General Manager

Company Overview

About Upper Canada Playhouse

Morrisburg’s Upper Canada Playhouse is a professional theatre company in its 43rd season as one of Eastern Ontario’s leading cultural organizations. Originating as a summer theatre company, its four decades of professional live theatre and music has expanded to an extended season running February through December in its intimate 275-seat theatre venue. It attracts an audience base of over 30,000 from the Seaway Valley and neighbouring centres of Ottawa, Brockville, Montreal and Northern New York State.

Its programming consists of winter, spring and fall live concerts with a flagship
4-show summer theatre series and a Christmas family production. The theatre conducts a Summer Youth Theatre School and partners with Dundas County Community Living to provide theatre workshops and outreach activities to support their clients. The theatre is a hub for other local arts and service organizations and provides an affordable and accessible venue rental for their activities.

The Playhouse makes a substantial contribution to the cultural fabric of the community, is a major tourism generator and significant economic boost for the area and provides employment opportunities in the arts and cultural sector in a rural location where these job opportunities are not readily available.

Job Description

Position Overview

The General Manager will be responsible for overseeing the administrative, human resource and operational management of the theatre; will work with the Artistic Director to establish strategic and financial planning to support the theatre’s continued artistic and financial growth and development; will work with the Business Manager to support the day-to-day administration and financial sustainability of the theatre and with the marketing department to oversee strategies to promote current productions, fundraising projects, sponsorships and theatre-related activities to establish community engagement and partnerships. This position reports to the Board of Directors and will work closely with the Artistic Director and Business Manager in the day-to-day operations of the theatre.

Key Responsibilities

·      Co-ordinate and implement an annual season of productions, workshops, rentals and special events including:

-       a flagship four show summer series

-       a Christmas family production

-       off-season live concerts

·      Collaborate with directors, actors, designers, playwrights and technical staff to maintain high artistic standards

·      Oversee day-to-day operations including box office, staffing, scheduling, facility management

·      Coordinate and oversee the theatre’s marketing strategies

·      Prepare and manage budgets, ensuring financial stability and responsible resource allocation

·      Pursue fundraising opportunities including grants, sponsorships, memberships and donor relations

·      Oversee day-to-day operations including staffing, scheduling, volunteer management

·      Recruit, train and supervise staff

·      Oversee contractors and venue improvements

·      Foster a collaborative, inclusive and supportive work environmentCommunity Engagement

·      Build strong relationships with local schools, organizations and civic groups to expand outreach

·      Develop educational programs, youth initiatives and volunteer opportunities

·      Provide mentorship and professional staff development opportunities

    Qualifications

·      Training or proven experience with professional live theatre production, arts administration and nonprofit management

·      Experience with the associations that govern the professional status and activities of Upper Canada Playhouse such as Canadian Actors Equity Association (CAEA) and Professional Association of Canadian Theatres (PACT), have a working knowledge of all professional agreements such as the CTA, its processes and paperwork including production registration, house category and bond calculations and the contracting of artists. If experience with the above industry bodies is currently limited, willingness and ability to become familiar with their requirements, practices and paperwork is essential

·      Negotiation and administration of employment contracts, playwright royalty contracts

·      Strong financial acumen

·      Excellent communication, organizational and leadership skills

·      Passion for community engagement and the performing arts

    Desired Attributes

·      Visionary thinker with the ability to balance creativity and practicality

·      Collaborative leader who values inclusivity and diversity

·      Skilled networker with strong ties to the arts and local community

·      Flexible problem-solver who thrives in dynamic environments

·      Ability and willingness to adapt to new challenges

·      Passion for community engagement and the performing arts

Equity and Inclusion

Upper Canada Playhouse is an inclusive organization and welcomes applications from qualified applicants irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation or religious background.