Artistic Director

Position Summary

Cresson Lake Playhouse is seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and collaborative Artistic Director to oversee the artistic vision and production operations of our community theater. This leadership role is responsible for season planning, production staffing, volunteer coordination, artistic quality control, and special fundraising events.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who can balance creativity, logistics, and volunteer management while helping maintain the high-quality theatrical experiences that audiences have come to expect from Cresson Lake Playhouse.

Responsibilities

Season Planning & Artistic Leadership

• Develop and recommend an annual season of productions for Board approval.

• Evaluate shows based on audience appeal, production requirements, rights availability, staffing needs, and financial considerations.

• Recruit and collaborate with directors to build a balanced and engaging season.

• Present season proposals to the Board of Directors and respond to questions regarding artistic and budgetary decisions.

• Secure performance rights and coordinate licensing agreements with theatrical rights organizations.

Production Management

• Recruit and contract production staff, including:

  • Directors

  • Music Directors

  • Choreographers

  • Stage Managers

  • Designers (set, costume, etc.)

• Develop and maintain production contact sheets.

• Coordinate production schedules with executive staff and facility needs.

• Attend auditions and rehearsals throughout the season to oversee performance processes to ensure productions meet organizational standards.

• Assist with load-ins, strikes, and production transitions.

• Serve as a liaison between directors, designers, volunteers, and administrative staff.

Administrative Coordination

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Facilities Director, Technical Director, and Productions Manager

• Coordinate script and score distribution and return.

• Ensure production budgets are developed and maintained

Volunteer & Community Engagement

• Foster a positive and welcoming environment for volunteers, cast members, and production staff.

• Address challenges and conflicts professionally and constructively.

• Support a culture of collaboration, creativity, and community involvement.

Fundraising & Special Events

• Plan and coordinate the musical aspect of two annual performance-based fundraisers.

  • Organize event logistics, sound checks, and performer communications.

  • Coordinate marketing and technical needs for fundraising events.

Qualifications

• Experience directing, producing, stage managing, or working in theatrical productions.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple productions and deadlines simultaneously.

• Experience working with volunteers is preferred.

• Knowledge of theatrical licensing, production processes, and budgeting is helpful.

• Passion for community theater and arts education.

Compensation

This is a part-time, salaried position. Compensation will be discussed with selected candidates based on experience and responsibilities.

Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest, resume, and any relevant theater experience to Tara Brodish, Executive Director, at Tarabrodish@gmail.com for consideration.

Please reach out with any questions! We can also set up a meeting or phone conference with our current Artistic Director, Davey Beyer, to have all your questions answered before applying.