Call for Submissions: Pure Research Toronto 2012, Nightswimming

Pure Research Toronto 2012 in association with the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, University of Toronto

Research Period: October 15-20, 2012     |       Application Deadline: May 1, 2012, 5pm (EST)

There are few places in Canada where in-depth theatrical research can be explored without the pressure of developing or performing a new work.  Nightswimming’s unique Pure Research program provides space, money and resources to artists who are pursuing provocative theatrical questions.

Pure Research is designed to foster theatrical experiments that are not specifically linked to the creation of new work. In the spirit of inquiry, we want you to tell us what you don’t know, and how you might be able to answer your questions through a Pure Research workshop.  What does that mean?  If you have a theatrical question, and can pose it in terms of an experiment, then we’re interested.  We supply studio space for up to three days, a fee for the lead researcher and a modest budget for artists and materials. For examples from past sessions, visit Nightswimming Pure Research at  www.nightswimmingtheatre.com.

Pure Research Toronto sessions will be conducted in the Glen Morris Studio Theatre at the University of Toronto, in association with the Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies (formerly The Graduate Centre for Study of Drama). Nightswimming Artistic Director Brian Quirt will be present during each research process to observe, consult and offer assistance. Graduate students may also be involved as participants and observers. As part of their research, successful applicants are required to submit a full report within one month of completing their experiment; the report and additional documentation will be posted on the Nightswimming website.

We are particularly interested in

• artists who view research and development as a long-term process, rather than a short-cut to production
• an artistic spirit of inquiry around text, genre, style and/or production elements

We need a concise but detailed proposal outlining:

• your question, what you want to learn from it, and why you feel Pure Research is the best forum for this investigation
• how you intend to conduct the experiment; this is the most important section of the application
• practical details such as time, people and equipment required

Remember that it is NOT a developmental workshop for a new performance piece

• be honest about what you know, what you don’t know, what you want, and what you’d like to achieve
• applicants outside Toronto are welcomed, but we are unable to provide travel or accommodation for selected projects
• applicants must be available for the research week in October 2012
• before making our final decisions we may contact those whose submissions intrigue us; we also may ask short-listed applicants for further information or a more detailed proposal

What to send us:

• a one page cover letter introducing yourself and defining the application: time requested, estimated budget, specific goals
• a two page (maximum) project description
• c.v. of principal artist-researcher and a list of collaborators, if known
• any relevant support material such as text or prior research
• do not send videos, press clippings, photos, programs, press kits or folders

Applications will be accepted by email only. All applicants will be informed of results by June 15, 2012.

Please email applications to rupal@nightswimmingtheatre.com by 5pm (EST) on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.

Nightswimming is a dramaturgical company dedicated to exploring the boundaries of dramaturgy and performance. We commission and develop new works of theatre, dance and music. For more information, or if you have questions about applying, contact us at www.nightswimmingtheatre.com or 416.504.3898. We look forward to reading your application.

 

Brian Quirt – Artistic Director   |   Rupal Shah – Producer

Event: Musical Talent Needed to Play at Fundraising Gala, Shakespeare in Action

Shakespeare in Action is looking for musical talent to play at Fundraising Gala.

Play classical or jazz? Shakespeare in Action wants you to join them in celebrating this Friday, February 24, 2012 at The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.

Expose your talents THIS Friday and be our entertainment for our first annual Shakespeare Challenge held at The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto.

Who: Shakespeare in Action
What: The Shakespeare Challenge – Fundraising Gala
When: Friday, February 24, 2012 from 7pm-12am
Where: The Arts and Letters Club of Toronto– 14 Elm St.
Why: To help support a subsidized ticket program for kids in priority neighbourhoods.

What’s in it for you: Great exposure and networking opportunity with Shakespeare in Action, The Arts and Letters Club and their audiences. FREE food and a 3 hr photo session/ 8x10print (and dvd of all shots) with established photographer Anthony Parazo valued at $290.00!

