at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentAI Court Theatre
About the Department
Court Theatre is a Tony Award-winning professional theatre company located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago. Founded in 1955, Court benefits from the University of Chicago's financial support and from its community of scholars and artists, while retaining artistic independence.
Court Theatre interprets classic theatre to illuminate our current times, and defines classic theatre as texts from any culture, tradition, or era that resonate throughout time and speak to our present moment. Court Theatre seeks to present an array of theatrical styles and periods and develops new work on classic themes with different forms of classic staging. In remaining fresh and fostering excellence, Court explores a broad range of topics. Whether through works composed several millennia in the past or works that have been adapted from contemporary graphic novels, Court remains relevant, exciting, engaging, and ready to cross boundaries.
The University of Chicago was founded in 1890 and is one of the world's leading research universities, celebrated for its faculty, students, graduate programs, and role in advancing Chicago communities. Home to over 3,100 faculty and with more than 18,000 students, the University is a center for educating, inspiring, and supporting academic and artistic operating units. A variety of museums, professional performance spaces, institutes, and academic departments support the artistic endeavors of students and faculty, while fostering UChicago's cultural and artistic life on campus. Among the arts organizations hosted by the University are the Court Theatre, Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago Presents, Smart Museum of Art, Neubauer Collegium for Culture and Society, Renaissance Society, Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, six galleries, and the nation's largest academic press, which promulgates scholarship on the arts.
Job Summary
The Senior Artistic Consultant (SAC) will report to the Executive Director at the Court Theatre. The SAC will direct two productions at Court during the 2024-2025 season. The SAC will also assist, as needed and as directed by the Executive Director, on high priority matters for Court including fundraising and identifying opportunities for co-productions with theatre companies around the country. The Senior Artistic Consultant at Court Theatre is a one-year position beginning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
Responsibilities
- Directs two productions at Court Theatre and participates in audience engagement programs connected to them.
- Participates in leadership development programs across the University.
- At the direction of the Executive Director, participates in fundraising planning and meetings.
- Available to the Executive Director for advice about artistic projects and planning.
- Prepares for and participates in monthly meetings with the Executive Director on progress of assigned projects.
- Develops long and short-term programs to lead art performance and theatre management, including operations, and organizing music/dance/theatre productions for university events. Manages the artistic and production resources necessary to implement programs.
- Oversees stage productions and artistic teams. Leads the planning of auditions and selection of music/dance/theatre productions.
- Researches, identifies, secures and reviews scripts. Creates comprehensive research materials for actors. Provides script support, including translation/adaptation assistance and text alterations as needed.
- Works independently to research and provide literary support to directors/artists during pre-rehearsal and rehearsal periods. Uses best practices and theatre knowledge to improve season planning.
- Uses breadth of theatre knowledge to manage the submission and evaluation of new adaptations and translations. Writes articles and acts as a resource to staff/interns preparing literary content for playbills.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Advanced degree in a related field.
Experience:
- Familiarity with the City of Chicago and the University of Chicago
- Higher education experience.
- Demonstrated experience working successfully with donors, community leaders, performing artists, educators, and the theatre's Board to strengthen the theatre.
- Background in fundraising.
- Demonstrated management experience in a theatre or performing arts organization known for innovative programming, artistic excellence, and strong ties with the community; an extensive background in educational & public programming; knowledge of current trends and developments in the performing arts.
- Experienced and recognized theatre director and leader in the Arts.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
- References Contact Information (3) (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Museum & Arts
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
