Job Posting: Executive Director, Burlington Performing Arts Centre

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre invites applications and referrals for the position of Executive Director of this brand-new facility

The Burlington Performing Arts Centre:

Scheduled to open in 2011, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre will be both a performance venue for the arts and a new civic centre where the community will be able to host productions, receptions, exhibitions, community functions, and accommodate large civic events.

Located in the heart of downtown Burlington, the new 63,000 square foot Centre has been designed by the internationally renowned firm of Diamond + Schmitt Architects Inc.  The Centre will feature a 730-seat Main Stage Theatre with a six-storey fly tower, a Community Studio Theatre (a multi-purpose space that can accommodate activities such as rehearsals, meetings, recitals, and rotating exhibits), atrium space, offices, and a Family Lobby and Mezzanine.  Parking is available at an adjoining attached municipal garage.  A LEED-certified building (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the project is destined to be Ontario’s first stand-alone green performing arts centre.

A $36 million project, the new Burlington Performing Arts Centre will not only be an excellent venue for performances, it will also be a much-needed community gathering space capable of hosting conferences and corporate and community events.  The flourishing Burlington arts community (comprised of more than 60 for-profit and not for profit groups) has long lacked adequate space and facilities; many must choose venues outside the city in which to perform.

The Position of Executive Director:

Reporting to a new created Board of Directors, the Executive Director as the Chief Operating Officer of the corporation is responsible in the short term for innovating all procedures, processes, and policies relating to the successful opening of a successful performing arts venue.  Duties and responsibilities include creating an operating team, operating protocols, and business strategies for an entirely new Corporation.  The Executive Director must develop a financial and programming plan for the opening season, create effective partnerships with arts and culture groups, the business community, sponsors, donors, and neighborhood residents, and shepherd the new organization through the final phases of its construction to its formal opening and first season.

Long-term, in partnership with the new Board, the Executive Director would develop an effective economic operating model for a successful performing arts centre, balancing between community-based arts groups, the Centre’s own programming, and other community/corporate rentals and usage.  The Executive Director would be responsible for general operations, budget development, strategic planning, general administration, revenue generation, and community liaison, overseeing staff working in such areas as marketing, fund-raising, programming, box office, front of house, technical and artistic operations, building maintenance, and finance.

The City of  Burlington:

Chosen in 2009 at one of Canada’s top 4 “Best Places to Live” by MoneySense magazine, the City of Burlington is home to a number of leading companies with global mandates.  With enviable access to regional, national and international transportation networks, Burlington is central to the Golden Horseshoe, one of the most prosperous areas in Canada.  A charming area with a vibrant history and an historic downtown, Burlington is home to many cultural/recreational organizations including the Burlington Art Centre, the Royal Botanical Gardens, Discovery Landing, the Joseph Brant Museum, The Aldershot Players, the Burlington Teen Tour Band, Theatre Burlington, Burlington Student Theatre, and Drury Lane Theatrical Productions.

With the mission to become the best and most inclusive performing arts and community centre in Ontario by 2020, the Burlington Performing Arts Centre seeks an industry professional who will be an articulate champion, a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader with a thorough grounding in performing arts facility management and arts programming.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have previous senior experience in leading an arts venue through its opening season, a minimum of seven years of not for profit arts venue management, and a university degree  in arts and/or business management or equivalent experience in facility management and administration.

The new Executive Director will have excellent analytical, financial and organizational skills, with demonstrated leadership in fund-raising.  Other necessary characteristics would include political savvy and diplomacy, good oral and written communication skills, a track record in community participation and partnership, experience in labor negotiations, and knowledge of ancillary businesses such as catering, ticketing, corporate rentals, and the like.

The Executive Director represents the Centre to the public, the media and the performing arts industry at large through leadership and participation in community activities.  The Centre has a pivotal role in the cultural, educational and economic enrichment of the City of Burlington; the Executive Director must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, the media, artists, board members, artist managers, other arts groups, sponsors, educational institutions, volunteers, and the audience.

