Visionary Artistic Director – Lead Durban Theatre Seasons

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Leave entitlements

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban seeks an visionary Artistic Director to lead theatre productions, shaping the creative vision, programming seasons, casting, and directing. This is a hands-on role guiding artists and teams to deliver impactful performances for the KwaZulu-Natal community.

You will collaborate with directors, designers and actors, manage budgets, champion diversity, and represent the company at industry events while nurturing talent and building strong community relations.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in theatre with leadership in directing or programming.
• Proven track record in leadership and theatre production management.
• Deep knowledge of theatre history, literature, and contemporary practice.
• Exceptional directing and collaborative leadership abilities.
• Strong understanding of production processes, design, and stagecraft.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience managing budgets and resources.
• Passion for performing arts and artistic excellence.
• Experience in Arts & Entertainment sector in KwaZulu-Natal or SA is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall artistic vision and direction for all theatre productions.
• Curate and program the annual season, selecting plays and music for audiences.
• Oversee casting, auditions, and talent recruitment for all productions.
• Direct selected productions with a clear artistic interpretation.
• Collaborate with directors, designers, actors and technical staff to ensure high artistic quality.
• Manage artistic budget and ensure productions stay within financial parameters.
• Nurture emerging talent and build relationships with artists and the theatre community.
• Represent the theatre at industry events and public functions.
• Champion diversity and inclusion in programming and casting decisions.
• Contribute to fundraising and donor relations by articulating artistic vision and impact.

Skills

Artistic leadership

Season programming

Casting & directing

Budget management

Team collaboration

Job description

Placements24 in Durban seeks an visionary Artistic Director to lead theatre productions, shaping the creative vision, programming seasons, casting, and directing. This is a hands-on role guiding artists and teams to deliver impactful performances for the KwaZulu-Natal community.

You will collaborate with directors, designers and actors, manage budgets, champion diversity, and represent the company at industry events while nurturing talent and building strong community relations.