Job Announcement: Center REP Artistic Director

ABOUT CENTER REP

Center Repertory Company (Center REP) is the resident professional theatre company of the Lesher Center for the Arts, which is owned and operated by the City of Walnut Creek The Center REP Artistic Director will join the leadership team of the Lesher Center to develop and guide the company's theatrical productions while contributing to larger strategic initiatives.

The mission of Center Repertory Company is to celebrate the power of the human imagination by producing emotionally engaging, intellectually involving, and visually astonishing live theatre, and through Outreach and Education programs, to enrich and advance the cultural life of the communities we serve.

CENTER REP HISTORY

In 1963, the City Council formed a Civic Arts Department and, in 1965, opened the Civic Arts Theatre and Gallery in the abandoned Walnut Growers Association warehouse.

More than 50 years later, Center REP continues to grow as the resident professional theatre company of the Lesher Center for the Arts (LCA), which is owned and operated by the City of Walnut Creek.

The mission of the Lesher Center for the Arts is to drive excellence, innovation, and diversity in the arts through performances, exhibitions and educational programming that establish the Lesher Center as the artistic destination for everyone in Walnut Creek and the region. Other Center programs include Bedford Gallery, "Lesher Center Presents Headliners" series, and partnerships with several professional and community organizations that call LCA home.

FUNDING & SEASON STRUCTURE

Center REP’s funding comes from three main sources:

Earned Revenue from ticket sales, costume and prop rental

City of Walnut Creek General Fund support Contributed revenue provided by the Diablo Regional Arts Association, the 501(c)3 nonprofit partner of the Lesher Center and its resident programs

Center REP produces six productions a year—a variety of musicals, dramas, and comedies both classic and contemporary, that continually strive to reach new levels of artistic excellence and professional standards Center REP operates on an AEA LOA to LORT D agreement, hiring both union and non union actors with priority given to local performers. All actors are hired as employees of the City of Walnut Creek, and Center REP participates in the City of Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation department's diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

LEADERSHIP & STAFFING STRUCTURE

The Lesher Center is a program of the City of Walnut Creek’s Arts + Rec Department, with the City Council serving as the de facto governing body of the Center. The City government is supportive and passionate about the success of the Center and its programming. Center REP’s Artistic Director is classified as a Program Manager, reporting to the Lesher Center’s General Manager. The Center REP Artistic Director will collaborate with the General Manager, Bedford Gallery Curator, and Lesher Center programming staff on Center wide season planning

Center REP’s current staffing model includes three full-time employees: Artistic Director, Production Manager, and Technical Director. The full time staff is supported by year round hourly staff in the areas of Costume Shop Manager, Props Manager, Assistant Stage Manager, and more. In addition, multiple hourly employees and contracted designers are hired depending upon the needs of each production Marketing, human resources, and operations support are provided by the Lesher Center and the City of Walnut Creek. Fundraising activities are led by the Diablo Regional Arts Association, but the Center REP Artistic Director is expected to play a role in donor cultivation and stewardship.

ABOUT THE CITY OF WALNUT CREEK

The City of Walnut Creek, nestled just 25 miles east of San Francisco, is a scenic urban setting next to Mt Diablo Spanning 19 5 square miles, the community’s sprawling landscapes, warm weather, upscale dining, posh shopping district, and local winery make Walnut Creek a suburban oasis with an urban flair. With a rare blend of 2,800 acres of open space, a vibrant downtown, and a performing arts center, Walnut Creek offers something for everyone!

Its convenient location and inviting offerings help to make Walnut Creek the economic and entertainment hub of Contra Costa County. Home to a population of over 70,000, its rich history and attractive housing options contribute to Walnut Creek being one of the most desirable cities in the Bay Area In fact, residents consistently give the city’s quality of life a 90% positive rating with open space and the natural environment, public safety responsiveness and overall feeling of safety, and economic vitality being the most influential factors.

The City of Walnut Creek, working in partnership with the community, is committed to enhancing our quality of life by promoting:

A positive environment where people can live, work and play;

A vibrant local economy to enhance and sustain long term fiscal stability; and

A progressive workplace where dedicated employees can make a difference.

OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES

Center REP’s Artistic Director will play a pivotal role in the company’s artistic growth.

Opportunities include:

Building upon Center REP’s successful 50+ year history and collaborating with the Lesher Center’s General Manager and fellow Program Managers to ensure each season at the LCA consists of a varied and dynamic slate of programming Developing theatrical experiences that utilize the full potential of the Lesher Center’s four distinct performance spaces: the 297 seat Margaret Lesher Center (Center REP’s “home”), the 785 seat Hofmann Theatre, the 133 seat Vukasin Theatre, and the outdoor Rudney Plaza Leveraging the company’s base of funding from the City, DRAA, and existing subscriber base to drive growth in both earned and contributed revenue Building national relationships with professional theatres and presenters on behalf of Center REP and the Lesher Center

The Artistic Director will also be prepared to address the following organizational challenges:

Growing Center REP’s subscriber base following the COVID 19 pandemic In collaboration with the Center’s General Manager, developing a staffing structure that supports Center REP’s artistic goals while ensuring long-term stability Raising Center REP’s profile within the Bay Area’s competitive professional theatre landscape and within the greater American theatre ecology Leading Center REP’s efforts to become a more equitable, inclusive, anti racist organization, in line with efforts by theater makers across the country

THE POSITION

Center REP’s next leader will be an artistic visionary with a keen eye for artistic excellence and an adept administrator who can work within the structure of the Lesher Center to bring their vision to life.

