Programmer/Assistant Programmer (Arts/Theatre)

The Esplanade Co Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay in Singapore invites applications for a Theatre Programmer. The role plans and executes arts programmes, coordinating with artists, agents, and Esplanade teams to ensure timely delivery of festivals, series and projects.

You will work with Marketing, Development, Operations and other departments to maximise publicity, sponsorship and ticket sales while maintaining artistic integrity and audience engagement across diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Degree holder in arts management or related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in performing arts or visual arts programmes.
• Strong knowledge of leading international developments in the arts and familiarity with Singapore’s arts scene.

Responsibilities

• Plan, manage and execute arts programmes and seasons for Esplanade’s calendar of festivals, series and projects.
• Negotiate with artists, managers/producers/agents, and be the main Esplanade contact in planning and execution.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Development for publicity, sponsorship, box office and revenue generation.
• Coordinate with Technical Production, Logistics and other departments to ensure smooth programme execution.
• Supervise artist liaison officers and interns on assigned projects.
• Keep abreast of trends in performing arts locally and internationally.
• Budget for activities, forecast returns and track expenditures within budgets.
• Develop and implement SOPs for presentation and commissioning of arts performances.

Skills

Arts management

Stage management

Project coordination

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in arts management

Job description

As a leading arts center in Singapore and beyond, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s programmes play an integral role in the development of arts and culture in Singapore and Asia. The Esplanade’s Programming department provides direction for artistic and audience development through a wide range of free and ticketed programmes which form the core of performing arts programmes in Singapore’s cultural calendar. Programmes are initiated and executed by the department with rigor and sensitivity to the needs of diverse communities.

The Programming department supports and works alongside Singaporean and International artists when it commissions, co-produces or presents new and existing performances or works. Esplanade’s programmes develop and deepen the public’s appreciation for art in Singapore and provide meaningful engagements for audiences of all ages and abilities.

We are currently seeking candidates for one Programmer position for Theatre.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, manage and execute arts programmes and seasons as part of Esplanade’s calendar of festivals, series and projects including conceptualizing and recommending feasible programmes for the arts centre.
• Work closely with and negotiate with Artists, Artist’s managers/producers/agents in the planning and execution of the programme and be the main point of contact representing Esplanade in negotiations, planning and execution.
• Work closely with Marketing & Development teams with regards to publicity, and marketing plans involving sponsorship, box office, for all relevant programmes to maximise publicity, sale of tickets as well as revenue from all sources.
• Liaise with Operational departments such as Technical Production, Logistics and relevant depts, ensuring smooth implementation and execution of programmes.
• Supervise relevant artist liaison officers / project assistants /interns working on the assigned projects.
• Be an internal resource on artists and performing arts forms including keeping abreast of trends and current happenings in performing arts in the local and international arts scene.
• Budgeting for arts activities, performances or exhibitions including forecast on expected returns (if applicable), tracking costs and expenditure ensuring that they are within the budgets.
• Assist in developing and implementing standard operating policies and procedures manuals for presentation and commissioning of arts performances and running of the department
• Support local arts groups or artists in the presentations of their work in the Esplanade including promoting and encouraging activities/programmes that will increase and develop audience appreciation of the arts.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Degree holder, or training from a recognised institution in arts management, stage management, theatre production or equivalent professional experience preferred.
• For Programmers for Performing Arts, some form of training in the arts including music, dance, theatre, children and youth programmes will be an advantage.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in performing arts or visual arts programmes is required.
• Good knowledge of leading international developments and trends in various art forms and genres. Good understanding of the arts scene in Singapore and familiarity with the needs and tastes of local audience and arts groups / artists.
• Strong organisational and interpersonal skills, able to work comfortably in large teams.
• Ability to successfully conceptualise and realise projects and programmes.