Artistic Manager

Job Description:

The Victoria Playhouse is seeking a versatile, visionary, and community-minded Artistic Manager to lead creative programming and to take part in day-to-day operations. In a small rural theatre, leadership means wearing many hats. You will bridge the gap between artistic vision and practical execution, shaping the seasonal calendar while playing an important role in the Playhouse’s vibrancy, sustainability and growth, and connection to community.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership & Programming

• Conceive and execute an annual season of mainstage shows, which could include productions, presentations, concerts, workshops, and special events that reflect the diverse interests of our local and tourist audience.
• Foster relationships with artists, community groups, and businesses, both locally and beyond, to build deep-rooted cultural partnerships.
• Recruit, hire, and oversee creative personnel and function as the main point of contact after the signing of performance contracts.

Operational & Financial Management

• Collaborate with the Operations Manager in daily operations, including the theatre’s production schedules and facility coordination (these are primarily the responsibilities of the Operations Manager, in close collaboration with the Artistic Manager).
• Develop and track annual operating and production budgets in coordination with the Operations Manager and Board of Directors.
• Work collaboratively on grant writing initiatives and identifying public funding, corporate sponsorships, and individual donor opportunities.
• Support marketing and outreach campaigns to drive ticket sales, increase audience engagement and sponsorships, elevate the theatre’s local profile, and act as a public face of the organization.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Minimum 5 years’ experience in arts administration, production management, or artistic leadership, ideally within a small or mid-sized theatre company. On-stage performance experience and education/training related to performing arts are considered assets.
• Community Focus: A genuine and demonstrated passion for rural arts development and a strong desire to contribute to rural community life.
• Resourcefulness: Exceptional problem-solving skills and the adaptability required to thrive in a small-team environment where resources are optimized creatively.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with the Operations Manager and staff, artists, volunteers, community stakeholders, etc.

Working Conditions

• Dates: November 2026 (exact start date to be determined in collaboration with successful applicant) until October 2027, with possibility of renewal.
• Some evenings and weekends required, particularly during the summer festival season.

Please note: This role and the confirmed number of hours per week are pending final funding approval.

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