Original Kids Theatre Company
Recruitment – Artistic Director
Job Posting May 2025
Do you have a passion for community theatre and the arts, youth development, and creative drive to develop a theatre season that showcases young talent. The Original Kids Theatre Company (OKTC) is conducting a search for its next Artistic Director. Since 1991, OKTC has been a part of the London community creating space for youth to explore theatre arts, following their passions for stage performance all while learning valuable skills in collaboration, teamwork, leadership and self-expression!
Role
The Artistic Director is accountable to create and implement the artistic vision and programming for OKTC, with a focus aligned to the individual needs of its young members, resources and the mission of OKTC. In partnership with the Executive Director and the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director will contribute to the development and execution of the strategic goals of the organization, foster community arts relationships, and create and support the appropriate support, resources and infrastructure necessary to implement an impactful artistic vision and successful company season. They have oversight to the day to day operations of artistic programming and leadership of artistic staff.
Qualifications
We are looking for our next Artistic Director to have a strong passion for youth development and community theatre with at least 5 – 7 years’ experience in theatre arts, working with youth, and a demonstrated strength in experience leading artistic staff. With a focus on artistic excellence and strong leadership, they think creatively, and bring new ideas and perspectives that strengthen the foundation and history of OKTC. Administrative aspects of the role are significant in building and scheduling our main cast of approximately 300 members across both a Fall and Spring season, responsible for all production aspects of the theatre season, and have demonstrated strength in building and maintaining strong relationships with artistic staM, students, and families.
OKTC values individuality, diversity and creativity and is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for its community of youth, staff, and volunteers. The Artistic Director must demonstrate strength in a desire and ability to work and engage collaboratively with their artistic teams, the operations team, and be seen as a guide and advisor to the successful operations of the organization and its mission. Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline is required.
Compensation
• Three Year Renewable Contract
• Starting Salary of $72K - $75K commensurate with experience
• Medical and dental benefits included with an RRSP matching plan, professional benefits and training development opportunities
Application Process
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter to the attention of the Board of Directors at oktcboard@originalkids.ca with the email subject “Artistic Director Position”.
Applications may be reviewed as they are received up until Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Should you need any information in an alternative format or require any accommodation through the recruitment process, please advise us with your application.
We thank all applicants who apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Original Kids Theatre Company
Original Kids Theatre Company (OKTC) enriches and celebrates the lives of young people through the arts, providing them with opportunities to grow and lean positive values through a variety of theatre experiences in a safe, inclusive environment that focuses on youth development. OKTC is a registered not-for-profit charitable organization governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and has been in operation since 1991. We produce upwards of 20 productions a year, ranging from Broadway musicals to Shakespearean dramas, original collective creations, and everything in between! We hire the best experienced staff to work with the company and train them to do the kind of work that Original Kids believe in.
Our central program known as our “Main Cast” is an ensemble of 300 kids between the ages of 8 and 18 each of whom participate in 2 full scale productions each year.
Youth programming is available for younger children aged 5 – 9 as part of the Kidlets program that includes March Break and summer program offerings in addition to Fall and Spring 8-week programs. Original Kids is also well known for its active and engaging summer camp programming, Camp OK open to those aged 8 – 16. Camp OK offers 2 week sessions July through August with additional leadership and leader-in-training programs for older youth.
Our youth cast members play a pivotal role in the operations of our organization as members of the Box Office staff, stage management, technical operations, and other paid and volunteer opportunities. We are also proud to have a robust volunteer base with our Original Kids and their families that contributes significantly to the success of our
productions.
OKTC values individuality, diversity, and creativity and is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for its community of youth, staff, and volunteers.