Other Information and Application Process:

Salary commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest, resume, and list of references by Monday, November 16, 2009 in confidence to:

Margaret Genovese

Senior Partner

GENOVESE, VANDERHOOF & ASSOCIATES

77 Carlton Street, Suite 1103

Toronto, ON, Canada  M5B 2J7

416/340-2762; Fax: 416/340-6276

gvasearch@gmail.com

For additional information see:  www.genovesevanderhoof.com or www.burlingtonpac.ca

Workshop: Performance Perception Strategies for Positive Change, Artists’ Health Centre

Performance Perception Strategies for positive change with Dr. Douglas B. Misener Psychologist and Kinesiologist

Saturday October 24, 2009

Al & Malka Green Artists’ Health Centre
Toronto Western Hospital (3rd floor, West Wing)
399 Bathurst Street, Toronto ON

Participants will examine the role of the performer in the context of their daily lives. This workshop is an opportunity to explore the integration of the body and mind as part of an approach to overall health care and well-being. Topics to be covered include:

• Motivation and self-confidence
• Enhanced performance training
• Coping strategies and recovery

Dr. Douglas B. Misener is a Rehabilitation Psychologist with a doctoral degree from the University of Toronto.  He was certified as a Kinesiologist in 1997 and has been employed in a variety of positions relating to rehabilitation psychology providing both assessment and treatment services. As a psychologist and kinesiologist he believes the integration of body and mind are the keys to good health and personal fulfillment.  He has worked as a consultant to such organizations as the Canadian Sport Centre Ontario, National Ballet of Canada, and Women’s College Sport C.A.R.E. He has also worked with individuals experiencing pain management difficulties. Dr. Misener uses a cognitive-behavioural model of counselling to address a variety of conditions impacting on everyday functioning in the home, community and workplace.

Workshop: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Workshop fee: $25 / Students & Seniors: $15 (20% discount for TAPA Members!)

To register please contact us at:

Phone: 416.351.0239
Email: info@ahcf.ca
Or visit our website to print off and mail in a registration form at: http://www.ahcf.ca/performance.shtml

Pre-registration is required, as space is limited.

For your comfort, this is a scent-free workshop. Please refrain from wearing any perfume, cologne, aftershave or scented products. Thank you.

The Artists’ Health Centre Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario.

Job Posting: Managing Director, Toronto Dance Theatre

Toronto Dance Theatre, one of Canada’s leading dance organizations, seeks a forward-thinking, resourceful and experienced MANAGING DIRECTOR.

The Company

Under the artistic leadership of choreographer Christopher House since 1994, Toronto Dance Theatre is internationally recognized for intelligent, provocative and visually stunning contemporary performance. TDT is committed to creative research and the production and dissemination of critically engaging works that speak to a broad audience.

One of Toronto’s most dynamic arts organizations, the company regularly invests in both national and international collaborations and tours while maintaining a vibrant base in Toronto’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood. TDT shares and co-manages 80 Winchester St., a facility that it co-owns with the affiliated School of Toronto Dance Theatre.

The Position

A motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills, the Managing Director will work closely with Artistic Director Christopher House to support and facilitate the realization of the company’s artistic vision.

He or she will have a proven ability to recognize, stimulate and act on opportunities for dissemination and relationship-building, and will have an understanding of the requirements of production, touring and national and international collaborations. Excellent writing skills and the ability to communicate in French are assets.

The Managing Director will have excellent planning skills and a proven ability to manage a core staff while working effectively with a Board of Directors. He or she will have substantial administrative experience and the ability to oversee marketing and fundraising initiatives and opportunities. In addition, he or she will have a broad knowledge of the professional dance milieu and advocacy in the field, and the ability to communicate successfully with presenters, funders, donors and other stakeholders.

Finally, he or she will be responsible for developing new plans and opportunities at the physical facility and, together with the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, to coordinate the efficient management of this asset.

Process

Please forward a hard copy of your CV and letter briefly characterizing your view of this position and your suitability to fill it (no more than two pages) by October 9, 2009 to:

Managing Director Search Committee

Toronto Dance Theatre

80 Winchester Street

Toronto, ON

M4X 1B2

While we thank all who apply, only those chosen to be interviewed will be contacted.  Interviews will be carried out early November.

Start date is anticipated to be December 2009 / January 2010, depending on the obligations of the successful candidate.

Salary commensurate with experience.

