Event: SHOWCASE 2010, Theatre Ontario

INVITATION to Theatre Ontario’s SHOWCASE 2010

on Sunday, January 17 – 11:00 – 5:00 & Monday, January 18 – 11:00 – 5:30

at the Jane Mallett Theatre in the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts

27 Front St. E.

Lobby Doors open at 10:00 am

Lunch and refreshments are provided.

R.S.V.P. required by Tuesday, January 12^th

CALL 416-408-4556, ext. 10 or email: info@theatreontario.org

As always, we welcome directors, artistic directors, producers, casting directors and agents who are signed to the EIC or members of TAMAC.

This will be our 16th year of presenting the graduates of theatre training programs.  Join us for two days of talent, with over 215 grads from the following programs:

SUNDAY, January 17 – 11:00 am to 5:00 pm – approximate times as follows:

11:00  – York BFA

11:45  – U of T, Mississauga/Sheridan

12:20  – U. of Windsor

1:45    – National Theatre School

2:20    – Ryerson

3:30    – Humber

4:25    – George Brown

MONDAY, January 18 – 11:00 am to 5:30 pm – approximate times as follows:

11:00 – Randolph Academy

12:00 – St. Clair College

12:35 – St. Lawrence College

2:20   – Centre for Indigenous Theatre

2:35   – Canadore College

3:15   – Sheridan Music Theatre

5:00   – New Faces (grads from other Ontario schools)

Event: Theatre School Youth Forum, Canadian Stage Company

Are you or someone you know thinking of applying for theatre school?  Overwhelmed by all the choices and requirements?

Come to The Canadian Stage Company’s Theatre School Youth Forum to get some insight on which programs might suit you and how to best prepare for them. A panel of recent graduates from all the major theatre school programs will be there to talk about their schools, experiences and answer any questions you might have.  You’ll also have access to a ton of info (brochures, due dates, etc).  It’s a lot of work to apply for theatre school – let us help!

What: Theatre School Youth Forum
Who: Aspiring Theatre School Applicants
When: Thursday, December 3, 2009 6:00pm-8:00pm
Where: Rehearsal Hall – 26 Berkeley St. Toronto, ON
Cost: FREE
RSVP: Artistic Coordinator Chelsea at cmanders@canstage.com with attendance and any questions!

www.canstage.com

Job Posting: Bookkeeper, STAF

Small Theatre Administrative Facility (STAF) is a non-profit arts service organization that provides management, administrative and marketing services to a growing roster of emerging and established independent theatre artists and companies throughout Ontario.

STAF is seeking an experienced bookkeeper to join us in our fast-paced, open-concept Queen/Spadina office. This is a contract position for approximately 20 weeks, 8 – 10 hrs/wk, which may lead into a permanent part-time or full-time position, depending on funding.

The successful candidate is able to handle multiple client files and takes pride in their love of details, accuracy and problem-solving abilities.

Required skills:

• Strong background in daily bookkeeping including A/P, A/R, general journal entries, payroll, T4s, CRA, account reconciliation, preparation of financial statements
• Familiar with business accounting software such as Simply Accounting, Quickbooks, Excel
• Experience in accounting for non-profit organizations (audit preparation, government returns for NPOs and charities) is preferable but not necessary.

Remuneration:$20 – $25 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Please submit your letter of interest and resume by Friday, Dec 11 2009 at 5 PM to:
Email : applications@theatreadmin.com
Fax: 416 703-6601
STAF Hiring Committee
192 Spadina Avenue, Suite 201
Toronto ON M5T 2C2

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted within 2 weeks of the closing date. STAF is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity and invites applications from all qualified individuals.

Workshop: Canadian Scene Study with Nancy Palk, Tarragon Theatre

Tarragon Theatre – January 2010

Intended as a practical performance course for professional actors this class will explore scenes for two actors from Canadian plays. There will be a presentation of the scenes on the final day.

Cost:
$475 Regular
$380 Equity/Artist discount

Tue Jan 5 – Sun Jan 24

For more information please visit www.tarragontheatre.com/outreach.  To book this course please contact Andrew Lamb, Director of Education and Outreach at 416.536.5018 x229 or andrew@tarragontheatre.com.

Announcement: Give The Gift Of Theatre, Dance and Opera This Holiday Season, TAPA

 

5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages and T.O.TIX Gift Certificates Make Memorable Holiday Gifts!

5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages offer exceptional entertainment value, partnering Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera companies with local downtown restaurants and attractions.  Available in person at T.O.TIX or online at totix.ca

T.O.TIX Holiday Gift Certificates – redeemable at T.O.TIX, these flexible gift certificates are valid anytime, for any denomination, and are good for any performance on sale at T.O.TIX.  Available in person only at T.O.TIX.

ON SALE NOW!
In Person:  T.O.TIX Gift Certificates and 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages are available at T.O.TIX (Yonge-Dundas Square, Tues-Sat, 12noon – 6:30pm)
Online: 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages are also available online

Job Posting: Director-Production, Toronto International Film Festival

 

The Toronto International Film Festival, a vibrant not-for-profit arts organization, is accepting applications for the full-time position of: DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION

Reporting to the VP, Operations & Production, the Director, Production is responsible for the production management of all TIFF programmes, events and activities within Bell Lightbox and at other venues utilized by TIFF.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the production planning, coordination and execution of Bell Lightbox programmes, events and activities through an established event production protocol including overseeing the coordination of technical logistics and staffing levels;
• Leads the production planning, coordination and execution of the Festival through an established event production protocol including negotiating production requirements with venues, suppliers, and filmmakers;
• Hires, trains and manages direct reports and oversees hiring, training, and performance management of Production staff;
• Represents TIFF during contract negotiations and manages relationship with IATSE Local 58 for unionized projectionists and revisors;
• Prepares and manages the Production area budget through TIFF’s annual budgeting process;
• Participates in the annual planning process for the Festival
• Provide reports and analysis (i.e. written event post mortems) on a timely basis to the VP, Operations & Production;
• Act as an internal resource for Production related best practices;
• Conduct regular staff meetings with direct reports and staff as required
• Other duties as required

Start Date: January 18, 2010

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree, community college diploma or equivalent work experience in the area of technical production in film
• Minimum 10 years experience at a senior level in the area of  Production Management in the cultural sector; preferably in film
• Minimum 5 years experience leading a team of unionized and non-unionized production staff
• Well developed negotiation as well as verbal and written communication skills
• Dynamic and outgoing personality with sound judgment and discretion
• Professional manner and “can-do” attitude, with the ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly to change
• Excellent attention to detail, budgets, timelines, and objectives
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Creativity to develop innovative solutions; knowledge of Production trends within the cultural sector
• Ability to both work independently and in a team environment as well as the ability to both take and give direction effectively
• Understanding and commitment to superior client servicing
• Well developed administrative, analytical, sales, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage concurrent priorities
• Well developed interpersonal and public relations skills to interface with senior corporate personnel, TIFF staff, volunteers, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable to flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends
• Knowledge of the film industry an asset

Please submit cover letter, résumé and the names and phone numbers of 3 references by 5pm on December 16, 2009 by email, mail or fax to the attention of Hiring Committee: DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION

TIFF

Email:  humanresources@tiff.net *Please note the position in the subject line*

2 Carlton Street, Suite 1600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 1J3

fax: 416-967-9477

Please note in your cover letter where you saw this job posting.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. No telephone inquiries please. All applications are considered confidential.

The Toronto International Film Festival is an equal opportunity employer.

The Toronto International Film Festival is a charitable, cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world. Its vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.

TIFF gratefully acknowledges the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, for its support of Group-wide human resource initiatives.

Job Posting: Senior Manager-Special Events, Toronto International Film Festival

The Toronto International Film Festival, a vibrant not-for-profit arts organization, is accepting applications for the full-time position of: SENIOR MANAGER, SPECIAL EVENTS

Reporting to the VP, Operations & Production, the Senior Manager, Special Events will be responsible for the successful execution of all TIFF events within Bell Lightbox and in other venues engaged by TIFF.

Responsibilities:

• Contract, book, schedule, facilitate and/or assign and monitor the planning, coordination and execution of TIFF events through an established event production protocol;
• Oversee all aspects of event planning and production, including budget, venue sourcing, catering, menu selection, invitation design and print, seating planning, schedule of events, speaker timing, identifying audio-visual/tech requirements, décor, deliveries, and post event wrap up;
• Liaise with other TIFF departments, partners and/or external clients to design, plan, develop requirements, and seek appropriate approvals and permits to ensure a compliant, safe and successful event;
• Source appropriate locations for events and, working with the VP, Operations & Production as well as TIFF’s Sponsorship & Development departments, negotiate partnerships for in-kind support with offsite venues, caterers and other suppliers;
• Hire, train and manage performance of event planning and coordination staff;
• Prepare and monitor the budget for all approved events, reconcile revenues and expenses as approved through TIFF’s budgeting process;
• Provides event reports and analysis on a timely basis to the VP, Operations & Production;
• Maintain a comprehensive TIFF Calendar of Events as part of an overall Events Management System and ensure regular and timely dissemination of information to all TIFF department;
• Act as an internal resource for Event Planning related best practices;
• Conduct regular staff meetings with direct reports and staff as required;
• Supervise and/or oversee the supervision of volunteers as required;
• Other duties as required