Key responsibilities include:

Curating a varied season of plays and musicals, and serving as lead artistic producer for all Center REP productions

Selecting directors and designers and overseeing the casting and production process Developing and managing Center REP’s annual program budget (approx. $2 million) in collaboration with the Lesher Center General Manager Facilitating an inclusive work culture that sets Center REP apart as a great place to work— informed by industry best practices and City of Walnut Creek values Play an active role on the LCA and Arts + Recreation Department leadership team Maintain network of directors, designers, playwrights, and other theatre artists Direct at least one production per season (if candidate is a director)

Collaborate with DRAA on fundraising efforts and cultivating relationships with donors and sponsors Collaborate with LCA marketing team on programmatic marketing efforts Seek co production, presenting, and other partnership opportunities

Participate actively in the City of Walnut Creek Arts + Recreation Department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts

Negotiate AEA, SDC, USA contracts on behalf of Center REP Identify opportunities for Center REP to participate in the development of New Work Represent Center REP positively at performances, special events, and at industry events within the Bay Area and nationally

DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland will facilitate the search process. The Lesher Center’s General Manager will chair the Search Committee, which includes representatives from the Arts + Recreation Department and members of the Bay Area theatre community. The Search Committee seeks the following qualities in Center REP’s next leader:

A collaborative approach to theatre making that achieves artistic excellence while supporting the artists involved

A leadership style that builds consensus around one central vision while encouraging the contributions of team members

An established track record of creating excellent theatrical experiences as a producer and/or director

Production budgeting acumen, experience as a line producer preferred

Executive level understanding of revenue generation, both earned and contributed

A history of producing excellent, innovative, and diverse programming, preferably in a venue comparable to Center REP’s

If applicable, a directing portfolio that demonstrates artistic excellence and a distinct point of view

An empathetic approach to influencing and motivating staff and supporters, including outstanding listening skills and the ability to communicate clearly and concisely with a wide range of stakeholders

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our field, including knowledge and understanding of the issues surrounding access, implicit bias, and institutional racism

Knowledge of AEA, SDC, and USA rules experience in union negotiations is a plus

A commitment to becoming and/or remaining an active member of the artistic community in the Bay Area

with major and a minimum rganizing and erience in the uivalent

combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

Special Requirements:

Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a valid Class C California

Driver’s License and a good driving record.

The employee may be required to work odd hours and respond to calls for emergency assistance during off duty hours.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the goals, objectives, principles, procedures, implementation, promotion, resources, facilities, equipment, and related maintenance required in comprehensive performing arts programs and other service activities.

Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of supervision and program administration, development, implementation, promotion, and grant writing

Considerable knowledge of a wide variety of performing arts programs and activities suitable for children, adults, and senior citizens.

Considerable knowledge of the hazards and related safety precautions necessary for protection of employees and the general public in performing arts and other service activities.

Considerable knowledge of the role arts and recreation play in the quality of life of the community.

Skill in communicating effectively in English both orally and in writing.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.

Ability to plan, coordinate, and supervise performing arts programs in conjunction

with community and not for profit organizations.

Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, supervise, and direct the activities of personnel and volunteers involved in conducting arts programs.

Ability to perform the full range of supervisory tasks required to manage assigned program area, including planning, directing, training, supervising, and evaluating employee performance.

Ability to make public presentations and solicit community interests.

Ability to deal collaboratively with representatives from schools, social organizations, and the general public.

Ability to interpret and explain City and Department policies to employees and the public

Ability to effectively utilize computer applications and technology related to the work.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements

Depending upon assignment, the employee may work either indoors or outdoors. There may be some light physical work in the handling of supplies and equipment. There may be some physical work in the lifting and carrying of stage equipment and art supplies

Physical requirements include the following:

Ability to sit for long periods of time, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, finger, grasp, write, and perform repetitive motions.

Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with the human body.

Hearing and speaking ability sufficient to carry on a conversation with another individual (or groups of individuals) in person and over the telephone.

Visual ability sufficient to read and produce printed material and information displayed on a computer screen.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range: $121,405 $146,397, depending o qualifications and experience. This position is at-will position and is listed as Program Mana the City’s classification and compensation sys

The City of Walnut Creek offers a competitive benefits package to full time employees Ben for members of the General Management unit be viewed online: www.walnut creek.org/departments/human resources/salary-and-benefits

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

KEY DATES

Resume Submission Deadline:

The search will continue until a suitable number of qualified candidates are identified. Resumes received before December 14, 2022 will receive priority consideration

Start Date: On/around May 1, 2023 (negotiable)

Please upload resume and cover letter at lcarts.org/REP-Artistic-Director

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Please note effective August 16, 2021, all employees of the City of Walnut Creek will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID 19 Applicants selected for employment at the City of Walnut Creek must provide certification of COVID 19 vaccination status prior to their first day of employment.

Applicants considered for appointment to this position are subject to California Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting and a thorough background and criminal check

If special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the examination process, please provide The DeVos Institute of Arts Management at the University of Maryland with advance notice, and every attempt will be made to consider your request.

As required by law, all public employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers As such, all City of Walnut Creek employees may be called upon to assist in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man made disasters.

Please see the class specification of Program Manager at www.walnut creek.org for a complete description of this classification's representative duties, requirements, working conditions, and physical requirements

The City of Walnut Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer