Artistic Director

As a leader of Dallas Children’s Theater, the Artistic Director will lead through collaboration, model a strong work ethic, and exhibit passion, dedication, and knowledge of Theatre for Young Audiences’ multiple components. Artistic excellence is always the goal. The AD will ensure that DCT’s programs are known to all constituents locally and nationally. DCT was organized on a collaborative model with the senior staff working closely together under the guidance of the Executive Director. The AD will report directly to the Executive Director and will be responsible for ensuring that the organization fulfills its mission through its innovative artistic programming, development of new work, educational offerings, production, and staffing.

Role and Responsibilities

Artistic Development and Production Supervision

• Provide primary vision, leadership, and direction for the organization’s artistic, creative, and educational activities, championing new ideas and embracing new technologies.
• Oversee all season productions, which includes directing productions and welcoming new artistic voices.
• Select artistic teams for season productions and advise/consult with production staff to ensure readiness for each show’s opening and run.
• Promote DCT as a home for artists, technicians, and students within the field of Theatre for Young Audiences.
• Embrace other artistic development and production supervision duties, as needed.

Programming, New Play Development, and Education

• Develop annual programming of plays, educational programs and curriculum, and associated scheduled activities, in collaboration with the Associate Artistic Director, senior staff, and education staff in a manner that advances the creative direction of the DCT.
• Nurture strong relationships with playwrights, agents, professional colleagues, and community stakeholders to ensure vibrant and diverse season offerings.
• Attend professional regional and national conferences to network with artists, agents, and other presenters in the field of Theatre for Young Audiences.
• Promote new play development and create collaborations and commissions that speak to youth.
• Reinforce DCT’s mission through innovative thinking in the development and programming of new works for its theaters.
• Build meaningful connections between programs, artists, and DCT’s educational and public experiences reflective of principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access.
• Embrace other season programming, new play development, and education duties, as needed.

Community Engagement, Board Relations, and Finance

• Serve as a spokesperson to promote DCT’s artistic vision, brand, and reputation, locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with constituents including corporate and foundation sponsors, individual donors, business owners, schools and colleges, elected officials, and community leaders.
• Broaden the reach of the DCT by publicly highlighting its unique mission and public image as a regional asset.
• Facilitate and maintain a close relationship with the Board of Directors concerning the artistic direction of the theater and guide the assessment and modification of programmatic strategies.
• Oversee budgets for Productions and Education and provide timely financial reports to the Finance and Executive Committees and the Board of Trustees.
• Provide information and budgets to support grant applications and other fundraising activities.
• Embrace other community engagement, board relations, and finance duties, as needed.

Leadership and Strategic Planning

• Maintain a climate of collaboration that attracts, retains, motivates, and excites a top-quality, diverse artistic, education, and production staff.
• Oversee, evaluate, and advise artistic, production, and education department staff.
• Guide, implement, and update DCT’s long-term strategic plan objectives in partnership with the Executive Director.
• Embrace other leadership and strategic planning duties, as needed.

Traits and Characteristics

The Artistic Director will be a dynamic spokesperson with the ability to elevate the theater’s impact within the field of Theatre for Young Audiences, engaging and inspiring children, families, and artists, and propelling the theater into a new era of artistic excellence. They must be an effective communicator with the ability to inspire teams with a clear sense of purpose with the ability to handle sensitive issues. The AD will be an effective project manager able to deliver high-quality performances, ensuring that productions resonate with the community, and uphold the theater’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. They will be a strong leader able to take the initiative in exploring fresh opportunities.

Other key competencies include the following:

• Diplomacy – Encourage diverse perspectives within the creative process and effectively handle difficult or sensitive issues with tact.
• Self-Starting – Create a sense of purpose and direction and demonstrate the initiative and willingness to work independently and proactively.
• Personal Accountability – Demonstrate integrity and take responsibility for decisions, ensuring alignment with the theater’s mission and values.
• Planning and Organizing – Obtain results while establishing clear courses of action to ensure that work is completed effectively and efficiently.

Qualifications

Senior artistic leadership experience in an organization of similar size and scope, with demonstrated growth and a successful track record of programming, producing, and directing youth/family-centered work is required. The person filling this role must be artistically accomplished, resourceful, and understand the space in which DCT operates. Proven success in planning, negotiation, and managing people as a function of their artistic role is required. Qualified candidates must have a demonstrable connection to and passion for Theatre for Young Audiences, youth/family-centered arts, and arts education. Measurable success in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and access strategies is essential. Financial literacy and experience in fundraising and community engagement are highly desirable. Familiarity with local, regional, and national artistic communities is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

DCT offers competitive compensation, with a salary range expected between $115,000 and $135,000 and a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, accident, long-term disability insurance, and paid time off and holidays.

Applications and Inquiries

To submit a cover letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments (electronic submissions preferred), please visit:
artsconsulting.com/../dallas-childrens-theater-seeks-artistic-director/.

For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, please contact:

Ernest Figueroa, Associate Vice President

8581 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 406

Los Angeles, CA 90069-4120

Tel: (323) 721.0141 Ext. 226

Email: DallasChildren’sTheater@artsconsulting.com

Dallas Children’s Theater (DCT) is committed to the kind of excellence in theater arts programming that challenges and inspires young people from every race, culture, gender, social class, ability, and sexual orientation to develop their unique creative talents and individual perspectives in order to contribute to a more pluralistic and peaceful world. DCT promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of the institution, including its programming, board, and staff. DCT is an equal-opportunity employer.