Piccolo Theatre, Inc. (PTI) seeks an Artistic Director to steward the Piccolo Theatre Ensemble’s (PTE) artistic vision; inspire its artists, staff, Board and stakeholders to produce the highest quality work; and to facilitate the Company’s growth as it enters the final stages of transitioning from a Founder-led organization into the next stage of its organizational and artistic life. The flagship program of PTI, the Piccolo Theatre Ensemble is a community-centric, non- equity professional theatre that is renowned for its productions of new, classical and devised works of comedies.

Overview of Piccolo Theatre, Inc. History: PTI cultivates community development through the arts with dynamic educational artistic and theatrical programming events in our artistic home, the historic Main Street Metra Station. Located in South Evanston, PTI produces 4 streams of programming: the Custer Fair, the Northshore’s largest and oldest arts fair; comedy arts classes and camps for tweens; managing and operating the Main Street Metra Station as both an arts center and commuter facility; and producing a four show season of comedic works. This past fall, PTI’s founder, artistic and executive director left after the completion of the organization’s succession plan. The past nine months have focused on institutionalizing PTI’s business practices, and the next nine will focus on the artistic direction and growth of the company. The Piccolo Theatre Ensemble is the heart of PTI, and is comprised of a multidisciplinary group of theatre artists; the Artistic Director is the head of this program and the leader of the Ensemble. PTI has two full time staff and four part time staff, and is led by a committed and engaged Board of Directors.

Mission: Piccolo Theatre, Inc. (PTI) provides accessible and dynamic programming, using the universal medium of the comedic arts, in order to strengthen and engage the South Evanston community. It is our mission to make you laugh.

Piccolo Theatre has become an integral part of South Evanston’s culture & identity; by providing an opportunity for shared experiences in an artform, which transcends social, racial, and economic boundaries. Piccolo Theatre is a unifying force in the population-dense and richly diverse South Evanston area.

Artistic Director Job Description:

Artistic and Vision

i. Steward the artistic vision of the Company and uphold the Company’s mission statement in artistic activities of the Company.

ii. Inspire the staff, Ensemble, and Board of Directors of the Company to create the best possible work at the Company.

iii. Oversee and maintain the highest quality of artistic output of the Ensemble, including but not limited to full productions, readings and workshops.

iv. Collaborate with staff to strengthen and grow existing programming, and to develop new programming that furthers PTI’s mission.

v. Lead and develop the Ensemble to ensure its continued and increased capacity to create dynamic, challenging and exciting works of comedy.

vi. Develop an annual season of varied plays, consistent with mission and resources of the Company, by actively consulting the Ensemble and staff regarding the selection of materials to be produced. Present the final proposal to the Board of Directors for the final approval of the season.

vii. With staff, hire and oversee production directors, attend design presentations, and provide feedback and guidance throughout the rehearsal and tech process.

viii. Serve as the public face of the Ensemble, and be present and active in advancing the Ensemble’s reputation both in the building and as a member of the Chicagoland theatre community.

ix. Artistically participate in PTE productions as a member of the creative team, and when necessary or in an emergency, assume directing or performing responsibilities.

Administration and Communication

i. Promote the image of the Ensemble within the general public and theatre community, and with other staff, represent the Ensemble’s interests in the public, private and theatrical sectors.

ii. Contribute to the development of the Ensemble’s identity/brand and work with the Marketing Director to align a style and visual appearance for each season.

iii. Interact with press and other media and interest groups as requested by Marketing/Development Staff.

iv. Be actively involved in the fundraising activities of the theater and collaborate with the development staff.

v. Network regularly with other theatre companies, artists, NPOs and businesses for mutual benefit.

vi. With staff, develop mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses, sponsors and other nonprofits.

vii. Serve as ex-officio member of the Board and, when possible attend and participate in Board meetings and, where appropriate, meetings of Board committees.

viii. Collaborate with staff and Board in long term strategic planning, including the creation of long-term artistic goals and objectives.

ix. Work with the Producing Director and the Board’s Executive Committee to evaluate the degree to which the short-term goals and objectives of the AD position and the Piccolo Theatre Ensemble (at large) are being met.

x. On an annual basis, present a list of goals, objectives and work plans for the coming artistic season created with the input of the Executive Committee and Producing Director.

The AD reports directly to the Producing Director, and sits as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. This senior leadership position and program head works with all of PTI’s exceptional and collaborative staff members, including the General Manager, Director of Education and Outreach, Production Manager and Development Associate.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience as a theatre artist across multiple disciplines, with a proven track record of leading and managing a theatre ensemble, as well as development experience. Strategic, finance and business savvy is a huge plus. This is a paid, part-time staff position (average-10 hours/week) with varied hours dependent upon show and season requirements.

How to apply

To apply, please send an email to jobs@piccolotheatre.com with the following attachments in either Word, Pages or PDF format: a cover letter that highlights your prior experience and why you are a stellar candidate for this position; three references with email addresses and phone numbers; and a current resume. Applications must be received by May 15, 2015; the anticipated start date range for the AD is June 1-15, 2015. No phone calls please.