University of Chicago (UC)
Marilyn F. Vitale Artistic Director
University of Chicago (UC), Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Location: Chicago, IL
Job Description:Artistic Leadership: Understand all facets of Court Theatre, including the theatre’s history, culture, staff, finances, play schedule and new play development; education and public programs; facility and infrastructure; operations; and annual, endowment and capital campaign initiatives. Understand Chicago and the University of Chicago, and their resources, other arts organizations, constituents, and diverse audiences. Bring to Court Theatre insights into the current state of theatre and theatre artists nationally and internationally.
Visionary Programming: Manage the artistic affairs of Court Theatre, including selection of works, directors, cast members, theatre tech, and programs that engage different audience cohorts; function as an ambassador for the Court and for University of Chicago, its artists, arts faculty, and programs.
Connecting to and Broadening Audiences: Understand the audience drawn from the University of Chicago and the Greater Chicago; cultivate a reputation of being a place for all sorts of theatre audiences, with topics, staging, language, audience experiences, and a vibe that is exciting to a very diverse community.
Developing Classic Theatre: Build a robust and well-supported new play development process which includes commissioning of new work, expanding collaboration with University faculty, and more intensively involving University students and community residents in these processes; engage a range of guest artists who bring new vision to the stage; facilitate opportunities for Court’s dramaturgy and work to be more broadly shared with other theatres.
Theatre Education and Outreach: Review the present status of the theatre’s mainstage and education programming, and take charge of in-process work related to current and planned productions, events, and performances.
Financial Health: In conjunction with the artistic team, develop an artistic vision of plays and programs that can be administered within appropriate budgetary constraints, and that will inform, attract, and engage the interest of a diverse Chicago and UChicago public while also securing recognition nationally and internationally.
Community Partnerships: Build on Court’s strong reputation by continuing to cultivate relationships with existing and new key stakeholders in the theatre, South Side, and University communities in order to enhance and develop support for programs, including partnership opportunities with other arts, educational, and cultural institutions locally, nationally, and internationally; and with local artists, community, and business leaders.
Mission Building: Work to build strong relationships among the Court Board, staff, volunteers, donors, and subscribers; work with the Executive Director and the Board to update long-range strategic planning and implement Court’s shared values, mission, and vision; suggest new Board members whose talents, interests, and commitment will help to further Court Theatre’s mission, and to expand funding opportunities.
Workplace Synergy: In collaboration with the Executive Director, hire, supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate artistic staff, ensuring that staffing is appropriate to meet the organization’s goals; work with the staff to understand their contributions, strengths, and concerns; instill a strong sense of partnership and cohesion across the organization; use open channels of communication to reinforce a culture of excellence toward achieving the highest standards of theatre practice.
Build Profile: Join other arts leaders in the region, nationally, and internationally to advocate for the arts at Court, the University, and beyond.
Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
Manages the development of productions and programs for various units across the University.
Performs other related work as needed.
Preferred QualificationsEducation:Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced degree strongly preferred.
Experience:Experienced and recognized theatre director and arts leader.
Demonstrated history of creating work that attracts the positive attention of other artists and diverse audiences.
Minimum of seven years of experience in a progressively responsible role in a theatre or related educational/research organization, including 5 years of senior management and leadership experience.
Experience working in higher education.
Familiarity with the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago.
Demonstrated management experience in a theatre or performing arts organization known for innovative programming, artistic excellence, and strong ties with the community; an extensive background or passion for theatre and educational & public programming would be an advantage; knowledge of current trends and developments in the performing arts.
Preferred CompetenciesGenerous and active collaborator with playwrights, theatre directors, actors, designers, educators, and others.
Demonstrated ability to forge mutually respectful and effective relationships with a diverse group of personalities to deliver exceptional theatre experiences to the public.
Demonstrated passion for connecting the public with theatre and who will enjoy connecting members of Chicago and surrounding communities, as well as visitors to the region and to the Court Theatre.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with donors, community leaders, performing artists, educators, and the theatre’s Board to strengthen the theatre.
Possesses a strong commitment to building a community from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints, and to cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression.
Exhibits outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the means to address issues in non-confrontational and non-polarizing ways, but nevertheless with determination; a track record as an effective advocate for his or her organization.
Adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through; a hard worker with a high energy level who welcomes accountability; a good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources.
Imparts trust, integrity, and stability and guides others in a similar vein; an ability to disagree without being disagreeable; a team player and team builder; someone who enjoys working in close collaboration with staff, Board, and community members and is able to connect with a broad spectrum of community members and partners; a person with a sense of humor and perspective.
