Artistic Director

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 24,300 - 29,700; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused theater organization in Evanston seeks an Artistic Director to lead its artistic vision and programming for a four-show season. This part-time role, requiring 20–30 hours per week, involves curating productions, directing, and engaging with the community. Ideal candidates will have a strong directing background, experience in the theatre landscape, and skills in donor relations and fundraising. Salary is $27,000 annually, with benefits such as retirement savings participation.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of Chicago's storefront theatre landscape.
• Experience working in both storefront and regional theatre.
• Strong directing and/or technical theatre resume.

Responsibilities

• Establish and advance the artistic direction of the theatre.
• Direct one mainstage production per season.
• Lead all auditions and casting decisions.
• Develop artistic narratives for grant applications.
• Maintain active presence in theatre community.

Skills

Collaborative leadership

Community engagement

Artistic vision articulation

Casting and directing

Grant writing

Education

Experience in theatre production

Job description

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre seeks a bold, collaborative, and community-driven Artistic Director to lead its next chapter of artistic excellence. This is a part-time artistic leadership position responsible for shaping the creative vision, programming, casting, and production standards of a four-show annual season. The Artistic Director serves as the artistic leader of the organization and works in partnership with the Managing Director and Board of Directors to ensure artistic integrity, financial responsibility, and mission alignment.

Position Overview

• Establishing and advancing the artistic direction of the theatre
• Curating and proposing a four-production annual season
• Directing one (1) mainstage production per season
• Operate within board approved budget and participate in budget planning discussions
• Leading all casting processes
• Hiring directors and creative teams
• Maintaining strong artistic and rehearsal standards
• Serving as an ambassador to donors and funders requiring comfort with grant budgeting, institutional relationships, and community engagements

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership & Programming

• Develop and articulate a compelling artistic vision
• Direct one (1) production per season
• Select and propose a balanced and mission‑aligned season
• Ensure high production standards across all programming
• Maintain awareness of trends and opportunities in the storefront theatre landscape

Casting & Creative Hiring

• Lead and oversee all auditions and casting decisions
• Cultivate and maintain a diverse and dynamic Chicago talent network
• Select directors, designers, and key artistic collaborators
• Ensure professional rehearsal environments and artist accountability

Grant & Development Collaboration

• Provide artistic narratives for grant applications
• Partner in identifying grant opportunities
• Participate in donor cultivation events
• Present artistic vision to major donors and sponsors
• Support community‑based funding initiatives

Community & Industry Engagement

• Maintain active presence within Chicago’s storefront and regional theatre community
• Build partnerships with educational and cultural institutions
• Engage audiences through programming and public representation

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Deep knowledge of Chicago’s storefront theatre landscape
• Experience working at both storefront and regional theatre levels
• A strong directing and/or technical theatre resume with a record of successful productions
• Experience with education and community engagement programming
• Familiarity with community grants and institutional funding processes
• Demonstrated success participating in donor relations and fundraising efforts
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaborative skills

Compensation & Structure

• Part‑time position, 20–30 hours per week, varying during the producing cycle
• Salary: $27,000 annually, with participation in the Illinois Secure Choice Retirement Savings
• Directing one mainstage production required
• Works in close partnership with the Managing Director
• Reports to the Board of Directors

How To Apply

• Please submit a résumé and cover letter in PDF format to [e-mail].
• The application deadline is Friday, April 10th.

Theo Ubique is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on individual qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, status with respect to public assistance, veteran status, or other status protected by law.