Start Date: January 18, 2010

Minimum Requirements:

• University degree, community college diploma or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 5 years experience in the area of Event Planning and Production of major cultural events  – CSEP, CSEC, CSEM or similar certification an asset
• Well developed verbal and written communication skills
• Dynamic and outgoing personality with sound judgment and discretion
• Professional manner and “can-do” attitude, with the ability to think on your feet and adapt quickly to change
• Excellent attention to detail, budgets, timelines, and objectives
• Strong project and people management skills
• Creativity to develop innovative solutions; knowledge of special events trends within the cultural sector
• Ability to both work independently and in a team environment as well as the ability to both take and give direction effectively
• Understanding and commitment to superior client servicing
• Well developed administrative, analytical, sales, and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage concurrent duties
• Well developed interpersonal and public relations skills to interface with senior corporate personnel, TIFF staff, volunteers, and other internal and external stakeholders
• Adaptable to flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends

Please submit cover letter, résumé and the names and phone numbers of 3 references by 5pm on December 16, 2009 by email, mail or fax to the attention of Hiring Committee: SENIOR MANAGER, SPECIAL EVENTS

TIFF

Email:  humanresources@tiff.net *Please note the position in the subject line*

2 Carlton Street, Suite 1600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 1J3

fax: 416-967-9477

Please note in your cover letter where you saw this job posting.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. No telephone inquiries please. All applications are considered confidential.

The Toronto International Film Festival is an equal opportunity employer.

The Toronto International Film Festival is a charitable, cultural organization whose mission is to transform the way people see the world. Its vision is to lead the world in creative and cultural discovery through the moving image.

TIFF gratefully acknowledges the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario, for its support of Group-wide human resource initiatives.

Annoucement: Beautiful City Billboard Tax, Toronto Arts Council

From the Desk of Claire Hopkinson, Executive Director, Toronto Arts Council

There are two extremely important advocacy issues looming on the Toronto arts landscape:

The Beautiful City Billboard Tax is finally coming to a vote at City Council.  I believe that this proposed new sign by-law may offer the single greatest opportunity to increase municipal arts funding in the next decade.

The premise of the campaign is that billboard advertising, unlike all other forms of advertising, provides no content to the public in exchange for taking up public space   (editorial to advertising ratios for TV is 75/25, for print is usually 50/50 but for billboards is 0 to 100).  The sign by-law going before city council on November 30/December 1 recommends regulating billboards in Toronto, removing illegal billboards as well as taxing and properly regulating the remainder.  The tax will help to create “editorial” by increasing the city’s arts grants and ensuring greater public access to art in exchange for use of public space.

“Advertising is increasingly infringing on our public spaces, and the privilege of leveraging public space for commercial ends should come with a responsibility   to keep them healthy. The billboard tax is a fair and just means for private advertisers to take responsibility for their impact on the city.” See BeautifulCity.ca

To help make sure city council passes the sign by-law, and does not further reduce the tax to be levied, please do the following:

• Call or email your City Councillor – go here to get your ward and Councillor contact information:  Tell your Councillor you are counting on them to support a strong sign by-law and to increase the proposed taxation levels with the net revenues to go to the arts.
• Come to City Hall Council Chambers on November 30/December 1 and encourage your colleagues to attend – the more people there in support of the by-law the more likely it is to be passed, and the closer we are to having meaningful increases to the arts budget.  The precise meeting day and time will be posted as soon as it is available on BeautifulCity.ca and on our website.

Announcement: TRIP-Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program Launched, TAPA

TORONTO, November 23, 2009—At the AGM of the Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen announced today a new program exclusive to TAPA members. The Travel, Retreat and Initiatives Program – TRIP, is a multi-tiered program designed to assist TAPA members with travel associated with touring, international collaboration and professional development. In addition, TRIP offers a unique retreat opportunity to the TAPA membership.

TAPA announced three new partnerships that are key sponsors in the launch of the TRIP Program: Porter Airlines; Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; and the Valleyview Artist Retreat.

TAPA is committed to investing in the health of Toronto’s professional theatre, dance and opera industry and has created TRIP to assist the artists and administrative leaders of the TAPA membership. “TRIP provides members with a much-needed new funding source in support of touring and professional development initiatives”, says TAPA Past President Celia Smith, who will Chair the new TRIP Committee, “and offers three distinct components to TAPA members designed to aid in the expansion and continued growth of Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera companies”.

The Porter Component: With an emphasis on customer service and a willingness to consider innovative ideas, Porter Airlines is the ideal partner for TAPA in the creation of the TRIP Program. As the official airline of TRIP, Porter Airlines is providing six return flights to anywhere Porter Airlines flies. Current Canadian destinations include: Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Mont Tremblant, Montreal, Quebec City, Halifax and St.John’s. Current US destinations include: Chicago, New York, Myrtle Beach and Boston.

The Flight Component: Recognizing the financial challenges that many TAPA members face in travel costs, Steve Beatty, in association with MHC Insurance Brokers and Premiere Insurance Underwriting Services Inc; are providing $7500 cash sponsorship to cover air travel costs, nationally and internationally to anywhere that Porter Airlines does not travel.

An established leader and founder of the “Act One Theatrical Insurance Program”, Steve Beatty has worked to make Act One an affordable and comprehensive theatre insurance program for commercial and not-for-profit companies for over 12 years. Commenting on the new TRIP initiative Mr. Beatty said “We are very excited to sponsor and support TAPA in this important new program. We are confident that this wonderful fund will help provide an opportunity for the talent and passion of Toronto producers, actors and performers to be experienced first-hand by audiences internationally.”

The Retreat Component: Valleyview Artist Retreat is located north-west of Toronto in the Hills of Caledon in a secluded rural setting. Offering an environment conducive to inspiration and rejuvenation, artists will be free to pursue their work without interruption. Artistic Directors and General Managers are welcome to apply to this component of TRIP and consideration will also be given to those working in arts administration seeking a day facility for visioning meetings and workshops (suitable for 6-8 people).

There will be two annual TRIP application deadlines. The TRIP Selection Committee; Celia Smith (Chair), Jim Aldridge (Mirvish Productions) Steve Beatty, Allen MacInnis (Lorraine Kimsa People for Young People), and Alexis Da-Silva Powell (TAPA); will meet to review submissions and identify successful applicants.

Successful applicants will be asked to write a brief report on their experiences and submit it to the TRIP Selection Committee within a month of their trip or visiting artist’s trip.

Please visit the TAPA website for full Eligibility Rules.

TAPA is an arts service organization that represents 175 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: 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; 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages, Toronto’s Official Theatre Guide, featuring comprehensive listings for theatre, dance and opera performances & Toronto theatre map; hipTIX, offering $5 tickets to students between the ages of 15 and 29, and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. For more information visit www.tapa.ca and www.totix.ca

Announcement: Surplus Announced At 2009 Annual General Meeting, TAPA

TORONTO – The Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) announced a $40,000 surplus at its Annual General Meeting today. TAPA is a not-for-profit arts service organization that supports a membership of 175 professional theatre, dance and opera companies in the City of Toronto through marketing, professional development and advocacy.

“This is an unprecedented achievement for our organization,” says Celia Smith, President of TAPA. “We are generating an operating surplus for the second year in a row. TAPA’s strength comes from the strong participation of an active membership, an engaged committee structure, a responsive Board of Directors and inspirational leadership from Executive Director Jacoba Knaapen. TAPA continues to help our members build sustainable new audiences.”

The surplus will help to reduce TAPA’s accumulated deficit, and moves the organization towards achieving financial stability. Membership sales at T.O. TIX, Toronto’s One-Stop Ticket Shop, increased by 2% and returned $536,000 to participating organizations.  The growing popularity of the 5 Star Experience theatre and dining packages nearly doubled from the previous year, generating in excess of $9000 in revenue for participating partners that include Toronto restaurants and local attractions.

Other key accomplishments highlighted at the AGM include:

• As a result of a $125,000 grant from The Ministry of Tourism, TAPA’s T.O.TIX Booth received a new facade and new signage, unveiling a whole new look for the T.O.TIX Booth resulting in a vastly improved visual presence on Yonge-Dundas Square. The impressive new signage was designed by Kramer Design Associates (KDA), expert leaders in strategic design.

• The release of the TAPA Stats Report Phase Two reported 2.4 million tickets were sold to theatre, dance and opera performances in 2008.  In addition to reporting nearly 100,000 students attended in-school and theatre performances.
• Nearly 1400 tickets were allocated by TAPA members to at-risk communities and at-risk youth through the citySPECIAL outreach program.
• 218 productions were eligible in 35 categories for the 30^th Anniversary of the Dora Mavor Moore Awards which recognize excellence in Toronto’s theatre, dance and opera industries.

Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts

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; 5 STAR EXPERIENCE Theatre & Dining Packages, Toronto’s Official Theatre Guide, featuring comprehensive listings for theatre, dance and opera performances and Toronto theatre map; hipTIX, offering $5 tickets to students between the ages of 15 and 29, and the Commercial Theatre Development Fund. For more information visit www.tapa.ca and www.totix.ca