Artistic Director

Position Summary

The Artistic Director provides creative leadership and vision for all Belfast Maskers theatrical productions. This role sets the artistic standards for the organization, ensuring that each production reflects the company's values, artistic quality, and community spirit. The Artistic Director serves as the creative through-line across the season—supporting directors, casts, and creative teams to foster excellence in both performance and collaboration.

This role requires both theatrical expertise and a passion for community theater, as the compensation reflects a blend of paid work and volunteer commitment.

This is a part-time position that allows for flexibility in scheduling and work hours. While the Artistic Director is expected to be present and engaged during key phases of production (such as auditions, technical rehearsals, and opening weekends), the role is designed to be manageable alongside other professional commitments.

Core Responsibilities

Season Planning & Artistic Vision

  • Curate the season to align with Belfast Maskers’ mission and artistic goals, collaborating with both prospective and returning directors.
  • Proactively identify, recruit and vet potential directors to ensure alignment with organizational values and artistic standards.
  • Review and select from director submissions and proposals to build a balanced, engaging and diverse season.
  • Establish a cohesive creative vision and maintain consistent artistic standards across all shows.
  • Schedule production dates and coordinate with the outgoing Artistic Director for season transition.
  • Secure performance rights and order scripts.

Production & Performance Oversight

  • Provide ongoing artistic leadership throughout each production's process.
  • Serve as the creative through-line, ensuring each show upholds high artistic standards and fosters a positive, collaborative working environment.
  • Serve as Producer or appoint qualified Producers as needed for each production.
  • Collaborate with directors and creative teams to achieve both artistic and operational success.
  • Monitor production budgets in coordination with the Treasurer.

Partnership with Building & Technical Manager

  • Work closely with the Building & Technical Manager (BTM) to ensure strong coordination between artistic and technical aspects of each production.
  • Focus on creative direction, performance quality, and supporting the people involved in each production.
  • Partner with the BTM who oversees facility management, technical elements (sets, lighting, sound), and operational logistics.
  • Together, ensure that each show is well-supported and that creative and technical goals align.

Community & Organizational Leadership

  • Serve as the primary artistic representative of Belfast Maskers to the public and press.
  • Attend monthly Board meetings and provide regular Artistic Director reports.
  • Collaborate with committees to support productions and organizational initiatives.
  • Contribute to organizational communications, including newsletters, publicity materials, and season announcements.

Compensation

Approximately $7,200 annually ($600/month). This is a part-time position that combines paid work with significant volunteer commitment to community theater.

Reporting & Term

The Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors and works in close partnership with the Board Chair. The appointment is reviewed annually by the Board.

Please use the form below to contact a member of the Board of Directors in regards to this position.