Artistic & Education Director

Nmble Hiring Solutions; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Town Playhouse seeks an Artistic & Education Director to unite artistic vision with expansive educational programming. You will be the creative and public face, guiding season planning, youth and adult education, and donor relations while coordinating with volunteers who bring productions to life.

You will lead the artistic process, oversee production quality, mentor directors, and shape education outreach for all ages, ensuring inclusive and dynamic programming across the Playhouse

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in theatre or performing arts or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years directing and producing theatre.
• Experience leading educational programming (youth theatre, classes, camps).
• Confidence and polish in public speaking for curtain speeches and donor events.
• Knowledge of all aspects of producing theatre including design and technical operations.
• Track record of coaching artists, resolving conflict, building teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Artistic Committee to curate a season aligned with mission and budget.
• Research and recommend artistically strong and financially viable productions.
• Oversee auditions and casting with volunteer directors; guide artistic visions.
• Coach and mentor volunteer directors and casts; direct when needed.
• Lead the annual Gala production.
• Provide strategic direction for Youth Education Manager and adult classes.

Skills

Public speaking

Leadership

Communication

Budget management

Team coaching

Attention to detail

Time management

Inclusive leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in theatre or performing arts

Job description

Old Town Playhouse is looking for an Artistic & Education Director to lead its artistic vision and its educational programming. This role was recently expanded: it now pairs season and production leadership with direct oversight of youth and adult education. You'll be the creative and public face of the Playhouse, on stage at curtain speeches, in front of donors, and alongside the volunteers who make every show happen.

What you'll do

Artistic leadership

• Lead the Artistic Committee to curate a season that serves the Playhouse's mission, community and budget
• Research and recommend productions that are artistically strong and financially viable
• Stay current on trends and developments in theatre

Production quality and people

• Own the artistic quality of every production, setting high standards while keeping a positive, safe environment
• Select show directors and guide their artistic visions
• Oversee auditions and casting in partnership with volunteer directors
• Coach and mentor volunteer directors and casts, and step in to direct when emergencies arise
• Lead the annual Gala production

Education

• Provide strategic direction, oversight and mentoring for the Youth Education Manager
• Build and grow adult class offerings and recruit instructors
• Shape an education program that welcomes all ages and backgrounds

Production logistics and budget

• Secure licenses, scripts and scores
• Partner with the Marketing Manager on season materials, promotions and artistic language for shows and events
• Make sure show details and needs reach every part of the organization
• Help build season budgets and manage the artistic budget

Direct reports: Resource Production Manager and Youth Education Manager

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree in theatre or performing arts, or equivalent experience
• 10+ years directing and producing theatre
• Experience leading educational programming, such as youth theatre, classes or camps
• Confidence and polish in public speaking: curtain speeches, donor events, community presentations
• Working knowledge of every part of a producing theatre, including design and technical operations
• A track record of coaching artists, resolving conflict and building collaborative teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication, strong attention to detail and solid time management
• Passion for working inclusively with people of all ages and backgrounds

Why you'll like it here

• Lead both the artistic and education sides of a community-centered theatre
• Mentor a team and a large volunteer community of directors, casts and crew
• Help shape where the role, and the Playhouse's education program, go next