Event: The Circus! Theatre Camp, Lakeshore Arts

Lakeshore Arts is looking for dramatic kids that would like the opportunity to learn all aspects of the creative theatrical process. Work with a professional community theatre artist and an experienced mask maker to write a play, create costumes and props, and act out the final creation! The program runs for a week between July 3-6 for ages 7-10 and cumulates in a performance at the end of the week on the Mimico Library Stage.  Please visit www.lakeshorearts.ca for more information or to register.

FULL BURSARIES AVAILABLE

Location: 119 Mimico Avenue, Etobicoke ON
Contact: www.lakeshorearts.ca
camps@lakeshorearts.ca
416 201 7093

Job Posting: Managing Director, Young People’s Theatre

Young People’s Theatre (YPT) invites applications for the position of Managing Director.

Young People’s Theatre, now in it’s 46th season, is Canada’s largest theatre for young audiences and currently produces and presents an 8-play season with an audience of up to 80,000+. Housed at a renovated, historical venue in Toronto, YPT works on a 468-seat Mainstage and a 115-seat Studio stage. Its operating budget is approximately $3.5 million. The work culture at YPT encourages ingenuity, team-work, and an atmosphere of learning. YPT’s artistic policy focuses on arts and education – in fact, learning is at the centre of everything we do.

With Artistic Director Allen MacInnis, the Managing Director is one half of a two-person team working
to achieve the artistic and educational objectives of the theatre, while ensuring YPT remains in a sound financial position. The Managing Director reports directly to the Board. Specific accountabilities include:

• Working with the Artistic Director and Board of Directors to develop policy and strategic planning objectives.
• Development of financial and budgeting strategies to maintain a sound financial base to support the theatre now and in the long term.
• Management of a 33-person staff.
• Working with Production, Development and Marketing Department Directors to encourage innovation, efficiency, and success.
• General management of the company and overseeing of its day-to-day operations.
• Preparation of funding applications and presentations, and acting as principal liaison with governments, agencies and other external organizations.
• Working with Board, volunteers, and project management to realize YPT’s long term building expansion plans.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven leadership ability.
• At least seven years experience in senior management in a mid to large-sized not-for-profit arts organization.
• Ability to translate artistic needs and values into institutional strategies and specific operating plans.
• Experience in working with and engaging a Board of Directors.
• A successful track record in strong fiscal management, marketing and development.
• Past experience in a capital campaign would be a definite asset.

In accordance with YPT’s policy of screening all adults involved in working with children, the applicant will be required to provide a resume and cover letter, undergo an interview process conducted by a minimum of two people, a reference check and, if offered employment, a Vulnerable Sector Screening Check. Offers of employment are conditional upon providing a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening Check and agreeing to abide by YPT’S Child Safety Code of Conduct.

Young People’s Theatre is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and strongly supports and values diversity in the workplace. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome and individuals from equity-seeking groups are encouraged to apply. Interested parties should apply with cover letter and resumé, detailing all relevant experience to:

Managing Director Search
YPT
165 Front Street East
Toronto, ON M5A 3Z4
or mdsearch@youngpeoplestheatre.ca

Applications must be received by 4:30PM, July 9th, 2012.

While we thank everyone who applies, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Announcement: June TAPA Ticket Wiki Offers, TAPA

Are you an Arts/Industry Worker? Would you like discounted tickets to a variety of theatre, dance and opera productions? If so check out the TAPA Ticket Wiki! On the TAPA Tcket Wiki you will find a variety of discounted and complimentary tickets for Artists and Arts Workers to TAPA Member company productions for the 2011/12 season.

There are currently 3 offers posted to the TAPA Ticket Wiki for the remainder of May including:

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Canadian Stage
• Life as a Pomegranate, Broad View Laundromat Theatre Company
• The Grand Finale*, The Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir

The TAPA Ticket Wiki is updated on an ongoing basis so make sure to check back often!

For more information about TAPA click Here

Job Posting: Corporate Development Associate, Honens International Piano Competition

Corporate Development Associate
(Six Month Contract Position)
Honens International Piano Competition
Calgary, Alberta
www.honens.com

Canada’s Honens International Piano Competition seeks a Corporate Development Associate who will renew current corporate sponsors, identify new prospects, cultivate relationships, and solicit gifts from Corporations and Corporate Foundations.

This is a six month contract position  (possibly renewable) starting in the summer of 2012.  The Corporate Development Associate is charged with managing a portfolio of existing corporate donors and actively seeking new funding opportunities. .

 

The Honens Competition awards the largest prize in the world of international music competitions – $100,000 and an artistic and career development program valued at a half million dollars.  The Seventh Competition culminates in Semifinals and Finals from October 17 to 26, 2012 in Calgary.  Honens has a $5.8 million budget for its three-year cycle.  The organization is experiencing rapid growth in its activities and its profile.