For inquiries please refer to our website at www.tdt.org or call 416-967-1365

Space for Rent: Artist Work Studio Space for Lease At Historic Artscape Distillery Studios, Artscape

Long-term artist studios for lease

Two artist work studios are available to rent in Artscape Distillery Studios’ Case Goods Warehouse, located in the Distillery Historic District.

Artscape Distillery Studios is a home to 63 work and retail studios, offices, rehearsal and performance spaces for artists, creative entrepreneurs and non-profit arts organizations.

Work Space One – Third Floor

• 845 Useable square feet
• Northeastern exposure
• 2009 Rent is $1,524.10/ Month, all inclusive

Work Space Two-Third Floor

• 954 Useable square feet
• Southeastern exposure
• 2009 Rent is $1,720.10/ Month, all inclusive

Available November 1st, 2009

To schedule a viewing appointment or if you have any questions, please contact Wendy Campbell wendy@torontoartscape.on.ca or 416-392-1038 x27

About Artscape
Artscape is a not-for-profit urban development enterprise that creates projects that harness the power of the arts to revitalize buildings, neighbourhoods and cities.

Workshop: Risk Management for Nonprofits: No Cost & Low Cost Ways to Protect Your People and Reputation, Centre for Social Innovation

We’re pleased to announce that the Centre for Social Innovation will be hosting a half-day workshop on effective risk management! Every organization needs to take risks in order to grow and reach the next level, but learning to do it smart is key. Presented by David Hartley, this workshop will help guide you to that place and is geared towards staff members, board members, and key volunteers of small and medium nonprofit organizations. Each participant will also receive a resource package on top of having an in-depth coverage of topics that include:

• Risk Is Normal – Losing Sleep is Not
• How to Motivate Your Board, Staff & Volunteers to Manage Risk
• Key Legal Concepts
• A Powerful No Cost Tool for All Nonprofits
• Free Experts: Using Your People
• Creating a Culture of Candour
• 3 Risks Often Neglected
• 4 things I’d need before joining your board
• Creating a 90-day Task Force
• How to Find & Map Your Key Risks
• 4 Filters to Put Each Risk Through

October 15, 2009
8:30am – 12:30pm
Centre for Social Innovation
215 Spadina Ave.
Alterna Boardroom, 4th floor
$73.50 (inclusive of GST)
Coffee and light breakfast will be provided

If you’d like to register, please visit us here. For questions, please contact Yumi Hotta, Community Animator at yumi@socialinnovation.ca

Announcement: ARTSCAPE TRIANGLE LOFTS are now 50% Sold!, Artscape

ARTSCAPE TRIANGLE LOFTS are now 50% Sold!  Affordable. For The Arts. Forever.

Appointments available now for artists and non-profit arts professionals – register today for your chance to live in the heart of the arts www.artscapetrianglelofts.ca

Artscape Triangle Lofts – a new condominium development of 70 units created with the specific purpose of preserving vital artist work and living space in the Queen West Triangle neighbourhood. Scheduled for occupancy in Summer 2010, a portion of these live/work units are still available at substantially below-market rates, with the balance available for rent at affordable rates in Fall/Winter 2009.

Workshop: Voicescope Intensive, A 4-Day Exploratory Workshop in Voice and Movement with Patricia O’Callaghan, Suba Sankaran and Claudia Moore

The Voicescope Intensive is a professional development workshop in which artists will be exposed to a variety of approaches to the voice, including both diverse cultural (western/eastern) and musical (classical/jazz/cabaret) styles. The Voicescope Intensive is aimed at emerging and established performing artists of all disciplines who are interested in expanding the scope of their voice. The program is comprised of four days of master classes followed by a public workshop presentation.

• Thursday Oct 22           6:00pm-10:00pm
• Friday Oct 23                11:00am-6:30pm
• Saturday Oct 24            11:00am-6:30pm
• Sunday Oct 25              11:00am-6:30pm

The Voicescope Intensive was conceived by Young Centre Resident Artist Patricia O’Callaghan and will be led by O’Callaghan (classical and cabaret), together with fellow Resident Artists Suba Sankaran (jazz and classical Indian) and Claudia Moore (movement). The focus of Voicescope is on process rather than a polished sound or the development of particular repertoire. Objectives are freer vocal expression, improved body-voice connection, comfort exploring unfamiliar vocal styles and increased confidence.