Come play with us! Please direct all inquires to raf@shakespeareinaction.org by Thursday February 23, 2012 at 8am. Subject line: TSC Musical Talent. It is not required but suggested that you attach a sample of your musical talent.

To learn more about Shakespeare in Action and The Shakespeare Challenge visit:

• 
  http://shakespeareinaction.org/shakespeare-challenge
  

 

Announcement: Information Session, National Youth Arts Week

Have you heard about NATIONAL YOUTH ARTS WEEK?

It’s a week-long explosion of youth-led creative expression in  communities all across Canada from May 1-7, 2012!

Are you a youth artist or arts organization? An organization geared  toward creative youth engagement? Or just want to know more?

COME TO OUR INFORMATION SESSION NEXT THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 FROM 6:30 TO  8:00 AT THE CENTRE FOR SOCIAL INNOVATION: 215 SPADINA AVE SUITE 120  (PLEASE ENTER THROUGH DARKHORSE)

The purpose of this session is to provide additional information about  how you can be involved in National Youth Arts Week, to develop  connections across all sectors, and just get everyone meeting and  excited about how we can get National Youth Arts Week off the ground in  Toronto!

If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to sahar@artsnetwork.ca

Hope to see you all there!

Job Posting: Technical Director, Al Green Theatre

Job posting: Technical Director
Position Type: 30-40 hours/week

Purpose:

• Operating, maintaining and safeguarding the technical assets of Al Green Theatre, including supervising the use of lighting, sound, projection, and communications equipment, and the use and maintenance of the stage facilities.
• Working with the event organizers prior to the start of the engagement, in order to meet all lighting, sound and video requirements for the event.
• To represent the Al Green Theatre and the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre by providing impeccable customer service to all clients, users and guests.
• To provide advice and guidance to all clients, users and guests to ensure that they have the most pleasurable experience possible.
• To be an active and positive contributor to the Al Green Theatre team in its mission to exceed expectations of its clients, users and guests.

Job Description:
Reporting to the Theatre Manager, the Technical Director’s responsibilities include:

• Liaise with all theatre clients to assess their technical needs (time, resources, staffing, etc.)
• Hire, train, manage, and schedule all contract technical staff as needed
• Oversee the completion of all necessary paper work (show files, technical questionnaires, tech reports, invoices, purchase orders, etc.)
• Maintain all technical equipment/theatre infrastructure (i.e. lighting equipment, sound equipment, audio/visual equipment, seating system, etc.) and/or schedule service calls as required.
• Uphold Al Green Theatre and MNjcc policies in a firm, but polite, manner
• Provide technical support in all areas of the community centre as needed
• Represent the Al Green Theatre on the Joint Health and Safety Committee
• Manage the technical expense budget with input from the Theatre Manager

Experience:

• 3-5 years related experience (lighting, sound, technical direction) in a theatre, performing arts centre, or community centre environment;
• Experience with a variety of performance types (Music, Theatre, Dance, Film) is an asset;
• Experience with video projection systems;
• Experience with 35 mm film projection is an asset;

Qualifications:

• Post secondary degree/certificate in theatre production or equivalent professional experience;
• In-depth knowledge of all aspects of performing arts presentations: sound, stage management, lighting, drafting and reading blueprints, floor plans, lighting plots, electrical diagrams and schematics;
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act;

Skills/Abilities:

• Good interpersonal skills;
• Good oral and written communication skills, including accurately interpreting and summarizing information in a clear and concise manner;
• Good organizational skills including the ability to work independently, set priorities, and plan long term;
• Ability to problem solve under pressure while maintaining a friendly demeanor;

Organization Description:
The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is a vibrant organization in Downtown Toronto. We offer programs in many areas of fitness, Cultural Arts, Education and Children’s programming. The Al Green Theatre is a 288-seat multipurpose theatre in downtown Toronto.

Submission details
Please email a resume and cover letter by Friday, March 2, 2012 (but applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible) to Angie Stillitano, Theatre Manager: angies@mnjcc.org

Applicants should be available to start April 9, 2012

We would like to thank all those who apply, but only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre is dedicated to serving the community, cultural, educational and recreational needs of downtown Toronto. Its programs and services are guided by Jewish values and are open to all, regardless of race, origin or religious affiliation.