Reporting to President & Artistic Director Stephen McHolm, the Corporate Development Associate needs to be comfortable in working with volunteers in assisting with the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective corporate sponsors and donors.

The Corporate Development Associate will:

• Steward existing funders through regular and timely communication
• Renew and grow revenue with existing sponsors by exploring new options
• Work with relevant staff on proposals, stewardship and recognition programs and reports
• Establish new relationships and new sources of funding
• Participate in fund-raising and stewardship events as needed.

Honens International Piano Competition:
Honens International Piano Competition is a leader in discovering and launching the careers of young concert pianists.  It searches for Complete Artists–21^st century musicians for 21^st century audiences–and awards its Laureates the competition world’s largest cash prize and most comprehensive artistic and career development program.

For three years, Competition Laureates are prepared for the rigors and realities of professional careers in music through international engagements, debut performances in essential career-building markets, recordings, residencies, media training, networking opportunities, mentoring, and coaching.  Honens Laureates share their talents with communities across Canada through in-school programs, “Music as a Second Language” performances, master classes, and residencies.

Honens also presents a critically acclaimed concert series in Calgary with the world’s leading pianists, innovative performance projects, and Canadian premieres.

In 1991 philanthropist Esther Honens established the Honens International Piano Competition with a $5 million endowment.  Her dream was to create a stage in Calgary and in Canada for the world’s most promising pianists.  The Honens Competition takes place every three years in Calgary.  The endowment is maintained and administered by The Calgary Foundation.

Qualifications:

• A university degree in music/arts and/or business management or equivalent experience;
• A minimum of three years’ experience of progressively responsible experience in fund-raising, particularly in the area of sponsorship;
• Ability to inspire trust and confidence in stakeholders;
• Ability to manage several projects simultaneously;
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication (oral/written) skills;
• Knowledge of the performing arts, particularly classical music;
• Financial and budgeting abilities, strong research and organizational skills as well as exceptional attention to detail.

Starting Date: August/September 2012.

Application Process:
Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.  Excellent benefits package.  Deadline for applications: Friday, July 13, 2012.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and resume with a list of references and salary requirements in confidence to:

Margaret Genovese
Genovese, Vanderhoof & Associates
77 Carlton Street, Suite 1103
Toronto, ON M5B 2J7
gvasearch@gmail.com

For additional information: www.honens.com;  www.genovesevanderhoof.com.

Announcement: Elaine Calder Appointed New Executive Director, Shaw Festival

Gary Comerford, Chair of the Shaw Festival’s Board of Governors, today announced the appointment of Elaine Calder as its new Executive Director. Currently President of the Oregon Symphony, Ms. Calder will return to Canada and the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake to assume her new position, one she held earlier in her career from 1990 to 1994.

In his announcement, Mr. Comerford said: “Since her time at The Shaw in the ‘90’s  we’ve grown from a 20th century organization to one of the leading arts institutions of the 21st century and we’re excited that Elaine is going to be a part of that new era in our evolution. We’ve witnessed the extraordinary work Elaine has done in major arts institutions in both Canada and the United States over the past 17 years and we’re thrilled that she is bringing this cumulative experience back to us.”

Ms. Calder is recognized as one of North American’s most sought after arts administrators. After leaving The Shaw in 1994, Ms. Calder went on to hold executive positions in the Canadian Opera Company, the National Arts Centre, the Edmonton Symphony, the Hartford Stage in Connecticut and the Oregon Symphony — where she has been President of that renowned institution since 2007. During her tenure, not only has the Oregon Symphony achieved substantial growth in its financial stability, organizational strength and artistic excellence, but has also reached many artistic milestones including the orchestra’s Carnegie Hall debut, the resumption of radio broadcasts on All Classical FM and an agreement with the Dutch recording company PentaTone, which launched the highly successful CD Music for a Time of War.

Commenting on her return to The Shaw, Ms. Calder stated: “I left The Shaw in 1994, never dreaming I’d return as anything other than a member of the audience — which I have been every season since then. To me it’s a magical place: a theatre company committed to excellence, intelligence and entertainment, working on a broad canvas, in a beautiful setting. I look forward to joining Jackie and the board and helping to ensure its continued success and a strong future.” She went on to note: “The world has changed a lot since I left in 1994, as has The Shaw, and all of us in our business have had to absorb, understand and adapt to these major changes. I’ve experienced and learned a lot managing five arts organizations since then, in both Canada and the States. I hope this outside perspective will add to and strengthen the work of the managers, artists and technicians who are committed to supporting Jackie’s vision.”

Artistic Director Jackie Maxwell is thrilled with the news: “I have known and respected Elaine and her work for many years. Her amazing administrative prowess and deep knowledge of the North American arts scene are legendary, but what really singles her out is her passionate belief in the art and the artists she works with. I am thrilled to have her as a partner to take the Shaw Festival bravely forward into its next half-century.”