Fee: $160 + GST for 4 day workshop
Participants must be 18 or older.
There is limited availability. Book early to avoid disappointment.

HOW TO REGISTER
A vocal assessment will take place at the time of registration to determine group placement. Participants will be asked to prepare two songs of any style to be used as the “jumping off point” for vocal, musical and artistic exploration throughout the intensive, including improvisation.

Complete the 2009 Voicescope Intensive registration form
OR
Contact Program Coordinator Noora Sagarwala – noora@youngcentre.ca / 416-866-8666 ext. 443 to register

Visit here for more details.

Call for Submissions: Fresh Ground New Works Seeks Creations for Children and Youth, Harbourfront Centre

Harbourfront Centre is pleased to announce the fourth Call for Submissions for Fresh Ground new works. Created in 2004, this Canadian arts commissioning initiative supports new multidisciplinary works in the areas of theatre, dance, literature, music, film, visual arts, new media, fine craft, and community arts.

New this year is that the awarded commissions must focus on works create for children (age 5-12) or youth (age 13-18). Harbourfront Centre is particularly interested in submissions from artists and companies who have not previously undertaken creation for these specific age groups. The commission challenge is to devise works which will involve, stimulate, entice, intrigue and engage young people in the arts while reflecting the diversity of today’s Canadian youth.

A maximum of $20,000 each will be awarded to up to five separate projects which successfully fulfill the criteria of a new, collaborative artistic creation incorporating more than one discipline or field. As in previous years, the work must be original, never before presented or performed, and be ready for presentation or installation at Harbourfront Centre between April 2011 and May 2012.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, November 30, 2009.

Fresh Ground new works is made possible by the generosity of several major individual donors who have actively assisted in the creation of new Canadian artworks: Peter Allen, Lionel F. Conacher and Joan Dea, Margaret and Jim Fleck, Michael and Sonja Koerner, Judy and Wil Matthews, George E. Myhal, and grants from the Canada Council for the Arts and the J.P. Bickell Foundation.

For more information on Fresh Ground new works, Harbourfront Centre’s national commissioning programme, the first nine projects commissioned and the five Fresh Ground new works projects being presented this season, as well as guidelines on applying for funding from Fresh Ground new works, please visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com/freshground or call 416-973-4000.

Job Posting: Company Manager, Canadian Stage Company

Position Summary:

This is a new position. The Company Manager is responsible for managing the contracting, travel, accommodations, promotional billing, health and welfare of the companies of artists engaged by The Canadian Stage Company.

About The Canadian Stage Company:

Nationally and internationally acclaimed, The Canadian Stage Company is Canada’s leading not-for-profit contemporary theatre company. Founded in 1987 with the merger of CentreStage and Toronto Free Theatre, the Company is dedicated to programming international contemporary theatre and to developing and producing landmark Canadian works which have been awarded some of the country’s most prestigious literary and performing arts honours, including the Governor General’s, Chalmers and Dora Mavor Moore Awards. The Company presents the richest variety of Canadian and international plays and musicals – from edgy and provocative works at the Berkeley Street Theatre to productions with universal appeal at the Bluma Appel Theatre and a summer of Shakespeare at the Canadian Stage TD Dream in High Park. With a long-standing commitment to education and enhancement programs for the public, nurturing theatre professionals, and developing new Canadian plays, Canadian Stage plays an essential role in bringing thought-provoking theatre and high quality entertainment into the lives of millions in Toronto, one of North America’s largest theatre centres. For more information, refer to canstage.com.

Key Relationships:

• Reports directly to the Managing Director
• Works closely with the Production and Marketing departments

Major Responsibilities:

• Execute and file contracts for Actors, Directors, Choreographers, Fight Directors, Stage Managers, Coproduction agreements, Play licenses
• Some Actor contract negotiations
• Manage all contract requirements, including payment and billing
• Act as principal contact to PACT and CAEA
• Manage CAEA relations and communications, including contracting, security, checklists and other standard correspondence
• Canadian Theatre Agreement interpretation and internal communication
• Facilitate and accommodate artists for publicity interviews and appearances
• Create, maintain and provide internal communication of artist billing database
• Arrange artist travel and accommodation
• Manage health and welfare of artistic company
• Maintain relationships with key health support individuals, such as on-call Doctors, Chiropractors, Dentists, RMTs, etc.
• Act as key liaison between artistic company and administrative functions
• Create and maintain season calendar
• Communications liaison for the Berkeley Street Partner companies
• Manage departmental budget and report on a monthly basis

