Career Center

The board of directors of Penobscot Theatre Company has launched a national search for the company’s next artistic director, a proven leader to advance the organization’s mission of inspiring lifelong passion for the theatrical art form in the heart of Maine and beyond. As the only year-round professional theatre in Northern Maine, the company occupies a vital niche, serving as a cultural cornerstone and significant economic driver. The company’s primary work is the production of its mainstage season, staged at the historic Bangor Opera House. In addition, the Penobscot Theatre Company presents various acts throughout the year, and offers a rich array of educational programs for theatre enthusiasts of all ages.

The artistic director will build on the company’s firm foundation; continue to grow its audience by demonstrating the power of theatre to enrich, illuminate, unite and delight; and solidify Penobscot Theatre Company’s leadership at the forefront of efforts to promote equity, diversity and inclusion.

Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the board of directors and working in partnership with the executive director, the artistic director is responsible for overseeing and directing every aspect of the institution. The artistic director plays a leading role in defining the company’s artistic vision and deepening its community impact, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of the craft, producing wonderfully memorable theatre experiences, delivering outstanding educational programs, and expertly developing artists and audiences.

While not all-inclusive, the following outline lists specific responsibilities of this position.

Artistic Leadership

• Selecting each season's titles and developing all programming
• Negotiating and signing all contracts for literary properties and other artistic contracts
• Casting all mainstage productions; and hiring directors, designers, music directors, and other artistic personnel as needed
• Overseeing the production process to ensure that established standards are met
• Approving all material budgets (scenic, costume, lighting, sound)
• Directing, designing or performing in at least two mainstage productions per season
• Attending performances as available and delivering pre-curtain speeches as needed
• Overseeing the development and implementation of robust educational programming for all ages

Fiscal Stewardship

• In partnership with the executive director, developing annual budgets for board approval, which reflect sound projections and best financial practices
• Overseeing the development of timely financial reports in partnership with the executive director
• Tracking budget variances and communicating as appropriate to the board
• Ensuring that appropriate financial controls are in place

Human Resources Management

• In collaboration with the executive director, hiring all administrative staff, including but not limited to the director of education, production manager/technical director, production stage manager, master electrician, and master carpenter
• Approving the hire of resident teaching artists and production apprentices
• Directly supervising and supporting the development of the director of creative curriculum and production manager/technical director
• Maintaining a rich culture of collaboration, consideration and mutual respect across the organization
• Ensuring fidelity to core processes, including safety and security protocols
• Ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and adherence to the highest ethical standards

Facilities Management

• Overseeing the maintenance and renovations of all facilities related to artistic production
• Directing production staff as appropriate to support maintenance and renovations

Community Relations

• Collaborating with the executive director to develop subscriber communications and audience development initiatives

• Responding to complaints/accolades
• Serving on community boards and representing the company at civic events as appropriate
• Attending local, statewide and national conferences as available
• In partnership with the executive director, cultivating relationships with mission-aligned philanthropies, major donors, and the business community
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with mission-aligned nonprofit and community-based organizations to leverage collective strengths
• In partnership with the executive director, serving as the company’s chief spokesperson, engaging with TV, radio, print and web-based media to cultivate interest and understanding
• Collaborating with the executive director and marketing director to develop multimedia advertisements

Board of Directors

• Attending meetings of the full board, providing comprehensive written reports in advance and verbal reports as appropriate
• Attending and providing reports at meetings of the finance and executive committees, and supporting other committees as needed
• In collaboration with the governance committee, meeting with prospective board members and supporting the onboarding process and ongoing board development efforts

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Penobscot Theatre Company believes that art flourishes when all have equal access, and strives to reflect and promote these values by telling diverse stories through authentic representation. The company understands that equity, diversity, and inclusion are active processes that require continuous work and assessment. It is committed to listening and learning, and expects to be held accountable. To create an equitable space, Penobscot Theatre Company works to promote the overall health of company members, its community, and its environment for both present and future generations in the heart of Maine.

Penobscot Theatre Company does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, national origin, ancestry, public assistance, ethnic background, religion, marital status, economic class, age, disability or handicap (mental or physical), sex, creed, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and any other legally protected characteristics in admission or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment. The company complies with all applicable national, state and local laws pertaining to nondiscrimination and equal opportunity.

To apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to Starboard Leadership Consulting at the following address: search2@starboardleadership.com. Paper copies may be sent to Jessica Weiner, Starboard Leadership Consulting, 84 Harlow St., Bangor, ME 04401, but electronic submissions of material are preferred.  No phone inquiries, please.  The application deadline is January 28, 2022, and review of all submissions will begin on that date. 

Requirements

Leading Penobscot Theatre Company in its next chapter of growth will require a broad set of skills and abilities. The board expects that the successful candidate will bring to the role:

• Depth and breadth of experience in regional professional theatre and irrepressible passion for the craft
• Distinctive vision, clear convictions, voracious curiosity, and broadmindedness
• Abiding commitment to quality, diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility
• A strong track record of assembling and leading robust theatrical production teams, including BIPOC artists in significant number and meaningful roles
• Knowledge of the regional and national artistic communities, and eagerness to engage with local artists both established and emerging
• Demonstrated ability in creative problem-solving, strategic planning and efficient execution
• The capacity to organize around the big picture while maintaining appropriate attention to detail, including importantly in story-telling
• Considerable experience in nonprofit financial management and planning
• High degree of self-awareness, humility, and authentic ease in working with diverse people in varying circumstances
• A management style that prizes inclusion and collaboration, reliably develops individual and team strengths, celebrates success, and promotes community
• Experience as an exceptional relationship-builder
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Previous experience in working with Actors’ Equity Association and other theatrical unions, and negotiating contracts
• Strong dedication to partnering with communities that are traditionally under-resourced and under-represented, and meaningful connections with diverse communities
• Unfailing energy, courage, resilience and optimism