Lead by a team consisting of Canadian and U.S. Shaw Festival Board Members, the extensive 8-month search for a new Executive Director yielded dozens of applications from candidates on both sides of the border, including applicants from Ireland and the United Kingdom. Ms. Calder will join the Shaw Festival Company September 4, 2012.

Announcement: 2012 Maggie Bassett Award to Dave Carley, Theatre Ontario

We are thrilled to announce that Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award for 2012 shall be presented to Dave Carley.  The award, for a sustained and significant contribution by an individual to the development of theatre in Ontario, recognizes Dave’s generosity, mentorship, and artistic and professional achievements.

“Once again, we were impressed by the very high calibre of the nominations for this year’s Maggie Bassett Award,” said Leonard McHardy, Chair of the Award Jury.  “The nomination for Dave Carley stood out for many reasons, but particularly for the passionate words of support from the many people whom he has touched as an artist, and inspired as a teacher.  Dave’s selfless contribution to theatre in communities across Ontario won the unanimous support of the Jury, and we are sure Maggie would applaud this recognition.”

Dave Carley is a Peterborough-born and raised, Toronto-based playwright.  He has created a body of work that “speaks to and for Ontarians,” with world premieres in Toronto, Ottawa, Blyth, Hamilton, London, Brampton, Picton, Fergus, and (of course) Peterborough.  He has had over four hundred productions across Canada, the United States, and in many countries around the world.  Some of his works include Writing with our Feet, After You, The Edible Woman, Taking Liberties, and Walking On Water.  He has been nominated for Chalmers Awards, Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and Governor General’s Literary Awards, and his body of work was recognized with the prestigious Arthur Miller Playwriting Award.  He was the former editor at the Playwrights Union of Canada (now Playwrights Guild of Canada), Play Editor for Scirocco Drama, and Playwright-in-Residence at both the Stratford Shakespeare Festival and the Shaw Festival.  He served on the Board of Cahoots Theatre Company, and is described as “invaluable” in the formation of Peterborough’s New Stages Theatre Company.

His first exposure to theatre was at the Peterborough Theatre Guild, which premiered his musical Susanna.  He remains a keen supporter of community and educational theatre, encouraging young playwrights to get involved with amateur groups and see plays at the community level, and he is—as Glenda MacFarlane, one of his nominators, observed—“as keenly interested in a high school production of one of his plays as if it was being performed Off-Broadway!”  His legacy as a mentor has been praised by both playwrights and playwriting teachers for his skill in giving feedback to emerging playwrights while supporting their distinctive voices.

The award will be presented to Dave on October 22nd in Mississauga at Playwrights Guild of Canada’s annual awards event.  “We’re very excited to be able to host the presentation of Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award and share in this celebration of  a playwright who has contributed so significantly to theatre in Ontario,” said Robin Sokoloski, Executive Director of Playwrights Guild of Canada.

“I feel very honoured to receive this award,” said Dave.  “I have always been deeply grateful for the many artists who have encouraged my own development over the years, including two seminal figures at the very start of my journey—Robert Weaver and Margaret Laurence.  One of the great pleasures of my subsequent career in stage and radio drama has been working with other theatre artists and, whenever possible, encouraging them to persevere in bringing their own acts of imagination to the page, stage and airwaves.”

Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award is presented to an individual who, over a number of years, has made a sustained and significant contribution to the development of theatre in Ontario.  As Theatre Ontario’s first employee, the late Maggie Bassett created a solid foundation for the organization by launching the Professional Theatre Training Program, Summer Courses, and the newsletter.  Her love for the arts held no barriers between community, professional or educational theatre.  Maggie was also a fine director and actress and performed at Tarragon Theatre, Huron County Playhouse, and at the Alumnae Theatre.  For many years, she attended all regional festivals.  She was known for her warmth, humour, sparkle and the sincere encouragement she bestowed on those around her.  This award is for dedication to theatre beyond the call of duty.  The award is a stunning bronze statuette entitled “COURAGE”, designed by Rita Tuckett and sculpted by Ronald Thom.

Past recipients of Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award are Ken Watts, Elsie Thomson, Jean Roberts, Herbert Whittaker, Heather McCallum, Herman Voaden, Dennis Sweeting, Jack Medhurst, Jack Blacklock, Sandy Black, Patricia Beharriell, Wilf Pegg, Virginia Reh, Lib Spry, Wayne Fairhead, Richard Howard, Dusty Miller, Kay McKie, Beth McMaster, Sandra Tulloch, Jeff Burke, James Alexander, Ron Cameron-Lewis, Angela Rebeiro, Kim Renders, Yvette Nolan, Alex Mustakas, Don Fleckser, and Diana Belshaw.

Read more about Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award

Discuss Theatre Ontario’s Maggie Bassett Award on the Theatre Ontario Blog