:
http://www.tarragontheatre.com/outreach/artists/playwrighting-class.php

Job Posting: Stage Manager, Birdland Theatre

Contact name: Kate McConnell
Contact email: katebirdland@gmail.com
Contact phone: 416.977.8500
Website: www.birdlandtheatre.com
Production name: THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT
Deadline to submit: 01/02/2009
Date production rehearsal/job starts: 03/04/2009
Audition dates:

Additional information:

BirdLand Theatre is currently accepting Stage Manager resumes for our 2009 remount of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. This production requires an experienced Stage Manager with a technical background.  This engagement is scheduled to commence March 4, 2009 and end April 15, 2009.

Please send resumes to:

Kate McConnell
Associate Producer
Birdland Theatre
401 Richmond St. W., Suite 366
Toronto ON M5V 3A8
katebirdland@gmail.com

No calls please
Only successful applicants will be contacted.