Director of Artistic Programs

Signature Theatre, one of New York’s leading Off-Broadway theaters, is seeking a Director of Artistic Programs to join its artistic staff.

Founded in 1991, Signature Theatre celebrates playwrights and gives them an artistic home, producing a body of work by each resident writer and a season of six to eight productions annually. In 2005, Signature began its groundbreaking Signature Ticket Initiative, providing affordable tickets to every production. In 2012, Signature opened the Pershing Square Signature Center, the Frank Gehry-designed 75,000 square foot Center featuring three theatres, two rehearsal studios, a central, public lobby with a café and bookstore, and administrative offices. In 2014, Signature became the first New York City theatre to receive the Regional Theatre Tony Award.

Position Summary

The Director of Artistic Programs is a senior member of the leadership team and will spearhead two mission-expanding programs – LaunchPad and SigSpace - and serve as the artistic line producer on 1-2 additional residency productions annually. This is a full-time, exempt position, with a minimum salary of $90,000. Benefits include group health, dental, and vision plans, as well as the opportunity to participate in flexible spending, commuter and 401(k) plans. This position requires both regular weekday office hours and some work on nights and weekends.

Applicants from populations underrepresented in the theatre field and aligning with the theatre’s institutional goals and priorities focused on playwrights, community and access are strongly encouraged to apply.

Signature is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes candidates who have demonstrable experience advocating for underrepresented communities.

Primary Responsibilities

LaunchPad

Reporting Directly To The Artistic Director, The Director Of Artistic Programs Will Spearhead And Produce The Upcoming LaunchPad Residency For Early-career Playwrights From Historically Underrepresented Communities. In This Capacity, The Director Of Artistic Programs Will

Curate LaunchPad residency and corresponding programming with the Artistic Director

Solicit and read new plays to identify potential LaunchPad residents

Report to Artistic Director and work closely with Production, General Management, Marketing and Finance teams to develop a producing model and project budget

Work closely with LaunchPad Resident writers to navigate them through residency opportunities, including dramaturgical development and mentorship

Produce LaunchPad programming -- full productions, workshop productions, developmental readings and ancillary activity as follows:

Collaborate with LaunchPad resident playwright throughout each production and developmental process

Work with director, playwright and production staff to assemble creative teams and organize design meetings

Liaise with casting director, playwright and director and attend casting sessions

Liaise with production manager throughout design and bid processes with an eye towards budget and realizing the artistic vision of director and playwright

Attend LaunchPad production meetings, technical rehearsals, and preview performances

SigSpace

Develop and produce SigSpace programming, an eclectic mix of lobby events, in collaboration with outside partner organizations and Resident playwrights

Report to Artistic Director and work closely with Production, Marketing and General Management teams to craft a producing model and budget

Explore, identify and develop relationships with partner organizations.

Co-concieve lobby programming that is mutually beneficial for artists, partner organizations, and Signature.

Artistic Line Producer

The Director Of Artistic Programs Will Also Serve As Artistic Line Producer On 1-2 Additional Residency Productions Annually. Reporting To Signature’s Associate Artistic Director And Collaborating With The Production And General Management Departments, The Artistic Line Producer Helps To Plan And Manage Residency 1, Residency 5 And Legacy Productions As Follows

Collaborate with Signature’s resident playwrights throughout each production process

Produce developmental readings and workshops

Work with each production’s director, playwright and Signature staff to assemble design and production teams and organize design meetings

Liaise with casting director, playwright and director and attend casting sessions

Liaise with production manager throughout the design and bid processes with an eye towards budget and realizing the artistic vision of director and playwright

Attend production meetings, technical rehearsals, and preview performances

Communicate with artists about Marketing and Development events

Desired Skills And Qualifications

Experience producing theatre in a professional setting

Strong curatorial and communication skills

Organized and detail oriented (including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously)

Comfort collaborating with artists at different career levels

Knowledge of and dedication to working with early career playwrights and new plays

Please email a cover letter, resume and references to careers@signaturetheatre.org. Please type DIRECTOR OF ARTISTIC PROGRAMS in the subject line. No phone calls please.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, affectional preference, gender identity or expression, sexual and reproductive health decisions, pregnancy, disability, genetic predisposition, age, military or veteran status, marital or familial status, or any other protected characteristic, in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

For more information about Signature, please visit www.signaturetheatre.org