[e-drive][E-DRIVE; JOB: GENERAL MANAGER/ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - HUDSON QUEBEC]

[Darlene Bullard]

Please direct all responses and inquiries directly to the theatre or association listed in the e-drive notice below.

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JOB: GENERAL MANAGER/ ARTISTIC DIRECTOR - HUDSON, QUEBEC 
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VILLAGE THEATRE WEST - JOB OPPORTUNITY

Village Theatre West (VTW) is now preparing for its twelfth year of professional theatre in Hudson. From small beginnings in a marquee near Highway 40 it moved 5 years ago into the old CP rail station, producing two summer seasons in partially converted surroundings. By summer 2000 major renovations had been completed, and the season opened in the charming 148 seat fully air-conditioned theatre. While the exterior of the building has changed little, and still looks like (and serves as) a train station, inside it has been amazingly transformed. With its lobby bar in the old baggage room, its modern changing and green rooms for the actors, its excellent sight lines and acoustics in the auditorium, VTW has developed a unique, charming and intimate location - and one which can now serve its patrons year round.

VTW is a registered non profit charity. Its formal mandate is to provide all types of theatre arts to the public, to arrange theatre education with workshops, speaker evenings, readings and special events, to provide opportunities for students to obtain practical experience in theatrical productions, and to arrange fund-raising events in support of its goals. While much of its audience comes from the Hudson/St Lazare area, it also serves the West Island, and has regular visitors from down-town Montreal, and from as far as Ottawa. 

While its origins and its strength remains its summer season, which this year included four plays and ran from May to September, VTW's year-round programmes have included productions by local community groups and choirs, comedy performances, teen shows, traditional British pantomimes, and a wide range of other professional productions.

Scope of Position

Reporting through the Board of Directors to the President, the General Manager/Artistic Director will be responsible for the overall management of operations , ensuring that agreed artistic and financial goals are met, and that the successful growth of the business continues.

Duties and Responsibilities.

The General Manager/ Artistic Director will be responsible for:
* The management of the artistic program for the year, including developing and implementing the creative vision for the theatre, selecting the program for the year, the hiring/firing and supervision of artistic and production staff, and the overall supervision of the design of advertising and marketing materials
* The development of a strategic plan for the theatre to maximize business opportunities and facility utilization in addition to the artistic direction noted above.
* The management of the business, including the operation's finances (in conjunction with the treasurer), maintaining financial records, attending board meetings, producing annual budgets and a business plan, and budgets for each show or event.
* The management of all personnel employed directly by or on contract to the theatre. Liaison with Actors'Equity as appropriate.
* The management of the building, ensuring compliance with laws, codes etc, and that security and insurance cover are adequate.
* Timely identification of and application for grants and other financial support that may be available.
* Management of box office, front of house, and other services provided by the theatre.
* Leadership, in conjunction with board, of fund-raising events, and annual giving and capital campaigns as required.
* Maintaining of contacts and networks in the Montreal theatre community, particularly with English language theatre groups.
* Maximizing revenue generating opportunities for the facility (apart from theatrical productions)
* Other related tasks, which may be agreed from time to time with the President.


Qualifications and Experience.
The ideal candidate will have:

* Experience in the business of running a successful arts operation in a permanent facility in Canada (preferably live theatre on a year round basis)
* A substantial knowledge of the Canadian theatre scene, and of material suitable for artistic programs. A degree in theatre arts, or a related field, combined with strong networking relationships in the Montreal theatre community is preferred.
* Demonstrated innovation and creativity in the area of theatre management.
* Strong management skills in the areas of marketing, public relations, box office and related theatre operations, the management of personnel, and administration in general.
* Experience in the area of fund-raising, including involvement in annual giving and capital campaigns.
* Experience in applying for available government grants and other financial support, including sponsorships.
* Experience working with a volunteer board of directors, and in engaging, working with and motivating volunteer supporters.
* Familiarity with financial statements, budgets, and the writing of business plans.
* Strong computer skills ( MS Word, Excel, d-base etc)
* Excellent communication skills, written and oral. 
* Fluency in both official languages.

VTW Offers.
* The opportunity to play a lead rôle in the on-going growth of one of newest and most dynamic theatres in the Montreal region.
* A delightful working environment in the Hudson community
* An enthusiastic and committed group of directors and other volunteers
* An established clientele following 11 years of operations
* A charming and unique facility in the old train station
* A competitive remuneration, based on qualifications and experience


Interested candidates should contact in confidence with a resumé: 
Michael B. Lawrence
President, Village Theatre West
265 Main Road
Hudson, Quebec J0P 1H0. 
Phone: 450-458-5196. 
Fax: 450-458-2925. 
Email: m-slawrence at sympatico.ca

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Canadian Actors' Equity Association
44 Victoria St., 12th floor, Toronto, ON, M5C 3C4
phone: 416-867-9165 
fax:416-867-9246
email: communications at caea.com