EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Guild Festival Theatre (GFT) invites applications for the position of Artistic Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working in close partnership with the General Manager, the Artistic Director will oversee GFT’s creative mandate and play a central role in driving the company’s continued growth as a cultural hub in Scarborough.

This is a leadership position requiring strong artistic vision, community building knowledge, fundraising expertise, and organizational management skills. The successful candidate will provide the creative leadership necessary for GFT to deliver its artistic programming and strengthen its role in the Scarborough arts community.

About Guild Festival Theatre

Since 2011, Guild Festival Theatre has produced professional theatre in the unique outdoor setting of Guild Park & Gardens in Scarborough. Each summer, thousands of audience members attend our productions, festivals, and special events and our programming continues to build Scarborough’s profile as a thriving arts destination.

GFT operates with a year-round staff of five, including part-time and contract employees. During the summer season, the Artistic Director oversees a team of up to 20 seasonal staff and contracts up to 50 artists, making this role essential to the smooth and successful delivery of GFT’s programming.

Key Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

  • Program a cohesive season of professional outdoor theatre, festivals, and special events that honour GFT’s mandate of Classics Reimagined

  • Oversee the recruitment, selection, and contracting of all creative personnel, including directors, designers, actors, and production staff, ensuring a high standard of professional excellence and a supportive, inclusive working environment.

  • Provide high-level artistic guidance and dramaturgy throughout the production process to ensure all work aligns with the company’s mandate and quality standards 

  • Serve as the primary artistic ambassador to the Scarborough community, building deep relationships with local artists, community partners, and audiences to ensure GFT remains a vital and representative cultural hub.

  • Collaborate with the General Manager and Board to identify opportunities for artistic growth, including potential new work commissions, educational initiatives, and expanded programming offerings that align with GFT’s long-term strategic goals.

Fundraising & Development

  • Preparation of grant applications and reports at all levels of government and private foundations in collaboration with the General Manager.

  • Develop and implement donor stewardship and sponsorship strategies in collaboration with the General Manager.

  • Work with the Board and General Manager to identify new revenue streams and fundraising opportunities.

Community & Sector Engagement

  • Serve as the primary artistic ambassador to the Scarborough community, building deep relationships with local artists, community partners, and audiences.

  • Represent GFT to funders, partners, and stakeholders, and at community and industry gatherings.

  • Attend company productions and events.

  • Collaborate with the General Manager in planning and executing communications and marketing.

Administration & Strategy

  • In collaboration with the Board of Directors and the General Manager, lead the development and execution of multi-year strategic plans that enhance GFT’s organizational capacity, artistic reach, and community impact.

  • Maintain a close, collaborative partnership with the General Manager to oversee the company’s financial health, ensuring that artistic ambitions are balanced with fiscal responsibility.

  • Report regularly to the Board of Directors, providing artistic and operational updates, contributing to committee work, and assisting in the recruitment and orientation of new volunteers to ensure effective organizational governance.

  • Represent GFT within the broader Canadian theatre ecology and to government stakeholders; foster partnerships with peer organizations to share resources, advocate for the arts in Scarborough, and keep GFT at the forefront of industry best practices.

Operations & Facilities

  • Provide creative direction to all artistic personnel

  • Foster a workplace culture that supports bold artistic exploration, collaboration, and respectful professional practice.

  • Serve as on-site supervisory lead during company operations at the Greek Theatre, ensuring all productions and activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with health and safety standards, and supporting the wellbeing of all artists and staff.

Qualifications

Required

  • A personal alignment with the company’s mission, values, and commitment to bold, collaborative artistic exploration.

  • At least two years of progressive artistic leadership experience in a recognized theatre company or comparable organization, with a track record of setting programming, selecting creative teams, and delivering high-quality productions.

  • Hands-on experience as a director or producer, with the ability to translate artistic vision into cohesive programming, strategies, and plans.

  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop artistic teams, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

  • Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with proven experience collaborating with artists, staff, boards, and community partners.

  • Commitment to staying involved with ongoing conversations surrounding Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility, and updating organization policies & practices regularly to reflect best industry practices.

  • Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and the capacity to navigate complex organizational and creative challenges with professionalism and creativity.

  • Openness to ongoing learning, collaboration, and experimentation in artistic practice.

Assets

  • Experience with outdoor or site-specific theatre productions.

  • Experience with festival programming.

  • Proficiency with Google Workspace and videoconferencing platforms.

  • Familiarity with CADAC and Canadian arts funding programs.

  • Experience with Donor Management Systems such as Canada Helps.

  • Knowledge of Canadian theatre unions and professional associations.

  • Experience managing seasonal or project-based staffing.

  • Experience working in Scarborough or with community-based cultural organizations.

  • Knowledge of ticketing and box office software.

  • Experience managing customer service and customer communication.

  • Experience with communications including website updates, newsletters and social media.

Position Details

  • Title: Artistic Director

  • Hours: Full-time (approximately 35 hours/week with seasonal fluctuations), some evenings and weekends required.

  • Location: Hybrid; based in Scarborough, ON.

  • Salary: $45,000–$50,000, based on experience.

  • Vacation: Flexible.

  • Start Date: June 1, 2026 (Negotiable) There will be a transition period where the incoming AD will work alongside the current artistic leadership throughout the summer.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter (detailing your experience and why you are interested in working at Guild Festival Theatre) to board@guildfestivaltheatre.ca by 5:00pm on Friday, March 6th, 2026.

Guild Festival Theatre is committed to equity in employment and strongly encourages applications from candidates of various identities, backgrounds and abilities.

If this role resonates with you, please apply even if you do not meet every qualification. If you require accommodations to apply or participate in the hiring process, let us know how we can support you.

We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.