Artistic Director

The Artistic Director serves as the principal creative and strategic leader of Shattered Globe Theatre, responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, vision, and artistic programming. The Artistic Director will provide leadership in artistic planning, production oversight, ensemble development, and community engagement, while maintaining a strong partnership with the Managing Director and the Board of Directors to ensure organizational sustainability and impact.

This individual will represent SGT locally and nationally as an advocate for ensemble theatre and for the Chicago arts ecosystem, upholding the company’s long-standing commitment to equity, inclusion, and artistic excellence.

Key Responsibilities
Artistic Vision and Programming
• Lead the curation of each season, working with the season selection committee to program plays that align with SGT’s mission and ensemble values.
• Oversee all artistic programming, including mainstage productions, readings, and new work initiatives. Direct at least one mainstage production per year.
• Nurture relationships with playwrights, directors, designers, and actors to build a strong creative network.
• Champion ensemble-driven artistic processes that emphasize collaboration and experimentation.
• Ensure programming reflects diverse perspectives and equitable representation on and off stage.

Production Oversight
• Oversee all artistic and production elements of SGT’s season, from concept through execution.
• Supervise and support directors, designers, stage managers, and production staff.
• Attend rehearsals, previews, and performances to maintain artistic quality.
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to align budgets, schedules, and staffing with artistic goals.

Ensemble and Artist Development
• Cultivate the growth and engagement of the Ensemble, ensuring meaningful participation in programming and governance.
• Support SGT’s Protégé Program, mentoring emerging artists and facilitating pathways into the Ensemble.
• Create a supportive, inclusive environment for artists and collaborators.
• Facilitate communication between staff, Ensemble, and Board regarding artistic priorities.

Community and Audience Engagement
• Serve as the public face of SGT in the Chicago theatre community.
• Partner with the Marketing and Development team on SGT’s brand, messaging, outreach, and special events.
• Participate in donor cultivation and audience engagement efforts, including post-show discussions and community programs.
• Strengthen partnerships with other local and national theater organizations.

Organizational Leadership
• Collaborate with the Managing Director to develop and execute multi-year strategic and financial plans.
• Participate actively in budget creation, fundraising strategy, and earned income development, working closely with the Board and Managing Director.
• Attend all Board meetings, providing updates on artistic operations and working closely with the Board of Directors on governance, policy, and long-range planning. Participate actively on board committees.
• Contribute to building an equitable and inclusive workplace culture that attracts and retains diverse talent.
• Support institutional partnerships and represent SGT in local and national theaters and theater organizations.
• Support hiring and evaluation for artistic and production roles.

Desired Qualifications and Experience
Ideal candidates will bring:
• A demonstrated history of artistic leadership, direction, or producing experience in theatre.
• A deep understanding of ensemble-based work and Chicago’s arts ecosystem.
• Experience fostering inclusive and equitable creative spaces.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills.
• A commitment to storytelling that reflects diverse perspectives and challenges audiences.
• Experience collaborating with nonprofit boards and administrative partners.
• Knowledge of nonprofit management, including budgeting, fundraising, and personnel leadership.
Formal education is not required; equivalent professional experience in directing, producing, or arts leadership is highly valued.

Compensation and Schedule
• Salary Range: $80,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits include a 401k match and health insurance stipend.
• Hybrid schedule with regular on-site presence required during production periods and events.
• Evening and weekend availability required for rehearsals, performances, and community engagements.

Application Process
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to shatteredglobe@artsprogress.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The Board of Directors seeks to appoint the new Artistic Director by late March 2026.

Commitment to Equity
Shattered Globe Theatre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. SGT strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and members of underrepresented communities in theatre and the arts.

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