Artistic Director

**Who We Are**:
Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.
The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.
**Why You Should Apply**:

- Creative work environment
- Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
- Group Insurance Benefits
- Employer matched RRSP
- Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
- Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
- Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
- Being a part of the magic of live theatre

The incoming Artistic Director (AD) will lead the company, be fully responsible for its artistic vision and creative work and be supported by the Executive Director’s (ED) leadership of the administrative and strategic planning functions. Bringing artistic excellence and an audience-focused approach, the AD will create an exciting playbill that will sustain loyal audiences while attracting new patrons.
It is expected that the new AD will start working during the 4th quarter of 2025 as Artistic-Director Designee. There will be a considerable overlap with the current Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino during 2026. Cimolino will program the 2026 season, while the new AD will be responsible for programming the 2027 season and beyond.

**Responsibilities**:
Artistic Vision & Programming
- Set a clear, distinctive and dynamic artistic vision for the Festival which is bold and varied and serves audiences and stakeholders.
- Work with the Executive Director and Senior Leadership Team to ensure this vision is supported across every aspect of the Festival’s organization.
- Program all plays and other events at the Festival to serve and further the artistic vision.
- Program the playbill, balancing classical and contemporary work, plays for children, musical theatre, and new work - while reflecting a commitment to Shakespeare.
- Attract the best acting and creative talent from Canada and internationally to ensure that the Festival presents world-class productions that generate excitement.
- Direct one or more plays at the Festival each season.
- Provide appropriate advice and support, where needed, to ensure that artists are maximizing their potential.
- Ensure that the Festival stages productions that strive for and achieve excellence, while aiming to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Organizational Leadership
- Establish a relationship of trust and confidence with the Board of Governors.
- Work closely with the Chair of the Board and committees to ensure that they are fully informed on all relevant activities.
- Provide ambitious, confident and inspirational artistic leadership that motivates and engages staff and artists.
- Establish a strong, complementary and effective working relationship with the Executive Director.

Strategy
- Work with the Board and Senior Management to develop a new strategic plan for the Festival.
- Advance the Festival’s long-term strategic direction and organizational goals, to support the mission and business model, and achieve financial sustainability.
- Seek revenue from artistic and other commercial opportunities.
- Further the Stratford Festival’s unique brand identity to enhance its public profile across Canada and internationally and pursue opportunities for touring and transfers.

Budgeting & Finance
- Hold joint accountability with the ED for the Festival’s financial health, while ensuring efficient and responsible management.
- Work with the ED to develop operational and production budgets that meet the Festival’s financial targets.

Fundraising & Advocacy
- Work closely with the ED and the Senior Director of Advancement to provide leadership for the Festival’s fundraising strategies.
- Cultivate relationships with key donors and sponsors to steward current relationships and generate new funding partnerships in Canada and the U.S.
- Be an ambassador for the Festival and a leading voice for the theatre industry, promoting the organization with a wide range of high-level stakeholders, media, government officials, and funding bodies both nationally and internationally.
- Develop partnerships and relationships to increase recognition for the Stratford Festival loc