Application DocumentsResume/CV (required)
Reference Contact Information (3) (required)
Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Job Description:Artistic Leadership: Understand all facets of Court Theatre, including the theatre’s history, culture, staff, finances, play schedule and new play development; education and public programs; facility and infrastructure; operations; and annual, endowment and capital campaign initiatives. Understand Chicago and the University of Chicago, and their resources, other arts organizations, constituents, and diverse audiences. Bring to Court Theatre insights into the current state of theatre and theatre artists nationally and internationally.
Visionary Programming: Manage the artistic affairs of Court Theatre, including selection of works, directors, cast members, theatre tech, and programs that engage different audience cohorts; function as an ambassador for the Court and for University of Chicago, its artists, arts faculty, and programs.
Connecting to and Broadening Audiences: Understand the audience drawn from the University of Chicago and the Greater Chicago; cultivate a reputation of being a place for all sorts of theatre audiences, with topics, staging, language, audience experiences, and a vibe that is exciting to a very diverse community.
Developing Classic Theatre: Build a robust and well-supported new play development process which includes commissioning of new work, expanding collaboration with University faculty, and more intensively involving University students and community residents in these processes; engage a range of guest artists who bring new vision to the stage; facilitate opportunities for Court’s dramaturgy and work to be more broadly shared with other theatres.
Theatre Education and Outreach: Review the present status of the theatre’s mainstage and education programming, and take charge of in-process work related to current and planned productions, events, and performances.
Financial Health: In conjunction with the artistic team, develop an artistic vision of plays and programs that can be administered within appropriate budgetary constraints, and that will inform, attract, and engage the interest of a diverse Chicago and UChicago public while also securing recognition nationally and internationally.
Community Partnerships: Build on Court’s strong reputation by continuing to cultivate relationships with existing and new key stakeholders in the theatre, South Side, and University communities in order to enhance and develop support for programs, including partnership opportunities with other arts, educational, and cultural institutions locally, nationally, and internationally; and with local artists, community, and business leaders.
Mission Building: Work to build strong relationships among the Court Board, staff, volunteers, donors, and subscribers; work with the Executive Director and the Board to update long-range strategic planning and implement Court’s shared values, mission, and vision; suggest new Board members whose talents, interests, and commitment will help to further Court Theatre’s mission, and to expand funding opportunities.
Workplace Synergy: In collaboration with the Executive Director, hire, supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate artistic staff, ensuring that staffing is appropriate to meet the organization’s goals; work with the staff to understand their contributions, strengths, and concerns; instill a strong sense of partnership and cohesion across the organization; use open channels of communication to reinforce a culture of excellence toward achieving the highest standards of theatre practice.
Build Profile: Join other arts leaders in the region, nationally, and internationally to advocate for the arts at Court, the University, and beyond.
Manages managers and professional staff. Establishes performance goals, allocates resources and assesses policies for direct subordinates.
Manages the development of productions and programs for various units across the University.
Performs other related work as needed.
Preferred QualificationsEducation:Bachelor’s degree.
Advanced degree strongly preferred.
Experience:Experienced and recognized theatre director and arts leader.
Demonstrated history of creating work that attracts the positive attention of other artists and diverse audiences.
Minimum of seven years of experience in a progressively responsible role in a theatre or related educational/research organization, including 5 years of senior management and leadership experience.
Experience working in higher education.
Familiarity with the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago.
Demonstrated management experience in a theatre or performing arts organization known for innovative programming, artistic excellence, and strong ties with the community; an extensive background or passion for theatre and educational & public programming would be an advantage; knowledge of current trends and developments in the performing arts.
Preferred CompetenciesGenerous and active collaborator with playwrights, theatre directors, actors, designers, educators, and others.
Demonstrated ability to forge mutually respectful and effective relationships with a diverse group of personalities to deliver exceptional theatre experiences to the public.
Demonstrated passion for connecting the public with theatre and who will enjoy connecting members of Chicago and surrounding communities, as well as visitors to the region and to the Court Theatre.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with donors, community leaders, performing artists, educators, and the theatre’s Board to strengthen the theatre.
Possesses a strong commitment to building a community from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints, and to cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression.
Exhibits outstanding oral and written communication skills, including the means to address issues in non-confrontational and non-polarizing ways, but nevertheless with determination; a track record as an effective advocate for his or her organization.
Adept at planning, prioritizing, organizing, and following through; a hard worker with a high energy level who welcomes accountability; a good listener and strategist; comfortable receiving input from many sources.
Imparts trust, integrity, and stability and guides others in a similar vein; an ability to disagree without being disagreeable; a team player and team builder; someone who enjoys working in close collaboration with staff, Board, and community members and is able to connect with a broad spectrum of community members and partners; a person with a sense of humor and perspective.
Application DocumentsResume/CV (required)
Reference Contact Information (3) (required)
Cover Letter (required)
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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