Workshop: The Arts of Business, Work In Culture

Whatever the medium, it takes a huge amount of energy and focus to create a great work of art.

Creating a lasting work of art is only half the battle; it’s important to take the time to think about a long term business strategy.

The Business of Art is a seven-week course designed to help professional artists, from all disciplines, develop a business plan to give focus and control to their career path.

Participants will learn the essential elements of creating a business plan:

• visioning and values
• marketing research
• marketing and sales
• financial planning
• small business management

The course takes place over seven weeks, from Monday, April 2nd to May 14th.

Space is limited, so register early.

For more info, please visit WorkInCulture.ca
To register, please visit workinculture2012.eventbrite.

Job Posting: Technical Director/ Theatre Technician, Theatre Collingwood

Incorporated in 1984, Theatre Collingwood is a professional non-profit producing company.  In the summer/fall of 2012 (July-September), the company will produce four productions at the Gayety Theatre.  Theatre Collingwood seeks a qualified Technical Director to join our team.

Job Description:  Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• planning and organizing all technical needs, in co-ordination with the AD & GM
• performing a variety of roles, including installation/ strike, carpentry, sound and lighting operator
• designing lighting and sound (as required) as well as coordinating the implementation
• acting as the Health & Safety officer, responsible for maintaining company standards
• organizing, supervising and training volunteer crews
• picking up and delivering sets, rental equipment, etc.
• ordering technical supplies and coordinating rental equipment within budgets
• maintaining and trouble-shooting technical equipment
• maintaining accurate files, inventory and reports related to technical operations

Requirements:

Demonstrated operational knowledge of theatre production and technical systems, including lighting, sound, rigging, staging & set elements, power and current codes and legislation as they apply to the theatre.

Valid driver’s license, WHMIS, Level One First Aid are required.  Asset: Entertainment Electrical Certification.

The ability to commit to a specific summer/fall schedule in 2012 (July 11-21, 2012; July 29-Aug 4 / possibly to Aug 6; August 16-25; Sept. 16-22).

An interest in continuing as TD for future seasons, as well as the flexibility to be available for events in the new production centre/special events on an as-required basis.

Other skills:  Initiative, independent worker, problem solving skills, the ability to think on your feet, high level of communication and interpersonal skills, strong time-management skills, capable of functioning in a fast-paced environment, flexibility to work varied hours and a team player.

Preference will be given to candidates who have graduated from a recognized University or College theatre program or equivalent industry experience.

Deadline for application:  March 15, 2012
Irene Thomas, General Manager
Email:  info@theatrecollingwood.com
Mail: P.O. Box 322, Collingwood, ON, L9Y 3Z7
www.theatrecollingwood.com

Internship: Arts Management Intern, Dance Umbrella of Ontario

The Dance Umbrella of Ontario seeks an entry level Arts Management Intern. This placement is available only to recent college or university graduates as described by Service Canada Career Focus guidelines.

Application Deadline: February 24, 2012 at noon (12pm)

The employment period runs from March 5, 2012 to November 2, 2012.

Working with a wide variety of DUO clients who include professional dancers and choreographers, the intern will learn to:

• create organizational and project plans;
• develop associated budgets for these plans;
• write texts for grant applications, interim and final reports;
• plan marketing timelines;
• develop client relationship skills;
• maximize the technological capacities of DUO;
• liaise directly with players in the professional environment including artists, producers, venue managers, designers, composers, board directors and government funders;
• create fund development plans; and
• develop management skills.

The opportunity will allow the intern to connect with professional networks in the dance milieu with the benefit of enhancing future employability.

The intern will receive mentorship from the Executive Director.
The intern will be paid $15/hr. This position is contingent upon successful funding.

Send Submission to:
Jay Rankin
476 Parliament Street, Second floor
Toronto, Ontario M4X 1P2

e: jobs@danceumbrella.net

Please apply with the subject line “Job Application: Arts Management Intern”