Ideal Personal Qualities:

• Experience in professional theatre in a related capacity, including interactions with the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres and Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
• Direct experience working under the Canadian Theatre Agreement
• Familiarity with artist contract forms including CTA, ADC and PGC
• Excellent knowledge of the  Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Superb organizational skills with the ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the sensitivity needed to work effectively in a diverse environment of artists, producers, creative and management teams. 
• A passion for the performing arts and the desire to be part of a vibrant Canadian contemporary theatre companyTERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
• Permanent full-time position
• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package

Application:

We thank all applicants in advance, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Apply in confidence by Friday September 25, 2009 with references.  Please state “Company Manager” in the subject line.

Rosie Driscoll

Office Manager

The Canadian Stage Company

rdriscoll@canstage.com

Job Posting: Manager of Patron and operations Services, The Young Centre for the Performing Arts

The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is seeking a Manager of Patron & Operations Services in a full time capacity who will work as a member of the management team of the Young Centre and be responsible for the management of the Patron Services and Operations Services departments of the Centre. The candidate should have 3-5 years experience in this type of role and a keen passion for the performing arts.

The Organization

A unique joint venture between Soulpepper Theatre Company and George Brown College, the Young Centre, located in Toronto’s Distillery Historic District, is Canada’s only performing arts, education and community outreach centre. Designed by Thomas Payne of Toronto’s internationally renowned Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects, the facility features 46,000 square feet of combined heritage and contemporary architecture with five flexible performance spaces, ranging in size from 80 to 300 seats; numerous rehearsal studios, classrooms, administrative offices and a central atrium with café/bar.

The Position

Reporting to the Managing Director of the Young Centre, the Manager of Patron & Operations Services of this multi-tenant, multi-theatre performing arts facility is a hands-on, detail-oriented individual who can successfully juggle the role of team leader and team member and thrives in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

General:

• Develop, implement and refine policies and procedures in Operations Services, Box Office and Front of House
• Manage the provision of exemplary service to all customers and clients of the Young Centre
• Act as primary point of contact for the two partner organizations

Patron Services (Box Office & Front of House):

• Oversee the use and ongoing development of the Tessitura ticketing software, leveraging all aspects to best suit organizational needs and ensure data integrity
• Manage all Box Office functions in a multi-channel sales environment
• Act as the Young Centre’s Privacy Officer

Operations Services:

• Develop and implement strategies to maximize event rental and space usage
• Work with Food Services Operator in identifying opportunities to maximize concession and catering revenue and ensure exemplary customer service
• Oversee the use and ongoing development of the venue management software, leveraging all aspects to best suit organizational needs and ensure data integrity
• Perform other related duties as required.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of patron and customer service issues in the performing arts sector
• Extensive knowledge of ticketing database management, and hands-on management experience with Tessitura Ticketing Software
• Proven skills and knowledge in facility operations management
• Exemplary customer service focus
• Excellent understanding of policies and procedures, and experience in their development and implementation
• Good knowledge of financial principles
• Strong leadership, decision-making, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent planning, organizational, time-management and team building skills
• Strong interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Self-starter, detail oriented, flexible
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and to prioritize workload of self and team members
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment;

Education/Experience

• Post-secondary education
• 3 – 5 years management experience in the performing arts sector

The Opportunity

The Young Centre is a state of the art performing arts facility. The Manager of Patron & Operations Services role represents an incredible opportunity to participate in one of the most exciting arts organizations in Canada. The compensation package will include an annual salary with benefits which shall be commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Only candidates with legal authorization to work in Canada will be considered. The Young Centre for the Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer and invites all applicants to apply for the position.

Please send resume and covering letter (with salary expectations) detailing how you can contribute to this dynamic not-for-profit arts organization by no later than Thursday September 24, 2009

Please quote MPOS09 on the subject line when applying by email.
To: Search Committee – Manager of Patron & Operations Services
c/o Leslie Lester, Managing Director
Young Centre for the Performing Arts
55 Mill Street, Building 49
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Email: leslie@youngcentre.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in the Young Centre for the Performing Arts; however, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.